Jan Willem Pieneman
1779–1853 · Dutch Romantic painter of history paintings and portraits
Jan Willem Pieneman (Abcoude, 1779 – Amsterdam, 1853) was a Dutch Romantic painter, best known for his history paintings and portraits. His scenes recall episodes from the history of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and his name is tied to national history painting in the first half of the nineteenth century.
His reputation began with a painting shown at the Villa Welgelegen depicting the Prince of Orange at Quatre Bras, followed by The Battle of Waterloo (1824). That work pleased the Duke of Wellington, who invited Pieneman to England on several occasions to paint portraits. After studying at the Amsterdam Stadstekenacademie, he was appointed in 1805 as drawing instructor at the artillery and engineering training centre in Amersfoort.
In 1820 he became director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam, a post he held until his death. From 1844 to 1847 he directed the Rijksmuseum, which was then housed in the Trippenhuis. He also mentored young artists, among them his son Nicolaas Pieneman, and much of his legacy lies in this teaching role.
Works (4)
Pieneman painted this scene from the Battle of Quatre Bras, fought on 16 June 1815, two days before Waterloo. It shows the young William, Prince of Orange, heir to the Dutch throne and a lieutenant general in the British army, mounted and urging Dutch troops against the French on the right of the canvas. The work began as an equestrian portrait of the prince and was then expanded into a battle scene. Its success earned the painter the Golden Lion, and he later produced a much larger heroic picture of Waterloo.
History painting by Jan Willem Pieneman, dated 1824, showing William II of the Netherlands during the Battle of Quatre Bras. Works of this genre typically aimed to fix military episodes and political figures with a commemorative purpose. The painting is held at Soestdijk Palace, a residence associated with the Dutch royal house.
Where to see the work
- Rijksmuseum Amsterdam · 3
Curiosities
From salesman to painter
Before devoting himself fully to art, Pieneman worked as a salesman. At the same time, he took courses at the Amsterdam Stadstekenacademie, the city's drawing academy, where he trained as a draughtsman. This move from commerce to art education marked the start of his artistic career.
Portraits for the Duke of Wellington
The success of his Waterloo painting led the Duke of Wellington to invite him to England on several occasions. There he produced portraits, a commission that contrasts with his reputation as a painter of historical scenes. These visits show how a battle painting could open doors to portrait work abroad.