ENGELBRECHTSZ, CORNELIS

(1468-1533)

   Dutch Mannerist painter from Leiden. Engelbrechtsz is thought to have been trained by Colijn de Coter, a follower of Rogier van der Weyden. His style relates to that of Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, particularly in the crowding of forms and rich surface ornamentation. His Crucifixion (c. 1520-1525; New York, Metropolitan Museum) shows figures with dramatic gestures and emotive facial expressions, all pushed close to the foreground against a cloudy sky. His forms are elongated and contorted, features that qualify him as a Mannerist painter. His Constantine and St. Helena (c. 1510-1520; Munich, Alte Pinakothek) depicts a youthful saint dressed in contemporary garb, holding the true cross. Constantine, dressed as a Northern emperor, holds the sword and orb, symbols of power. Engelbrechtsz was the teacher of Lucas van Leyden, who became one of the leading masters of the region.