Jan Lievens

A child prodigy, he apprenticed with Pieter Lastman at age 10 and began his independent career at just 12.¹

His early works, including a portrait of his mother, gained such fame that they attracted the attention of Prince Maurice.¹

He shared a studio with Rembrandt in Leiden, where they collaborated closely and influenced each other's early work.¹

The critic Constantijn Huygens assessed Lievens as more inventive, though less expressive, than his contemporary Rembrandt.¹

Invited to the English court around 1631, he was significantly influenced by the elegant portrait style of Anthony van Dyck.¹

During his time in Antwerp, he collaborated with artists like Adriaen Brouwer, further expanding his artistic range.¹

He received prestigious commissions for large-scale history paintings, including works for the Amsterdam City Hall.¹

His final years were marked by financial hardship following the 'Rampjaar,' and he died leaving significant debts.¹

In 2022, a long-lost drawing by Lievens was rediscovered and auctioned for a record price of €1.35 million.¹