Johannes Verelst, Jan Verelst

Place: Dordrecht

Born: 1648

Death: 1734

Biography:

Early Life and Family

, a prominent Dutch Golden Age painter, was born in 1648 in Dordrecht, Netherlands. He was the youngest of three sons to Pieter Hermansz Verelst, also a painter, and all three brothers followed in their father's footsteps to become known painters.

Artistic Career

John Verelst is renowned for his captivating portraits, particularly those of the Four Mohawk Kings who visited Queen Anne in 1710 from the Province of New York in North America. This notable work showcases Verelst's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects, reflecting the Dutch Golden Age's emphasis on realism.

Notable Works and Legacy

Verelst's portraits are characterized by their:

• Attention to detail, reflecting the subject's personality and social status.
• Use of lighting, which adds depth and emotion to the compositions.
• Historical significance, providing a glimpse into the lives of notable figures from the Dutch Golden Age.

Museums and Collections

While Verelst's works are not as widely dispersed as some of his contemporaries, they can be found in various private collections and some Dutch museums, such as the Mauritshuis in The Hague, which is also home to works by Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn.

Conclusion

John Verelst's contributions to the Dutch Golden Age are undeniable. His portraits not only reflect the era's artistic values but also serve as a window into the lives of his subjects. For those interested in exploring more of Verelst's work or learning about other artists from this period, Wikioo.org's collection is an excellent resource.

Further Reading

• Mauritshuis (Wikipedia)
• Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Rotterdam, Netherlands on Wikioo.org

References

• Johannes Verelst, Jan Verelst - Wikioo.org
• Mauritshuis - Wikipedia