Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1683/4)Jan Davidsz. de Heem grew up in Utrecht, where he was apprenticed to Balthasar van der Ast. In 1626 he moved to Leiden where he focused on painting monochromeMonochromeMonochrome means 'one colour'. The term comes from the Greek word 'monochromos', meaning 'of one colour'. The word is also used for works of art (paintings) in which, although more than one colour is used, the number is nevertheless limited. still lifes with musical instruments and books. After 1631 De Heem moved to Antwerp. Here his paintings became increasingly colourful and elegant. He also changed his subject, concentrating more on fruit and flowers. Although he lived most of his life in Antwerp, De Heem continued to spend periods in the Republic: he was in Utrecht in 1649 and between 1665 and 1672. Jan Davidsz. de Heem's work was popular among the buying public and among his fellow artists. His many pupils and followers included Abraham Mignon. |
