Jan Baptist Weenix (1621-c. 1660)The artist Jan Baptist Weenix of Amsterdam studied under Abraham Bloemaert and later under Claes Moeyaert. Weenix married Josina, daughter of the painter Gillis d'Hondecoeter. In 1642 he left for Rome, where he joined the Bentveughels, a society of Flemish and Dutch artists. Each member had a club or Bent name. Because of his manner of speaking, Weenix was nicknamed the Rattle (Ratel). In Rome Weenix received numerous commissions from Cardinal Pamphili. When he returned in 1647, he specialised in Italianate landscapes and harbour views, although he also painted a number of portraits and still lifes with game. Weenix settled in Utrecht where he taught both his son, Jan Weenix, and his nephew Melchior d'Hondecoeter. |
