Gerard Thomas

Gerard Thomas was a late Flemish [Baroque painter] who specialized in studio and picture gallery interiors. He became a master in Antwerp's Guild of [St. Luke] in 1688–89, and was dean twice. Many of his paintings reflect a trend in Antwerp painting around 1700 that shows artists—often historical masters from earlier in the century like Peter [Paul Rubens], Anthony van Dyck or Jacob Jordaens—in their studios, surrounded by paintings and sculptures, and teaching the craft to a young apprentice. The masters are often only hinted by the works of art pictured in the painting itself, however.