C.B. van Everdingen (c. 1617-1678)Caesar Boëtius van Everdingen was born in Alkmaar around 1617. He joined the St Luke's guildGuildA guild is a society of persons united by a particular aim or occupation. Guilds were first formed in the Middle Ages. Some guilds were founded as charities, others were societies of merchants, craftsmen, artists and militias. Craftsmen would have been unable to practice their profession without being a member of the guild. Members were bound by a code of quality and price, but could also obtain assistance from the guild. An extensive apprenticeship system developed. Only a fully qualified master could become a member of the guild. Each guild had its patron saint: the patron of the painters guild was St Luke. of Alkmaar at a remarkably young age in 1632. From 1641 to 1643 he was living in Amersfoort where he worked under the painter and architect Jacob van Campen. In 1648 he returned to Haarlem. There he was commissioned by Van Campen to complete two paintings for the Orange hall of the Stadholder's . In the 1650s Van Everdingen specialised increasingly in history paintings which he painted in the classical style. Beside the high-minded history paintings, Van Everdingen also painted several genre pieces. In 1657, by now an affluent man, Van Everdingen returned to Alkmaar where he died in 1671. Van Everdingen's younger brother, Allart, was also a painter, known for his landscapes. |
