The images and information presented below are for the instruction of students and scholarly research.
Pieter Vanderlyn
(1687-1778))
Think that you may own a painting by Pieter Vanderlyn? We authenticate, appraise and research all paintings by this great artist.
Pieter Vanderlyn was an early American colonial painter; one of the limner’s responsible for painting New England’s social elite. Originally from Holland, Vanderlyn worked in New York in both Kingston and Albany creating portraits for wealthy families. It is said that Vanderlyn far exceeded the skill of his contemporaries in the richness that he brought to the facial features of his sitters. Though he was generally a naïve painter like his fellow limners, Vanderlyn possessed a certain level of talent that his contemporaries could not reach.
Cornelia Beekman
One of Vanderlyn’s signatures was adding landscaping to the back of his portraits, in many cases including the Hudson River. Of his 20 known portraits, at least 12 have landscapes painted in the background.
Portrait with Landscape
Vanderlyn’s earliest portrait that was attributed to him was around 1730. Many of his paintings were thought to have been painted in Kingston, which was burned to the ground in 1777. It is possible that many of his other works were destroyed in this fire.
Portrait Of A Lady 1720
Pieter Vanderlyn was also the grandfather of John Vanderlyn, another famous colonial portrait and historical painter.
Portrait of Mrs. Myndert Myndertse and her Daughter Sara 1741
Still wondering about a colonial American portrait hanging in your family estate? Contact us…it could be by Pieter Vanderlyn.
