The interior of a cathedral with gentlemen and beggars

The artist trained under his father Hendrick van Steenwyck I and worked initially in Antwerp where he collaborated with Frans Francken and Jan Breughel I amongst others. By 1617 he was in London where he was to remain for the most part until 1637. Whether or not the present picture was painted in London is unclear but the style of the architecture is influenced by the interior of Antwerp cathedral, the inspiration for many of his interior scenes. Circular pictures by the artist are rare. This one compares closely with a tondo on copper, sold in these Rooms, 19 April 1991, lot 53.