Johann Closterman Paintings

Johann Closterman (also known as John Closterman) was a German-born Baroque portrait painter who had a significant career in England. He was born in Osnabrück in the Holy Roman Empire in 1660. His father was an artist, and Johann initially trained under him before moving to Paris to further his studies. There, he became a student of the illustrious French portraitist François de Troy.

Closterman moved to England in the late 1680s and quickly established himself as a portraitist among the English gentry and aristocracy. He became known for his skill in capturing the likeness and character of his sitters, which was a highly prized ability in this era. His portraits are characterized by a strong sense of elegance and often include elaborate clothing and backgrounds that reflect the status of the subject.

Despite his success, Closterman's career was marked by frequent disputes with clients and even his own assistants. One of his most notable assistants was the young Godfrey Kneller, who would go on to become one of the most famous portraitists in England. Their relationship was strained, and Kneller left to establish his own successful practice.

Closterman's work includes portraits of notable figures of the time, including King Charles II and members of the court. His style evolved over the years, showing influences from other contemporary Baroque artists and incorporating the grandeur typical of the period.

Towards the end of his life, Closterman's reputation suffered due to his temperamental nature and the resulting conflicts. He returned to his native land for a brief period but came back to England, where he continued to work until his death in London in 1711. His legacy lives on through the many portraits that capture the prominent figures of the English Baroque era, and he is remembered as an important contributor to the art of portraiture in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.