KELDERMANS, Flemish family of architects and sculptors
One of the most important names in medieval architecture in the Netherlands is that of the Keldermans family, of which seven generations were architects and sculptors, especially working in the Brabantine Gothic style. Originally named Van Mansdale, the family originated from Brussel and later settled in Mechelen. Both these cities were among the most important of the Duchy of Brabant and are now in Belgium. Although much of the family's work was in the Duchy of Brabant, they had several assignments in Holland and Zeeland as well.
The family left a legacy of remarkable buildings: the Town Hall of Middelburg; the Court of Marquis of Bergen-op-Zoom; the Meat Hall of Brussels; the Gothic part of the Town Hall of Gent; and many examples in their native Mechelen.
The members of the family in chronological order:
- Jan I (ca. 1345-1425): sculptor. No known work in the Netherlands.
- Jan II (ca. 1375-1445): son of Jan I. Best known as an architect. Became town architect of Mechelen (Belgium) in 1427.
- Andries I (ca. 1400-1488): son of Jan II. Worked as a sculptor and succeeded his father as town architect of Mechelen.
- Rombout I (ca. 1420-1489): son of Jan II. Worked as a glass painter.
- Jan III (unknown): son of Jan II. Worked as a sculptor in Gouda and Middelburg.
- Matthijs I (unknown): son of Jan II. Worked as a sculptor in Leuven and Middelburg.
- Antoon I (ca. 1440-1512): son of Andries I. Cooperated as an architect with his father, who he later succeeded as town architect of Mechelen. After 1476 town architect of Bergen op Zoom. Also known as Anthonis I.
- Matthijs II (unknown): son of Andries I. Worked as an architect and sculptor.
- Laurens I (unknown): probably a son of Matthijs II. Sculptor.
- Antoon II (died 1515): son of Antoon I. Succeeded his father as town architect of Mechelen and later became court architect of emperor Charles V. Also known as Anthonis II.
- Rombout II (ca. 1460-1531): son of Antoon I. Town architect of Mechelen and head court architect of emperor Charles V.
- Laurens II (died 1534): son of Antoon II and successor of Rombout II. Probably the first to use Renaissance influences.
- Marcelis (unknown): builder of fortifications.