| Biography |
Emanuel de Witte (1617-1692) was a Dutch painter and draughtsman, best known for his many church interiors. The Oude Kerk in Amsterdam was one of his favourite churches, which he painted many times. Emanuel de Witte grew up in Alkmaar, trained under still-life painter Evert van Aelst (1602-1657) in Delft and then moved to Amsterdam. There, he was the only architectural specialist at the time. De Witte soon managed to establish his reputation. Typical of this reputation, he was ranked among the most important artists of his time by poet Jan Vos as early as 1654 - in the same breath as Rembrandt and Govert Flinck. It was mainly the phenomenal treatment of light that impressed: like no other, he knew how to play with sunlight falling in through high church windows and reflecting on pillars and walls. He not only painted Protestant and Catholic houses of worship, but also introduced the imposing interior of the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam to painting. His work can be found in collections around the world.
Several sources describe the painter - who must have had a colourful life and certainly not an easy character - with such verve that we still get a certain picture of him. Thanks to 'his weather-beaten heart' (according to biographer Arnold Houbraken in 1718), he repeatedly ended up in quarrels, conflicts and lawsuits. Plagued by personal problems with landlords and overdue payments, he finally committed suicide in 1692. Thus came a tragic end to a colourful career. |
