Nicolaes Eliasz. Pickenoy Paintings

Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy, often referred to as Nicolaes Eliasz. Pickenoy, was a Dutch painter during the Golden Age of Dutch painting. Born in Amsterdam in 1588 to Elisabeth and Elyas Pickenoy, who were immigrants from Antwerp, Nicolaes showed an early talent for the arts. His father, Elyas, was a stonecutter, and it is likely that his family's background in the arts and crafts helped shape Nicolaes' artistic inclinations.

Pickenoy is primarily known for his portraiture, and he became one of the leading portraitists in Amsterdam, rivaled only by contemporaries such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Frans Hals. Pickenoy's style is characterized by a strong attention to detail, rich coloring, and an ability to capture the dignity of his sitters, who were often wealthy merchants, civic leaders, and members of Amsterdam's regent class. He was adept at both individual and group portraits, and his works provide a valuable insight into the clothing, interiors, and social contexts of the Dutch Golden Age.

There is some uncertainty surrounding the exact date of Pickenoy's death. While some sources state that he died in 1653, others suggest that he was still alive in 1656, but references to his work and life after this period are scarce, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact year of his death. Despite this uncertainty, the legacy of his art lives on, with many of his works preserved in museums and collections around the world, offering a window into the rich cultural tapestry of 17th-century Netherlands.