Henri Met de Bles

A Flemish painter during the Renaissance of whom little is known, Bles is also known as Herri (Herry) de Patenir, called Il Civetta. He was a painter of landscapes in which his figures were done in the Mannerist style. He was documented in 1535 as Herri de Patenir in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke for painters. With works quite popular in Italy, he received the nickname, Il Civetta for the signature Owl he painted in his landscapes.

Many of his works are unsigned and not dated, wrapping much of his life in mystery. He may have been the nephew of another Flemish landscape painter, Joachim Patinir or de Patinier (1480 – 1524). Their connection is seen in having helped formulate the landscape style of Northern Europe’s Renaissance. Patenir’s works were atmospheric, mixing historical and religious themes in a style that implored much attention to perspective.

Works generally considered to be his include, Orpheus in Hades, The Flight to Egypt, Landscape with Christ and the Men of Emmaus, Landscape with Burning City, Landscape with the Offering of Isaac, Landscape with Saint John the Baptist, Landscape with the Conversion of Saul on the Road to Damascus, Landscape with the Banishment of Hagar, The Paradise, The Fall of Lucifer, La Ferme (The Farm) and his piece in the Uffizi Gallery, Copper Mines.