Richard van Orley (1663 - 1732)

• Richard van Orley II was a Flemish painter, draughtsman, printmaker.
• Born in Brussels in 1663 and trained with his father Pieter, who was a landscape artist and miniaturist.

• He was the older brother of Jan van Orley who was a prominent tapestry designer.

• Bernard van Orley (1488-1541) was the most famous member of the family.

• He may have been a tax collector in Brussels.

• Van Orley was able to achieve a reputation as an accomplished artist during his lifetime.

• Van Orley died on 20 June 1732 as a bachelor.

• About 500 drawings, 70 original engravings and 30 miniatures have been inventoried.

• His principal subjects are history and mythology drawn from stories in the bible, novels, the classics and spiritual meditation booklets.

• He made 67 drawings of the Development of Rome (Royal Library of Belgium,). 

• Another series of 16 drawings (Ghent, City Library) depicts the Life of Charles V.

• He also engraved a series of 28 plates after designs by his brother on the history of the New Testament. 

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