Peter Van Dievoet's Classical Sculpture

Van Dievoet's intricate classicism during the 16th century was a demonstration of old-style mastery and detailed masonry. His portrayal of famous personalities like King James II was well known throughout England. Born in Brussels, Van Dievoet was was at the church of Sainte-Gudule midyear in 1661. His brother; Philippe Van Dievoet had a link in art history as well, being the formal goldsmith of Louis XIV.

Peter Van Dievoet was a passionate sculptor, whose talent became quickly noticed by King James II during a period when he was residing in Van Dievoet's locale. He took the sculptor's artistry to his fancy and decisively took him to London with him when he returned.

James II Statue by Peter Van Dievoet - Photography by Fin Fahey

While Van Dievoet was in London in the late 1680's he honored his patron by creating a fine sculpture at St. James Park. He was also considered as a frequent visitor of the Grinling Gibbons studio as well, having a distinct interest in the fine art of casting sculpture. After the revolution, the returned to his hometown of Brussels where he continued to pursue his craftsmanship. He was also one of the artists who created the new Grand-Place in a baroque mannerist style.

Van Dievoet's life as as a sculptor exhibited some of the historical influences observable in parts of Belgium and England in the earlier periods of classical mannerism. Sculpture used to be an isolated genre that spoke through detail, accuracy and portrayals of the concrete world. Nowadays, with the emergence of contemporary, modern, minimalist and kinetic sculptures, we still have to remember where our artistry originated from.