Jan Asselijn Oil Painting Reproductions

Who is Jan Asselijn?

Jan Asselijn, born in France in 1610, died in Amsterdam in 1652 at the age of 42. He is known for his oil paintings of landscapes, although his battle scene paintings and other historical events are notable works of art. Asselijn was a versatile artist well known for his animal paintings, particularly his Swan painting, The Threatened Swan.

Among his peers, he was known as Krabbetje (crab) as the fingers on his left hand were deformed, and he was also small in stature.

Asselijn, like many other Dutch artists, traveled to Italy and created many of his Italian landscape paintings there. While in Rome, he joined the Bentveughels association, whose members comprised a group of northern artists who captured countryside scenes surrounding Rome. Even after his return to the Netherlands, Asselijn continued to paint scenes of Italian landscapes.

Jan Asselijn's Famous Painting The Threatened Swan 1650.

Asselijn is a Dutch Golden Age artist whose oil painting The Threatened Swan 1650 sits at the pinnacle of the art collection in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in the Gallery of Honour. This large oil painting measures 57 x 56" and depicts a life-sized swan protecting its nest and eggs from a dog. 

At first glance, Asselijn's painting The Threatened Swan may seem like a straightforward portrayal of a swan defending its nest. However, the painting holds a deeper meaning and reflects the political and social climate of the Dutch Republic at the time. The swan symbolizes purity and grace, representing the Dutch Republic, while the dog, a symbol of aggression and chaos, represents the threat of war and invasion. The landscape of Amsterdam in the background reminds us of the city's vulnerability to attack.

At its first exhibition, the Threatened Swan caused controversy as some interpreted it as a political reference to the Republic's part in the Franco-Dutch war. However, other critics viewed it as a reference to tensions with England and the Dutch Republic.

The Legacy and Influence of Jan Asselijn.

Jan Asselijn's painting was significant in the Dutch Golden Age and the Baroque art period. His realistic and dramatic painting technique influenced many other artists. Art enthusiasts and scholars continue to admire and study his oil paintings today.

Jan Asselijn returned to the Netherlands in around 1644 and in 1647 Rembrandt created his portrait etching of the artist. The Art Institute of Chicago holds Asselijn's portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn.

The artist's short life means he was not a prolific artist, but his Jan Asselijn paintings are held in the art collections of many world-famous art museums, including the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Now, you can buy fine art reproductions of oil paintings by Jan Asselijn and other famous Baroque artists.

Reproduction oil paintings are available in many sizes and we specialize in oversized wall art. Fine art reproductions are 100% hand-painted by one of our resident professional artists. 

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