Jan Asselijn, a painter from Dieppe, was born in 1610 to a French Huguenot family as Jean Asselin. He received instruction from Esaias van de Velde, and distinguished himself particularly in landscape and animal painting, though his historical works and battle pieces are also admired.
Early Life and Training
Asselijn traveled in France and Italy, and modeled his style after
Bamboccio (Pieter van Laer), also a member of the Bentvueghels. He married one of two sisters in Lyons in 1645, both daughters of
Houwaart Koorman of Antwerp. According to
Abraham Genoels, who heard this story from
Laurens Frank, an artist who was staying in the
Koorman household with
Artus Quellinus in Lyons at the time.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
Asselijn's style is characterized by a fresh and clear manner of painting landscapes, similar to
Claude Lorraine. His example was speedily followed by other artists. Some of his notable works include
The Threatened Swan, which portrays a swan aggressively defending its nest, and has become a symbol of Dutch national resistance. The painting is considered to be Asselijn's most famous work and was the Rijksmuseum's first acquisition.
Influences and Legacy
Asselijn's work has been influenced by Rembrandt, whom he befriended. In the etching that Rembrandt made of him, Asselijn appears in some states to be standing before an easel. His hands are not shown.
Frederick de Moucheron, another Italianate landscape painter, was his pupil.
Important works by Jan Asselijn can be found in the Rijksmuseum and other museums in Amsterdam. His paintings have been engraved and are highly esteemed by art enthusiasts. For more information on Jan Asselijn's life and work, visit
https://WahooArt.com/@/Jan-Asselijn or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Asselijn.
More details about Jan Asselijn can be found on
https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3BD5P or
https://WahooArt.com/@/Jan-Asselijn.