Gallery of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm in Brussels (Galdiano)

The Gallery of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm in Brussels (Galdiano) refers to a painting depicting the art collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria (1614-1662), while he served as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, primarily in Brussels. The Galdiano suffix indicates that the painting, or a version thereof, is housed in the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, Spain. These gallery paintings are valuable historical documents that offer insight into 17th-century art collecting practices, the tastes of prominent figures like Leopold Wilhelm, and the arrangement and display of artworks in private collections.

The paintings typically showcase numerous artworks attributed to various artists, hung densely on the walls of a grand interior. These gallery paintings often include portraits of the Archduke himself, along with members of his court or other notable figures, allowing viewers a glimpse into the social context surrounding the collection. The paintings serve as a form of artistic inventory, providing a visual record of the artworks owned by Leopold Wilhelm at the time. Several versions of this subject were painted by different artists. David Teniers the Younger is particularly known for creating versions of this gallery scene, capturing the scope and grandeur of the Archduke's collection. The versions differ somewhat in the selection and arrangement of the displayed works.