Brief Biography-Jan Brueghel the Elder, born in Brussels, was the second son of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. He visited Cologne, and when in Italy, Paul Brilinfluenced his work; there, he found patronage in Cardinal Federigo Borromeo in Rome and Milan. He was Dean of the Guild in Antwerp and worked for Archduke Albert and Infanta Isabella. His work is considered superior to that of his father. He painted flower still lifes from which he got the name, Velvet Brueghel. However, some say he got the name from wearing velvet. He cooperated with his friend Rubens and other artists by inserting staffage into their paintings, and Rubens painted several figures in his works. He also painted landscapes, seaports, and markets. His style influenced many painters after him, including his sons, Jan II and Ambrosius. His daughter Anna, by his second wife Catherina, married David Teniers the Younger.