Flemish painter, David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690), was the most significant member of an Antwerp family of artists. Entering the local guild in 1632 or 1633, and serving as its Dean in 1645, he developed as a prolific and versatile painter, best known for scenes of peasant life. In 1651, he was appointed court painter and curator to Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, Governor of the Austrian Netherlands, based in Brussels. His influence at court, and his ennoblement in 1663, enabled him to help establish the Antwerp Academy. Sir Joshua Reynolds would praise 'the elegance and precision' of Teniers' draughtsmanship ( Reynolds, Discourses, p. 109). For Ruskin 's opinion, see Ruskin on Teniers.