The Life and Travels of Jan Frans Soolmaker
Jan Frans Soolmaker was a Flemish painter and draughtsman who likely began his life in Antwerp. His artistic journey is marked by movement, as he moved from Antwerp to Haarlem, and later to Amsterdam. In April 1654, he was recorded as a pupil of Jan de Bruin in Antwerp, though he did not complete his studies there before relocating. While there is no record of him joining the Haarlem Guild of Saint Luke, it is assumed he later joined the Amsterdam Guild.
The trajectory of his life remains somewhat mysterious. In December 1665, Soolmaker drafted his last will, a common practice for those preparing for perilous journeys, as he intended to travel to Italy via Portugal. While his exact destination remains unclear, a signed view of the Escorial suggests he may have visited Spain. His death remains unknown, though a signed Italian landscape dated 1668 suggests he was alive at least two years after drafting his will.
Artistic Style and Subject Matter
Soolmaker is primarily recognized for his Italianizing landscapes, which often feature equestrian and arcadian scenes. His style is noted for its similarity to the Dutch painter Nicolaes Berchem, leading some to regard him as one of Berchem's most faithful followers. His body of work is relatively small due to a short career. His compositions often drew inspiration from the themes and motifs of Philips Wouwerman, such as a father and son observing a horseman mounting a white horse.
His repertoire included several recurring themes:
- Shepherds accompanied by their flocks, as seen in Shepherdess and a Flock of Sheep.
- Equestrian scenes and resting horsemen by fountains.
- Printmaking, including a work titled Man with Donkeys dated 1664.
Because of his skill in imitating Berchem's style, art dealers have occasionally attempted to pass his works off as original Berchem paintings by adding fake signatures.
