Early Life and Training

Jan Josephszoon van Goyen, a renowned Dutch landscape painter, was born on January 13, 1596, in Leiden, Netherlands. He was the son of a shoemaker and began his artistic journey as an apprentice in Leiden. Van Goyen later studied art in Haarlem under the guidance of Esaias van de Velde, further honing his skills.

Artistic Career and Style

At the age of 35, Van Goyen established a permanent studio in Den Haag (The Hague), marking the beginning of his prolific career. He is known for approximately 1,200 paintings and over 1,000 drawings, showcasing his incredible productivity. Van Goyen's landscape paintings, though not highly priced during his time, were made up for by his innovative market strategies, including speculating in tulips and real estate.

• His palette featured a limited selection of neutral grays, umbers, ochre, and earthen greens, which gave his works a natural, soil-inspired hue.
• Van Goyen's use of varnish oil medium allowed for the application of thin, blendable paint layers, resulting in a startling realism and three-dimensional quality.

Influences and Legacy

Notable Influences:

• Cornelis de Bie, Jan Coelenbier, Cornelis van Noorde, among others, were influenced by Van Goyen's tonal quality.
• His student and son-in-law, Jan Steen, also benefited from his teachings, though their business prospects were affected by Van Goyen's financial troubles.

Legacy: Van Goyen's innovative approaches to landscape painting have had a lasting impact on the art world. His emphasis on naturalism and everyday life paved the way for subsequent artistic movements.

Selected Works and Collections

Some of Van Goyen's notable works can be found in various museums, including:

• Museum of Fine Arts (Budapest, Hungary): Features several of his landscape paintings.
• WahooArt.com: Offers a wide range of Van Goyen's works, including his collection, with detailed information and high-quality reproductions.

Conclusion

Jan Van Goyen's remarkable life and artistic career serve as a testament to his enduring influence on the world of landscape painting. Through WahooArt.com, art enthusiasts can explore and appreciate his works, now more accessible than ever. The Dutch Golden Age Art Movement - a period that saw the flourishing of Dutch art, including Van Goyen's contributions.