Willem van Leen was a painter active during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. He is known for his genre paintings, especially his depictions of cheerful peasant life. His paintings, with their bright colors and lively brushstrokes, vividly depict the joys and festivities of the peasants' daily lives.
Willem van Leen Biography
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Born in Delft , Netherlands around 1600.
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He began his career as a painter in Delft in the 1630s.
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Moved to Amsterdam in the 1640s
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In the 1660s he returned to Delft and continued his work.
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Died in Delft on August 28, 1691 (aged about 91)
Representative works
- The Merry Family (c. 1645)
- Peasant Dance (c. 1650)
- The Wedding Feast (c. 1655)
- Tavern Scene (c. 1660)
Van Leen's style and achievements
Van Leen's works are characterized by bright colors, vivid brushstrokes, and humorous depictions. He vividly depicted the joys and celebrations of peasants' daily lives . His paintings inspire and energize the viewer, and are valuable documents that convey the peasant culture of 17th century Holland.
Van Leen established a unique position in the field of genre painting and influenced many other artists. His works are still in museum collections around the world and are beloved by many.