Bartholomäus Strobel the Younger

Bartholomäus Strobel the Younger was a significant painter of the late Mannerist and early Baroque period, renowned for his intricate historical and portrait paintings. Born in 1591 in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), he worked primarily for the Silesian nobility and at the courts of Emperor Ferdinand II and King Władysław IV of Poland.

Strobel’s work was heavily influenced by Dutch and Flemish painting, particularly the styles of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. His paintings are characterized by dramatic storytelling, rich chiaroscuro lighting, and opulent detail, blending symbolic depth with courtly splendor. Many of his biblical and historical compositions capture moments of high tension, filled with expressive figures and meticulous attention to texture and ornamentation.

One of his most renowned works is “The Banquet of Herod with the Beheading of John the Baptist” (ca. 1630–1640, Prado Museum, Madrid), a grand narrative scene full of allegorical meaning. His painting The Banquet of King Balthasar follows a similar theme, showcasing his ability to depict suspenseful, transitional moments with both psychological depth and lavish composition.

By the mid-17th century, Strobel’s historical traces fade, and it is believed that he passed away around 1650. Though highly regarded during his lifetime, his legacy was later overshadowed by more prominent Baroque painters. Today, his work is undergoing a revival, recognized for its masterful narrative quality and rich symbolic layers, cementing his place among the great painters of his era.