Judith Jans Leyster

1609 - 1660

Quick Facts

  • Born: 1609, Haarlem, Netherlands
  • Corpus themes:
    • female artist
    • genre scene
  • Vibe: calm
  • Movements: baroque
  • Lifespan: 51 years
  • Top-ranked work: The Jolly Drinker
  • Also known as:
    • Leyster
    • Judith Leyster
    • Judita Leystar
    • Judith Molenaer Leyster
    • Judith Molenaer
  • Room fit: living room

early life and training

judith jans leyster, a pioneering female painter, was born in july 1609 in haarlem, netherlands. she was the eighth child of jan willemsz leyster, a cloth maker who later became a brewer. while her training is not well-documented, it's believed that she learned painting from frans pietersz de grebber, a respected artist with a workshop in haarlem.

artistic career

leyster's first known signed works, serenade and jolly topper, date back to 1629 when she was just twenty years old. by 1633, she became a member of the haarlem guild of st. luke, making her one of the first female artists to be part of this prestigious organization.

notable works and collaborations

some of leyster's notable works include:
  • self-portrait (c. 1633), now at the national gallery of art, washington, d.c., which may have been her presentation piece to the guild.
  • two illustrations in a book about tulips from 1643, showcasing her versatility.
  • a portrait from 1652 and a still life from 1654, discovered in a private collection in the 21st century, demonstrate her enduring skill.
collaborations with jan miense molenaer: leyster married jan miense molenaer, a more prolific artist, in 1636. they worked together, sharing a studio in haarlem, and had five children.

legacy and rediscovery

despite being highly regarded by her contemporaries, leyster's work was largely forgotten after her death in 1660. it wasn't until 1893 that she was rediscovered, and scholars began to correctly attribute her works. today, her paintings are recognized as significant contributions to the dutch golden age.

conclusion

judith jans leyster's trailblazing career as a female painter in the 17th century netherlands has left an indelible mark on art history. her rediscovery and recognition serve as a testament to her enduring talent and the evolving perception of women in the art world. museum name: national gallery of art, washington, d.c.

Questions & Answers

How popular are Judith Jans Leyster's artworks?

Statistics about Judith Jans Leyster's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

Is there an overview of all the subjects Judith Jans Leyster painted?

Judith Jans Leyster's works can be explored by subject on the artist's Subject Atlas page.

How do I find works by Judith Jans Leyster on a specific theme?

The By Keywords page of Judith Jans Leyster groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

Where is Judith Jans Leyster from?

Judith Jans Leyster was born in Netherlands.

How is Judith Jans Leyster's career divided into periods?

Judith Jans Leyster's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

In which historical period did Judith Jans Leyster work?

Judith Jans Leyster worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

How can I see every artwork made by Judith Jans Leyster?

Every work by Judith Jans Leyster on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

How can I follow Judith Jans Leyster's work year by year?

Judith Jans Leyster's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What guild did Judith Leyster become a member of in Haarlem?
Question 2:
With whom did Judith Leyster collaborate on artistic projects, sharing a studio?
Question 3:
In what year was Judith Leyster rediscovered by scholars?
Question 4:
What is notable about Judith Leyster’s self-portrait?
Question 5:
Which of Leyster's paintings gained international acclaim and is now housed in the National Gallery of Art, Washington?