Jan van Wavere


Jan Van Wavere was an influential Flemish polychromer of late gothic Brabantine altarpieces, mainly produced in the Brabantine towns of Antwerp, Brussels and Mechelen. During the
15th–16th century, over 1000 altarpieces were traded and exported to many European countries. More than 300 complete examples of Brabantine altarpieces can still be found in museums and churches all over Europe, from the Baltic countries down to Spain.

Life and work

Little is known about his life. Jan van Wavere, who worked in Mechelen, was one of the few 16th century polychromers with sufficient reputation to sign his works. Three carved wooden altarpieces are signed with the name Jan van Wavere.
His name was also mentioned in the account books of Pand market, operated by the Cathedral of Our Lady, an annual trade fair for the exhibition and sale of works of art