Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck

Place: Haarlem

Born: 1603

Death: 1662

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, a prominent Dutch Golden Age portraitist, was born between 1600 and 1603 in Haarlem, Netherlands. He was the son of Cornelis Engelsz, a painter from Gouda, who taught him the art of portraiture.

Artistic Career

In 1632, Verspronck became a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke, marking the beginning of his successful career as a portraitist. He was known for his exactness in painting details, such as jewelry and lace, which made him popular among female sitters. Notably, he won a lucrative commission in 1642 for a group portrait of the regentesses of the Heilige Geesthuis, a charity institution in Haarlem.

Notable Works

Some of Verspronck's notable works include:

• Portrait of a Young Man (1634), currently housed at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
• Andries Stilte as a Standard Bearer (1640), showcasing his skill in capturing the essence of Dutch militia companies
• Girl in a Blue Dress (1641), demonstrating his attention to detail and ability to capture the subtleties of female subjects
• Portrait of Pieter Jacobsz. Schout (1641), highlighting his versatility as a portraitist

Museums Featuring Verspronck's Work

• Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck on Wikioo.org
• Rijksmuseum's Collection

Legacy

Verspronck died in 1662 in Haarlem, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 known paintings. His work continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of Dutch Golden Age portraiture and attention to detail. Key Facts:

• Born: between 1600 and 1603 in Haarlem, Netherlands
• Died: 1662 in Haarlem, Netherlands
• Notable works: Portrait of a Young Man, Andries Stilte as a Standard Bearer, and Girl in a Blue Dress
• Featured in the collection of the Rijksmuseum and on Wikioo.org