Aert van der Neer

Aert van der Neer - Painting discovered late as a hobby

Aert van der Neer, born in Gorinchem in 1603, not only painted night scenes with particular fondness and great skill, but also remained largely obscure himself. It was only in 2008 that researchers were able to determine the birthplace of the artist, who seems to have started painting late in life. The earliest surviving work by Aert van der Neer dates from 1639 and shows a winter landscape that still appears rather clumsy in its execution. Another winter landscape from 1642 appears much more mature in comparison, which allows conclusions to be drawn about van der Neer's artistic development over time. His fellow countryman Arnold Houbraken reports in his famous three-volume catalogue of artists that Aert van der Neer initially worked as a steward for the Lords of Arkel. In 1629 he married Lysbeth (Elisabeth) Camphuysen, whose brothers Rafael and Jochem Govertsz Camphuysen were active as painters. It was probably the company of his brothers-in-law that inspired Aert van der Neer to paint, and it is just as likely that he received his first instruction in their studio.

Temporary working partnership with Aelbert Cuyp

Aert van der Neer favoured painting landscapes, preferably the rivers and watercourses of his homeland, whereby he developed a special flair for capturing atmospheres at night and in winter. After Aert van der Neer witnessed a devastating fire that consumed the old town hall of Amsterdam, he processed this accident in several paintings. Although he seems to have spent most of his life in Amsterdam, he must also have known his way around Haarlem and Leiden, judging by his paintings. He very probably cultivated an artistic friendship with Aelbert Cuyp, whose hometown of Dordrecht appears in several of van der Neer's paintings - there are even canvases on which the handprints of both painters can be found. Cuyp probably assisted Aert van der Neer with some of his paintings and enlivened his landscapes with figures. A painter by the latter hangs in the Louvre in which Cuyp apparently painted cows, and the National Gallery in London owns a work to which Cuyp contributed a milkmaid (and signed it separately).

Painting was an unprofitable art during his lifetime

Aert van der Neer found it difficult to earn a living for himself and his growing family - he had at least six children - with his paintings. His landscapes were little appreciated, and he tried his hand as an innkeeper and wine merchant, but went bankrupt within two years. When he died in abject poverty, the paintings in his estate were only worth around five shillings each. Today, the picture has changed: van der Neer's work enjoys great popularity due to its unconventional charm and can be found in many private and public collections, with the most exquisite selection of his works in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

Aert van der Neer died in Amsterdam on 9th November 1677. His son Eglon van der Neer was a talented portraitist and rose to become Palatinate court painter in Düsseldorf.