Abraham and Melchizedek, engraved when Witdoeck worked in Rubens' studio, around 1638
Hans Witdoeck or Jan Witdoeck (alternate spelling of last name: Witdoek and Witdouc) (Antwerp (city) | Antwerp, christened on December 8, 1615 - probably Antwerp, after 1642) was a Flemish engraver, draftsman and art dealer. >
He was a pupil of the engraver Lucas Vorsterman in the 1630-1631. His three-year training contract broke down after two years on demand from Hans Witdoeck's father. He then studied for two years with the painter Cornelis Schut, who introduced him to painting. Witdoeck also made engravings for Cornelis Schut, usually of a small size. He then continued his education at Rubens where he learned to engrave larger records. After the death of Rubens in 1640, he worked mainly as an art dealer. Because there is no information about him after his marriage with Catherina Gommaerts on June 24, 1642, he is believed to have died soon after this date.
In his early engravings he made for Cornelis Schut, Witdoeck followed a traditional style similar to Cornelis Galle. His style became more fluid when he worked at Rubens' studio where he produced his best work. Literature
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