Pieter Van Edinghen Known As Van Aelst

Place: Waterloo

Born: 1450

Death: 1526

Biography:

Pieter van Edinghen known as van Aelst was a Flemish tapestry maker born around 1450 in Waterloo, Belgium. He is renowned for his exceptional work in the field of tapestry weaving and was active during the late 15th century to the early 16th century. Van Aelst held various prestigious positions, including being a valet de chambre and tapissier du roi (king's tapestry maker) from 1502. He worked for several prominent clients such as Philippe le Beau, Jeanne la Folle, Henri VII of England, Marguerite d'Autriche, Charles V, and Pope Leo X. His works include numerous tapestries created for the courts of these patrons. Notably, he was commissioned to create tapestries for the Sistine Chapel based on cartoons drawn by Raphael. Van Aelst's style blended elements of Flemish Gothic tradition with Italian Renaissance trends, characterized by detailed realism and decorative elements typical of the Late Gothic taste.