HUYSUM, JAN VAN

born April 15, 1682, Amsterdam, Neth. died Feb. 8, 1749, Amsterdam Dutch painter known for his still lifes of flowers and fruits. He was the eldest son of Justus van Huysum, a versatile painter whose subjects included landscapes, seascapes, battle scenes, portraits, and flowers. Jan van Huysum studied under his father but soon surpassed him in skill. He specialized in exquisitely detailed, dramatically composed paintings of lavish flower arrangements. The precision and delicacy of his work were widely esteemed during his lifetime. His use of colour was especially fine, and he was one of the first artists to use a light-coloured background for his still lifes. He also painted landscapes, but these are not regarded as highly as his still lifes. Jan van Huysum's younger brother Justus, who died at the age of 22, was also a noted painter. He is best known for his battle scenes.