Willem van Haecht - Interior of the Salon of the Archduchess Isabella of Austria, 1621

Willem van Haecht (1593–1637) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman, known for his still lifes and architectural scenes. He was born in Antwerp, where he studied under the painter Tobias Verhaecht. He later became a member of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke and established himself as a successful artist. Van Haecht's paintings often depicted elaborate architectural settings such as galleries, libraries and curio cabinets filled with art objects, books and scientific instruments. His works were highly detailed and meticulously rendered, demonstrating his ability to create convincing illusions of space and light. Van Haecht's style was influenced by the Flemish Baroque tradition, which emphasised dramatic contrasts of light and dark and the use of vibrant colours. His paintings were also influenced by the growing interest in science and natural history in the 17th century, which led to the creation of cabinets of curiosities and other collections of exotic objects. Today, van Haecht's paintings are highly prized by collectors and museums for their historical and artistic significance. They offer a unique insight into the world of 17th century Antwerp, as well as the wider cultural and intellectual trends of the time.