Willem van Aelst facts for kids
Willem van Aelst (born May 16, 1627 – died around May 22, 1683) was a famous Dutch painter. He lived during the time known as the Dutch Golden Age. Willem was best known for his beautiful still-life paintings. These artworks showed things like flowers, fruit, or hunting items.
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Life of a Painter: Willem van Aelst
Willem van Aelst was born in Delft, a city in the Netherlands. His family was important in the city government. He learned how to paint from his uncle, Evert van Aelst, who was also a still-life painter. In 1643, Willem became a master painter in the Guild of Saint Luke in Delft. This was a special club for artists.
Travels and Fame in Europe
Between 1645 and 1649, Willem lived in France. After that, in 1649, he moved to Florence, Italy. There, he became a painter for a very important person, Ferdinando II de' Medici. Ferdinando was the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In Italy, people called Willem "Guillielmo d'Olanda," which means "William of Holland."
While in Florence, Willem worked with two other Dutch artists. One of them, Otto Marseus van Schrieck, also painted still-life pictures. He might have helped Willem develop his own painting style. The Grand Duke Ferdinando II was very impressed with Willem's talent. He even gave Willem a gold chain and a medal to show how much he liked his work!
Return to the Netherlands
In 1656, Willem van Aelst went back to the Netherlands. He decided to live permanently in Amsterdam. He became one of the most important still-life painters of his time. Because he was so successful, he could afford to live in a nice house on the Prinsengracht canal.
Willem likely died in 1683 or soon after, as his last known painting is from that year. He also taught painting to several students. Some of his famous students included Rachel Ruysch, Maria van Oosterwijck, and Ernst Stuven.
Willem van Aelst's Artworks
Willem van Aelst's paintings are still enjoyed today. Many of his artworks are kept in public art collections. For example, there are thirteen of his paintings in public collections across the United Kingdom. His detailed and beautiful still-life works continue to be admired by art lovers around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Willem van Aelst para niños
