Cornelis Massys (1510/11–1556/57)

• Was a Flemish Renaissance painter, draughtsman and engraver.
• He was the son of leading Antwerp painter Quinten Matsys and the younger brother of Jan, who also became a painter.
• He trained under his father.
• He was admitted together with his brother Jan, as a master in the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke in 1531.
• In 1544 the brothers were forced to leave Antwerp because of their religious beliefs.
• Where Cornelis went and whether he ever returned to Antwerp is unknown.
• Cornelis Massijs was initially known for his graphic work.
• In the early 20th century he was rediscovered as a landscape painter.
• Seven signed paintings by him are known.

• Throughout his career he used three different monograms to sign his work.

• The monogram COR. MET, which he used from 1537 to 1539.

• Cornelis used his second monogram CME from 1539 to 1543.

• Upon his exile Cornelis Massys adopted his third monogram CMA.

• His Four Blind Peasants was a source of inspiration for the famous painting of The Blind Leading the Blind by Pieter Bruegel the Elder of 1568.

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