The Life and Art of Hendrick Coster
Hendrick Coster was a Dutch Republic painter who was active between 1638 and 1659. Born in Arnhem, Netherlands, he was likely trained in Utrecht, as his painting style closely resembles that of the Utrecht school and the work of Johan van Loenen. In 1639, he married Florentina van Hardenbroek in Jutphaas. Following his marriage, he returned to Arnhem, where he was enrolled in the Josephsgilde. His career eventually led him to Groningen, where he became a member of the glassmakers and painters' guild in 1656. He died in Groningen.
Coster's oeuvre includes portraits, genre scenes, and potentially bird still lifes, landscapes, and history paintings. His early commissions for the Court of Gelre involved copying portraits of Maarten van Rossum and Duke Charles of Gelre. Notable works include a portrait of Helena Leydeckers, a portrait of an anonymous woman dated 1642, and a work titled King Solomon. He was also known for his ability to paint figures by candlelight, as seen in his Personification of Poetry.
Questions & Answers
How is Hendrick Coster's career divided into periods?
A chronological account of Hendrick Coster's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.
Can I explore Hendrick Coster's works by subject?
The Subject Atlas of Hendrick Coster is a page that maps the artist's artworks by their subjects.
Can I browse Hendrick Coster's works by movement?
Hendrick Coster's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.
