Jan Davidsz. de Heem

Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1683/1684) grew up in Utrecht, where he was apprenticed to floral still-life artist Balthasar van der Ast. In 1626, he moved to Leiden, where he painted monochrome still lifes employing one or at most two tints. His subjects were mainly musical instruments and books. De Heem moved to Antwerp after 1631. Here his paintings became increasingly colourful and elegant. He also changed his theme, 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 fellow artists. His many pupils and followers included Abraham Mignon.