Cornelis Saftleven

(Gorkum around 1607- Rotterdam 1681)

Cornelis Saftleven was a Dutch painter and etcher.
He mostly painted farmhouse parlors with human and animal figures, but also landscapes with staffage.
He was the brother of the painter Herman Saftleven.
Cornelis formed under the influence of Adriaen Brouwer and David Ryckaert. His depictions are often reminiscent of David Teniers the Elder. J.
Saftleven liked to let his good mood and satire run free. A painting from 1682 shows cats grouped in front of a music book while an eagle owl acts as the conductor.
Many of his pictures made their way into the collections of museums.
Cornelis Saftleven made etchings himself, including animal motifs, which were popular and sold well. He died in Rotterdam in 1681.