Biography of Berchem, Nicolaes, the elder (Dutch painter, printmaker, and draftsman, 1620-1683)
| Name | Berchem, Nicolaes, the elder (Dutch painter, printmaker, and draftsman, 1620-1683) |
| Person type | Artist/Maker |
| Biographical notes | Son of the still life painter Pieter Claesz, adopted the surname Berchem. Born and active in Haarlem, where he painted Italian pastoral scenes; he probably visited Italy in about 1650-4. By 1677 he was working in Amsterdam. He was a productive and versatile artist with many pupils and followers. Studied under his father, Jan van Goyen, Claes Moeyaert, Pieter de Grebber and Jan Wiks. Most probably dates for an Italian trip are 1653-4, supported by circumstantial evidence. His style changed during the 1650s and after 1655 an Italianate landscape emerges. He was the most prolific, versatile and highest paid of the Dutch Italianates, and possibly painted 600 pictures. He also painted biblical, allegorical, mythological themes, views of harbours and winter scenes. He painted figures for other artist including Hobbema and Ruisdael. Karel Dujardin was a pupil. |
Objects by Berchem, Nicolaes, the elder (Dutch painter, printmaker, and draftsman, 1620-1683)
