Cornelis Janssens van Ceulen (1593 – 1661)
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Cornelius Janssens van Ceulen was an English painter born to a family of Dutch or Flemish origin. Janssens was known for his skillful portraits, which were in high demand during the 1620s and 30s. Janssens was born in London and baptized at the Dutch church, Austin Friar’s.
Dutch influence can be seen in Janssens’ paintings, though it is unknown whether or not he spent time studying in the Netherlands. For most of Janssens’ career, he was based out of Blackfriars, London, where he had a home and studio. Janssens intentionally lived outside of central London to skirt the London painters’ Guild, who tried to monopolize commissions in the city.
Janssens’ first known painting is possibly a Dutch portrait dating to around 1617. The artist’s better-known English portraits date back to 1619. While it was not common practice at the time, Janssens almost always signed and dated his early work. His later works are often unsigned and sometimes confused with the higher valued, Van Dycks.
Many of Janssens’ portraits only depicted the sitter’s head and were painted at a rate of five British pounds. His early portraits were commonly painted on wood panel, with the exception of a series of miniature portraits painted on copper. Janssens often included trompe l’oeil techniques to adorn his portraits.
Janssens gained many important clients through his friendship to Van Dyck, including new gentry and royalty. Portraits of royalty include Charles I, Charles II and James II. Many of his royal portraits now belong to the National Portrait Gallery in London.
In 1622, Janssens married Elizabeth Beke of Colchester, with whom he had a son and daughter. His son, Cornelius Janssens the Younger, also became a well-known painter. The family lived in England until the tension of the English Civil War became too unsettling for Janssen’s wife, and they decided to relocate, living in Middelburg, Amsterdam and eventually Utrecht, where he spent the last days of his life.
Janssens’ paintings are now greatly valued in British and international collections. Do you think you own a painting by this English master? Contact us. We are the Janssens experts.