Hendrick Avercamp

Born in Amsterdam, Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634) grew up in Kampen. He lived and worked there from 1614 until his death in 1634. Avercamp is mentioned in various documents as the Kampen Mute, so it is assumed that he was deaf and dumb. Avercamp had originally been taught in Amsterdam by Pieter Isacksz, and specialised in winter landscapes. He adopted the Flemish tradition, which was continued in Amsterdam by Gilles van Coninxloo and Pieter Vinckboons. Avercamp's early landscapes have a clear narrative in style, often containing risqué anecdotes. Later, his work acquired a more atmospheric quality.