Lot Essay
Born in Antwerp, Van Bredael began his career as a pupil of David Rijkaert III in 1640. After a period spent travelling - including a journey to Spain as well as possibly to Italy (although there is no confirmed documentation for the latter) - he returned to Antwerp by 1648, the year of his marriage. He became a Master of the Guild of St. Luke in 1651. Van Bredael was the father of an artistic dynasty that included, amongst his eight children, Jean Pierre I, Joris and Alexander, and, amongst his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jean François, Jan Pieter II and Joseph van Bredael.