1642–1719
Jan Weenix was a Dutch painter celebrated for his grand, detailed still lifes and game pieces. Born in Amsterdam, he was the son of Jan Baptist Weenix, a noted Italianate painter, and Josina de Hondecoeter, herself from a prominent painting family. Weenix spent his early years in Amsterdam, while his father traveled through Italy to study art. When Jan Baptist returned in 1647, the family moved to Utrecht, eventually settling in the “Huis ter Mey,” a large estate outside the city. Here, the young Weenix trained in his father’s studio, where he adopted his father’s Italianate style.
In 1664, Weenix joined the Utrecht painters’ guild and initially created Italianate genre scenes, similar to his father’s work. By the early 1670s, however, he likely relocated to Amsterdam, where he shifted his focus to grand game scenes and hunting still lifes, reflecting the growing demand for this genre among the city’s wealthy burghers. His compositions frequently featured intricate details of dead game laid out against lush, expansive landscapes and often incorporated classical motifs such as ancient urns and statues, adding a refined, dramatic atmosphere.
At the turn of the 18th century, Weenix’s reputation attracted Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine of Düsseldorf. Between 1702 and 1714, Weenix worked for the Elector, producing numerous grand still lifes and game pieces, many of which remain iconic examples of his mastery. His only known student was Dirk Valkenburg, who emulated his style closely. Jan Weenix’s work, with its lavish textures and rich detailing, became highly esteemed, solidifying his legacy as one of the Dutch Golden Age’s leading painters of still lifes and game scenes.
