Abraham van Beijeren produced still life paintings that often featured elaborate displays of Chinese porcelain, fine silverware, and glassware. Operating within the Dutch Republic during the seventeenth century, he emerged as a notable creator of the pronkstilleven genre. His career was marked by frequent relocations across various cities, reflecting the challenging financial circumstances common to many painters of his time.
Early Career and Training
Born in The Hague around 1620, Van Beijeren was the son of the painter Hendrick Gillisz van Beyeren and Anneke Dircxz. He initiated his formal training in 1636 under Tyman Arentsz. Cracht. By 1638, he resided in Leiden, marrying Emmerentia Stercke the following year. Following her death in 1647, he married Anna van den Queborn, daughter of the engraver Crispijn van den Queborn, who also provided early artistic influence through his niece, the painter Pieter de Putter.
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The artist experienced frequent changes in residence, likely driven by financial necessity. After returning to The Hague in 1640, he later worked in Delft, joining the local Guild of Saint Luke in 1657. Subsequent years saw him move to Amsterdam, Alkmaar, and Gouda. In 1677, he settled in Overschie near Rotterdam, where he eventually purchased a house for 1,000 guilders, utilizing a mortgage for a significant portion of the cost.
Artistic Development
Van Beijeren initially focused on seascapes and fish still lifes, displaying the influence of Jan van Goyen. During the 1650s and 1660s, he transitioned to the pronkstilleven style, which offered access to a wealthier clientele. These works often incorporated broad techniques with specific details, frequently reaching heights of one meter. His canvases lack dates but are identifiable by his monogram, AVB.
Fast facts
- Born: 1620, The Hague
- Died: 1690, Overschie
- Nationality: Dutch Republic
- Primary Occupations: Painter, draftsperson
- Notable Works: Banquet Still Life, Still Life with Seafood
- Monogram: AVB
Questions readers ask
Why is it difficult to date his paintings?
Van Beijeren signed his works with his monogram but consistently omitted the date of creation.
What subjects did he paint?
His oeuvre includes marine scenes, fish still lifes, pronkstillevens featuring luxury goods, floral compositions, dead birds, and vanitas paintings.
Achievements
- Notable work: Still Life with Seafood
- Notable work: Flower Still Life with a Timepiece
- Notable work: Banquet Still Life
