Wybrand de Geest

Frisian elite

The Frisian artist Wybrand de Geest (1592-1663/65) was one of the most important portrait painters of the 17th century. Shiny velvet, rustling brocade, refined lace collars and sparkling jewels: no one could let wealth splash off the canvas like he did. The Frisian elite liked to be portrayed by Wybrand. In the exhibition you will discover more of high society and glamor in the 17th century through portraits that Wybrand de Geest made of, among others, the Frisian Nassaus, the wealthy elite and their wealthy children. Who was this painter? And how did he manage to settle within the happy few?

Wybrand de Geest

Wybrand Simonsz. de Geest was born in Leeuwarden in 1592 and was one of the first Frisian boys who left the city gates far behind to be trained as painters elsewhere. For Wybrand this became Utrecht, in the large, lively studio of Abraham Bloemaert. From there the young painter traveled via Den Bosch to Paris, Aix-en-Provence and by ship to Rome. Together with his artist friends, he took plenty of time there to practice his hand and enjoy life. At that time, every artist with a little ambition had to see the ancient world with their own eyes.