Bartholomeus van der Helst

Helst, Bartholomeus van der (bärˌtōlōmāˈəs vän dər hĕlst) [key], 1613–70, Dutch portrait painter. In Amsterdam the wealthy citizens preferred his flattering, tasteful portraits to those of Rembrandt. He painted several group portraits for the city fathers; among the best are Banquet of the Civic Guard (1648) and Syndics of the Arquebusiers (both: Rijks Mus.). He was one of the founders of the painters' Guild of St. Luke (1654). The Musician and two portraits are in the Metropolitan Museum.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print