In 1582 David Teniers, the Elder, was born in Antwerp. He became a student of his older brother Julian. In Rome David Teniers received lessons by Adam Elsheimer. In 1606 the artist was admitted as a Freimeister to the Lucas Guild of Antwerp. David Teniers could not achieve any major success as a painter. Tenier incurred high debts which his sons payed off in his stead. David Tenier, the Elder, died in Antwerp on 29 July, 1649.