Bartholomeus van der Helst

Bartholomeus van der Helst was a Dutch painter born in 1613 in Haarlem, Netherlands, and he died in 1670 in Amsterdam. He was a prominent figure of the Dutch Golden Age, known for his masterful portraiture that captured the affluent bourgeoisie of Amsterdam. Van der Helst's work is characterized by its detailed realism and vibrant use of color, which distinguished him from his contemporaries. His most celebrated work, "The Celebration of the Peace of Münster," exemplifies his ability to convey the grandeur and opulence of his subjects. Throughout his career, van der Helst's portraits were highly sought after, and he became one of the leading portraitists of his time, rivaling even Rembrandt in popularity. His contributions significantly influenced the development of portrait painting in the Netherlands during the 17th century.