January 17, 2011
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Pieter van Bloemen, called Standaart (bapt. 17 January 1657, Antwerp – 6 March 1720, Antwerp), first name also spelled Peter or Peeter, was a Flemish painter.

Van Bloemen attained the status of master at the age of 17 in 1674 in Antwerp. He then went to Rome, where he remained until 1694, adopting completely Italian manners. In 1699 he became dean of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp. He was the teacher of his younger brother Jan Frans van Bloemen, a highly regarded painter of classical landscapes. The brothers travelled widely together, often collaborating on works, with Pieter taking on the role of figurista in Jan Frans' vedute, a role he also performed for many other artists.

Characteristic of van Bloemen’s style are carefully grouped ‘still-lifes’ of animals, open, Italianate landscapes with one or two monuments to convey the ‘Roman’ atmosphere and the lively colouring of the figures’ costumes contrasted to the more sombre greys and browns of the herds and ruins. Typical works include a Herd of Cattle in the Ruins of the Roman Forum (Karlsruhe, Staatl. Ksthalle); a Blacksmith with a pendant Drinking-place (both Rome, Zingone priv. col.); Riders in a Roman Landscape (1700; Dresden, Gemäldegal. Alte Meister); a Caravan (1704; Madrid, Prado); a Cavalry Camp (1708; Rome, Pal. Barberini); and the Market between Roman Ruins (1710; Dresden, Gemaldegal. Alte Meister.). His drawings are mainly landscapes and figure and animal studies from life. A prolific painter, Van Bloemen was at his best painting animals, although he also produced a wide range of landscape, genre, military and history scenes. His objective relation with Eugene Delacroix is important. His nickname, attached to him by the Schildersbent, the confraternity of Dutch and Flemish artists active in Rome, is thought to be a reference to the standards and banners that he so often depicted in his scenes of soldiers.

He died in 1720. His brothers were also well-known painters.