Adam van Breen (1585 - 1642) - photo 1

Adam van Breen

Adam van Breen, born in Amsterdam in 1585 and passing in Norway in 1642, was a notable Dutch Golden Age painter who specialized in winter landscapes. His work is distinguished by its vivid depiction of the icy, bustling life of the Netherlands during the winter months. Van Breen became a member of the Hague Guild of St. Luke in 1612 and worked in various cities including The Hague, Amsterdam, and later Oslo, Norway​​.

While detailed biographical information about van Breen remains scarce, it is known that he married in 1611 and was registered in the Dutch town’s guild the following year. His artistic style is often compared to that of Adriaen van de Venne, with whom he shared a preference for winter scenes. However, van Breen drew inspiration primarily from Hendrick and Barendt Avercamp, setting his characters apart through their more assertive, stockier figures, sometimes even including portrait-like depictions within his compositions​​.

Adam van Breen's paintings are celebrated for incorporating figures in luxurious clothing, a reflection of The Hague's status as a political and cultural center. This influence is apparent in his landscape works, which not only capture the beauty of the Dutch winters but also subtly document the societal contexts of the period. In 1617, van Breen illustrated military evolutions for the Prince of Nassau, showcasing his versatility beyond landscapes. His move to Norway in the 1640s introduced a new phase in his career, where he produced several notable portraits​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Adam van Breen's work offers a fascinating glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age, characterized by its detailed and lively winter scenes. His paintings, such as those documented in private collections and galleries, remain a testament to his skill and distinctive approach to capturing the essence of his time​​.

To stay updated on new discoveries, sales, and auction events related to Adam van Breen, signing up for updates from relevant art galleries and auction houses is recommended. This ensures access to the latest information on available works and exhibitions featuring this remarkable Dutch painter.

Date and place of birt:1585, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date and place of death:1642, Oslo, Norway
Period of activity: XVII century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Guild of Saint Luke
Genre:Cityscape, Genre art, Landscape painting
Art style:Baroque, Old Masters

Creators Baroque

Jan Abrahamsz Beerstraaten (1622 - 1666)
Jan Abrahamsz Beerstraaten
1622 - 1666
Jan Verhoeven (1600 - 1676)
Jan Verhoeven
1600 - 1676
Lorenzo de Caro (1719 - 1777)
Lorenzo de Caro
1719 - 1777
Adriaen van der Werff (1659 - 1722)
Adriaen van der Werff
1659 - 1722
Giuseppe Moriani (1681 - 1731)
Giuseppe Moriani
1681 - 1731
Johannes Petrus van Horstok (1745 - 1825)
Johannes Petrus van Horstok
1745 - 1825
Victor Wolfvoet II (1612 - 1652)
Victor Wolfvoet II
1612 - 1652
Lorenzo Pasinelli (1629 - 1700)
Lorenzo Pasinelli
1629 - 1700
Achille Jacques Devéria (1800 - 1857)
Achille Jacques Devéria
1800 - 1857
Kristoffel Lyubenetsky (1659 - 1729)
Kristoffel Lyubenetsky
1659 - 1729
Jan van Goyen (1596 - 1656)
Jan van Goyen
1596 - 1656
Francesco Ruschi (1600 - 1661)
Francesco Ruschi
1600 - 1661
Samson Wertheimer (1811 - 1892)
Samson Wertheimer
1811 - 1892
Antonio Verrio (1636 - 1707)
Antonio Verrio
1636 - 1707
Taddeo Zuccaro (1529 - 1566)
Taddeo Zuccaro
1529 - 1566
Michiel van der Voort (1667 - 1737)
Michiel van der Voort
1667 - 1737
× Create a Search Subscription