Cornelis Willem Hoevenaar Sr. was a Dutch artist born on February 27, 1802, in Utrecht, Netherlands. He belonged to a family of artists that included his father, Willem Pieterszoon Hoevenaar, and later his son Cornelis Willem Hoevenaar Jr., thus continuing the artistic lineage. The Hoevenaar family was known for their contributions to the Dutch Romantic school of painting, which was characterized by a focus on emotion, nature, and the glorification of the past.
Hoevenaar Sr. received his initial art education from his father and was later influenced by the works of other Dutch painters of the time. He developed a style that was typical of the Romantic movement, often depicting landscapes, historical scenes, and genre works that reflected a nostalgic view of the Netherlands. His works are noted for their attention to detail, use of color, and the ability to convey mood and atmosphere.
During his lifetime, Hoevenaar Sr. was an active member of the Utrecht Society of Arts and Sciences and contributed to the artistic community in the Netherlands. He was also a teacher, sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation of artists, including his own son. Cornelis Willem Hoevenaar Sr. passed away on January 4, 1873, in Utrecht, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors for its representation of the Dutch Romantic spirit.