Cornelis Troost, an 18th-century actor and painter from Amsterdam, is renowned for his captivating works that reflect the daily life of the upper crust in Amsterdam. Born on October 8, 1696, Troost was initially trained as an actor but later became a pupil of Arnold Boonen and gave up his acting career to pursue painting in 1723.

Early Success and Influences

One of Troost's earliest drawings, dated 1708, features Prince Eugene of Savoy and the bookseller and spy Louis Renard visiting a chic Amsterdam brothel. He gained early success with his lively group portrait depicting the Amsterdam Inspectors of the Collegium Medicum, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Troost's work was possibly influenced by William Hogarth and French artists such as Watteau, Boucher, and Lancret.

Notable Works and Style

Troost's paintings are characterized by their witty and elegant Rococo genre scenes. A notable example is his 1736 painting, Jeronimus Tonneman and his Son, which showcases the art collector seated in his parlour. Another famous work is a five-picture series entitled NELRI (1740), created in his favorite medium of pastel and watercolor, now housed at the Mauritshuis, The Hague. This series depicts the activities of a group of men during a night of reunion.

Pupils and Legacy

Troost's pupils included Jacobus Buys, Noël Challe, Pieter Tanjé, and his own daughter Sara Troost. He had five daughters, all trained in the arts, with Sara being the only one to have her works engraved by other artists. For more information on Cornelis Troost's life and work, visit Prince Eugene of Savoy or check out his page on Amsterdam Inspectors of the Collegium Medicum.

• Cornelis Troost's works can be found in various public collections, including the Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.
• His paintings are a testament to his unique style, which blends elegance with wit.
• Troost's legacy extends beyond his own work, with his pupils going on to become notable artists in their own right.

Troost passed away on March 7, 1750, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate art enthusiasts. His paintings can be found in various public collections, including the Mauritshuis, The Hague and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. For a deeper dive into his life and work, visit Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam or explore his page on Jeronimus Tonneman and his Son.