Jacob van Hulsdonck
Flemish, 1582-1647
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Jacob van Hulsdonck or Jan van Hulsdonck, was a Flemish painter who played a role in the early development of the genre of still lifes of fruit, banquets and flowers.
Jacob van Hulsdonck was born in Antwerp in 1582. He moved to Middelburg at a young age and there he likely received at least part of his training. The prime still life painting studio in Middelburg was that of Flemish émigré Ambrosius Bosschaert. Although it is believed van Hulsdonck did not train with Bosschaert he may have been an early influence on his work.
By 1608 van Hulsdonck had returned to Antwerp as is documented by the record of his admission as a master of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke that year. The following year he married Maria la Hoes and moved into the house that remained his residence for the rest of his life. The couple had seven children.
Jacob van Hulsdonck was the teacher of his son Gillis who later worked for a long period as a still life painter in Amsterdam.