Govert Flinck

Govert Flinck (1615–1660) was born in Kleve, then occupied by the United Provinces. Apprenticed by his father to a silk mercer, he was sent instead to Leeuwarden to board with the Mennonite preacher and painter Lambert Jacobszoon, where Jacob Backer joined him. By 1637 he was living in Amsterdam in the house of the dealer Hendrick van Uylenburgh and was recognised as one of Rembrandt's best pupils. Between 1636 and 1648 he worked in Rembrandt's manner; the Blessing of Jacob of 1638, in the Rijksmuseum, is his first subject picture. He then looked to Rubens as a model for history painting, and this brought official commissions, including pictures for the Great Elector of Brandenburg and the patronage of John Maurice of Nassau. In 1659 the burgomaster of Amsterdam contracted him for twelve large paintings, but he died the following February having finished only the sketches. Here: Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds.