Govert Flinck: The Rival Who Surpassed Rembrandt in Fame
Govert Teunisz. Flinck (1615–1660) was a highly successful Dutch Golden Age painter of portraits and history subjects. Born in Kleve (Cleves, Germany), he became one of Rembrandt's most accomplished followers and, alongside Ferdinand Bol, quickly rose to become the most fashionable and sought-after painter in Amsterdam, eventually securing commissions that surpassed his former master's influence.
Early Life and The Rembrandt Style
Flinck began his training with the Mennonite preacher and painter Lambert Jacobsz in Leeuwarden. Around 1633, he moved to Amsterdam to study with Rembrandt van Rijn.
Rembrandtesque Period (c. 1636–1645): Flinck absorbed Rembrandt’s methods so effectively that his early work is almost indistinguishable from the master's, featuring the same dramatic chiaroscuro (light and shadow), warm flesh tones, and vigorous brushwork. Many of his early works were, in fact, later mistaken for original Rembrandts.
Shift to High Classicism and Success
In the mid-1640s, Flinck made a conscious decision to shift his style to appeal to the changing tastes of Amsterdam's wealthy elite.
The Elegant Style: He moved away from Rembrandt’s intense psychological depth and heavy shadows toward a brighter, lighter color palette and a smoother, more elegant finish. This new style was inspired by Flemish masters like Anthony van Dyck and the prevailing European fashion for classicism.
Patronage: This shift secured his reputation as the leading society painter. He won major commissions from the Amsterdam patriciate (including the powerful De Graeff and Six families) and even European courts, such as the House of Orange and the Elector of Brandenburg.
The Town Hall Commission: Flinck’s success culminated in the most prestigious commission of the era: decorating the Amsterdam Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) on Dam Square. In 1659, he was commissioned to paint twelve large history paintings for the Great Gallery, a project that would have solidified his fame permanently, though his sudden death in 1660 prevented its completion.
Govert Flinck's career is a testament to his talent and ambition, showing how a Rembrandtesque foundation could be successfully adapted into the elegant style favored by the late Dutch Golden Age elite.
