Claes Jacobsz van der Heck (Nicolaes Jacobsz van der Heck) (c.1575 in Alkmaar – 1652 in Alkmaar), was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He was the son of Jacob Dircksz (c. 1534–1608) and Adriana (died 1591) van der Heck, and the grand-nephew of painter Maarten van Heemskerck. According to Karel van Mander he was a good painter, a disciple of Jan Nagel, and specialized in landscapes. He helped set up the Alkmaar Guild of Saint Luke in 1631–32. He was known as the 'master of Alkmaar' and made landscapes of Egmond Abbey and other historical allegories. He was the father of Marten Heemskerck van der Heck, Jacob Claesz van der Heck, and Cornelis van der Heck.

Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck, also known as Claes Jacobsz van der Heck, was a Dutch Golden Age painter who lived from approximately 1575 to 1652 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. He was the son of Jacob Dircksz and Adriana van der Heck, and the grand-nephew of the renowned painter Maarten van Heemskerck.

Early Life and Training

According to Karel van Mander, Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck was a good painter and a disciple of Jan Nagel. He is believed to have received his training in the workshop of Jan Nagel, where he developed his skills as a landscape painter. His work is characterized by its attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of the Dutch countryside.

Artistic Career

Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck's artistic career was marked by his specialization in landscapes and historical allegories. He is known for his paintings of Egmond Abbey, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Dutch landscape painting. His work can be found in various museums, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Some of his notable works include:

• View of the Abbey of Egmond-Binnen, a beautiful depiction of the abbey and its surroundings.
• Witches' Sabbath, a painting that showcases his ability to capture the essence of mysticism and fantasy.

Museums and Collections

Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck's work can be found in various museums and collections, including:

• The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which houses some of his most notable works.
• The Mauritshuis in The Hague, which features an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.
• The Kremer Collection in The Hague, a private art museum that focuses on Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th century.

Legacy

Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck's legacy as a painter is marked by his contribution to the Dutch Golden Age of painting. His work continues to be admired and studied by art lovers and scholars alike. For more information about Nicolaes Jacobsz Van Der Heck and his work, visit https://WahooArt.com/@@/Nicolaes-Jacobsz-Van-Der-Heck or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaes_Jacobsz_van_der_Heck.