Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 114 works by Govert Flinck in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Govert Flinck left, the most famous is Angels Announcing The Birth Of Christ To The Shepherds. Close behind it come Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company (1654) and Korsfæstelsen (1649). Our catalog holds 114 works by Govert Flinck; the gallery has kept the 100 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
Govert Teunisz Flinck’s 1639 painting captures a pivotal moment in Christian narrative – the announcement of Christ's birth to the humble shepherds. This large-scale work is not merely a depiction of a biblical event, but a powerful exploration of faith, awe, and divine intervention rendered with the dramatic flair characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age.
Gerard Pietersz Hulft is presented within an oval frame, a formal arrangement that functions as a trompe l'oeil vanitas. The composition centers on his bust-length portrait, surrounded by a meticulous collection of symbolic objects. These items—a globe, leather-bound books, and scientific instruments—denote his status as a high-ranking official of the Dutch East India Company. The lighting is dramatic, utilizing chiaroscuro to illuminate the subject's face and the immediate foreground, while…
The composition is defined by a stark, vertical tension. Three figures occupy the right side of the canvas, their forms silhouetted against a turbulent, dark sky. The central figure of Christ is the primary source of light, his body illuminated to create a sharp contrast against the surrounding gloom. To his sides, the two thieves remain partially lost to the shadows, their presence felt through the heavy chiaroscuro that defines…
A single light source strikes from the upper left, carving the young man’s features out of a deep, atmospheric darkness. He is caught in a moment of quietude, his gaze steady and slightly melancholic. A heavy red mantle drapes over his shoulder, its weight felt in the thick, painterly folds of the fabric. Beneath it, a teal doublet catches the light, revealing gold embroidery that glints against the muted tones…
Introduction The painting 'Officers and Other Civic Guardsmen of District XVIII in Amsterdam, under the Command of Captain Albert Dircksz Bas and Lieutenant Lucas Pietersz Conijn' is a masterpiece by Govert Teunisz Flinck, a renowned Dutch painter of the 17th century. This painting is an excellent example of the artist's skill in portraying civic guardsmen and their commanders with great detail and accuracy. Description The painting depicts Captain Albert Dircksz…
The heavy silence of the scene unfolds in 1637, as Govert Flinck captures the profound sorrow of the Lamentation of Christ. This oil on canvas presents a moment of deep mourning, where the weight of loss hangs in the air. The figures gather around the pale, lifeless body of Jesus, their grief palpable in the stillness of the composition. Every shadow seems to hold a piece of the tragedy, drawing…
In this 1639 oil on canvas, we encounter a young man caught in a moment of quiet, direct engagement. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, his gaze meeting ours with a calm, steady presence that suggests a person of substance and composure. There is a certain weight to his presence, achieved through the masterful application of chiaroscuro. Light enters from the upper left, carving the contours of his face and…
The air feels heavy with the stillness of a 1646 afternoon. In this double portrait, Dirck Graswinckel and Geertruyt van Loon exist in a suspended moment of connection, their presence anchored against a sprawling, organic landscape. The man stands to the left, his body turned slightly toward the viewer, while his hand reaches out to hold the hand of the seated woman on the right. There is a profound sense…
We are looking at Old man leaning on a balustrade, a portrait painted by Govert Teunisz Flinck in 1651. This oil on canvas work captures a quiet moment of introspection, focusing on the character of an elderly subject. It is a significant example of the artist's ability to handle the human form with a sense of weight and presence.
This work, titled Portrait of a Bearded Man, formerly called John the Baptist, was painted by Govert Flinck. It is a tronie, a genre of painting focused on the study of a face or a specific expression rather than a formal portrait of a known individual. The subject is presented as a dashing character dressed in romantic costume, characterized by a brilliantly brushed beard that draws the eye.
Portrait of a Man1654 · Minneapolis Institute of Art
12
Isaac blessing Jacob1635 · Museum Catharijneconvent
13
A Regent of Amsterdam.1630 · National Museum in Warsaw
14
Susanna and the Elders1627 · Gemäldegalerie
15
Bust of a young woman, formerly known as Rembrandt's sister1634 · Indianapolis Museum of Art
16
Portrait of Saskia1633 · Fries Museum
17
Young Man with a Wide-brimmed Hat and Flat Collar1632
18
Bust of an old man with a beard and medal1632
19
Head of an old man with a beard and a cap1632
20
Bust of an old man with a beard and gold chain1632
21
Saskia with a plumed veil1635 · Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection
22
Portrait of an old man in a red hat1630 · Royal Łazienki Museum
23
Portrait of a Man with a Black Hat and Ruff (Pieter Reael)1643
24
Portrait of a Gentleman1640 · Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
25
Head of an Old Man1642 · National Gallery of Ireland
26
Old Man at a Casement1646
27
Portrait of Jan Huydecoper (1600-1661)1643
28
Portrait of Jan van Hellemont (1616-1665)1646 · North Carolina Museum of Art
29
Portrait of a young man1637 · Wawel Royal Castle
30
Portrait of Rembrandt1640
31
Portrait of a Woman1646 · Cleveland Museum of Art
32
A Child holding a Dog1641 · Upton House
33
Portrait of an unknown old man1643 · Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
34
Portrait of Dorothea Berck1647
35
Portrait of Joseph Coymans1647
36
Portrait of an Old Man1637 · Bavarian State Painting Collections
37
Portrait of an old man with hourglass1637 · Bavarian State Painting Collections
38
A young girl as shepherdess1641
39
A Girl as Flora - c. 16401640 · Musée d'Arts de Nantes
40
Young Shepherdess as Flora1638
41
Portrait of Sara van Baerle1636 · Henry E. Huntington Library
42
A Lady and her Child as Venus and Cupid1648 · Statens Museum For Kunst
43
Company of captain Joan Huydecoper and luitenant Frans van Waveren1648 · Amsterdam Museum
44
Portrait of Joan Huydecoper (1599-1661)1648 · Amsterdam Museum
45
Portrait of Pieter Reael1643 · Amsterdam Museum
46
Mercury, Argus and Io1640 · Rijksmuseum
47
A Shepherdess1636 · Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum
48
The angel leaves Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:20)1640 · Agnes Etherington Art Center
49
Portrait of a Man in Profile1637
50
Portrait of a Man with a Hat1641
51
Self-Portrait1643
52
Tobias and the angel finding the fish1640
53
Portrait of a gentleman with red cap1640
54
portrait of a lady and a boy1640
55
Portrait of Dirck Jacobsz Leeuw1636
56
The Rest on the Flight from Egypt1637 · Gemäldegalerie
57
The banishment of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)1642 · Gemäldegalerie
58
Portrait of a Young lady1641 · Gemäldegalerie
59
Sacrifice of Isaac1640
60
Portrait of a couple1646 · Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
61
Johan de Mauregenault (possibly)1654 · Amsterdam Museum
62
Calvary1649
63
Bathsheba's Appeal to David1651 · National Gallery of Ireland
64
Penitent Mary Magdalene1657
65
Portrait of a woman wearing a hat with feathers1650 · National Museum of Fine Arts
66
Portrait of a Woman, Govert Flinck, 16591659 · Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
67
Joseph´s bloody coat1655 · Finnish National Gallery
68
Portrait of a man surrounded by books1654 · Eva Klabin House Museum
69
Portrait of an unknown man1654 · Museum Mayer van den Bergh
70
Solomon prays for wisdom (1 Kings 3)1658 · Royal Palace Amsterdam
71
Portrait of Margaretha Tulp (1634-1709)1656 · Collection Six
72
King David writing the psalms1659 · Rafael Valls Limited
73
Bust of an Old Man with Two Gold Chains1700 · Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister im Schloss Wilhelmshöhe
74
Portrait of a 44-year-old man1637 · Mauritshuis
75
Old man with a red cap1639 · Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
76
Portrait of a man1635 · Mauritshuis
77
Self-portrait1640 · Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
78
A Young Man in a Feathered Beret1636 · Taft Museum of Art
79
Elegant Shepherdess Listening to a Shepherd Playing the Recorder in an Arcadian Landscape1654 · The Leiden Collection
80
Portrait of a Woman (Saskia van Uylenburgh?) (detail).1633 · National Museum in Warsaw
81
Landscape with a Coach1637 · Wallace Collection
82
Portrait of an unknown woman1640 · Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
83
Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679), Poet, Govert Flinck, 16531653
84
Saint PaulBavarian State Painting Collections
85
Portrait of a Lady
86
Portrait of a young man in a beretNational Museum in Warsaw
87
Judgement of ParisNational Museum in Warsaw
88
Isaac Blessing Jacob_2
89
Portrait Of Margaretha TulpGemäldegalerie Alte Meister im Schloss Wilhelmshöhe
90
Portrait of a Man, probably Augustijn Wtenbogaert (1577-1655), Govert Flinck, c. 16431643 · Rijksmuseum
91
Landscape
92
Hope Comes To Amalia Van Solms At The Tomb Of Frederik HendrikRijksmuseum
93
Portrait Of A WomanHermitage Museum
94
Rembrandt As Shepherd With Staff And Flute
95
Bearded Man With A Velvet CapMetropolitan Museum of Art
96
Four Governors Of The Arquebusiers Civic Guard, AmsterdamRijksmuseum
97
A Young Woman As A ShepherdessMetropolitan Museum of Art
98
Portrait Of RembrandtGemäldegalerie
99
The Company Of Captain Albert Bas And Lieutenant Lucas Conijn
100
The Company of Captain Albert Bas and Lieutenant Lucas Conijn (detail)
#1 Angels Announcing The Birth Of Christ To The Shepherds
#2 Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company
#3 Korsfæstelsen
#5 Officers and Other Civic Guardsmen of District XVIII in Amsterdam, under the Command of Captain Albert Dircksz Bas and Lieutenant Lucas Pietersz Conijn, Govert Flinck, 1645
#8 Portrait of Dirck Graswinckel and Geertruyt van Loon
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Govert Flinck | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Rijksmuseum |
Amsterdam | 8 | Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of a man, known as Gozen Centen (1611/12-77), Mercury, Argus and Io |
 Amsterdam Museum |
Amsterdam | 5 | Officers and Other Civic Guardsmen of District XVIII in Amsterdam, under the Command of Captain Albert Dircksz Bas and Lieutenant Lucas Pietersz Conijn, Govert Flinck, 1645, Company of captain Joan Huydecoper and luitenant Frans van Waveren, Portrait of Joan Huydecoper (1599-1661) |
 Gemäldegalerie |
Berlin | 5 | Susanna and the Elders, The Rest on the Flight from Egypt, The banishment of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:14) |
 National Museum in Warsaw |
Warsaw | 4 | A Regent of Amsterdam., Portrait of a Woman (Saskia van Uylenburgh?) (detail)., Portrait of a young man in a beret |
 Bavarian State Painting Collections |
Munich | 3 | Portrait of an Old Man, Portrait of an old man with hourglass, Saint Paul |
 Mauritshuis |
The Hague | 3 | Portrait of a 44-year-old man, Portrait of a man |
 Statens Museum For Kunst |
Copenhagen | 2 | Korsfæstelsen, A Lady and her Child as Venus and Cupid |
 Hermitage Museum |
Saint Petersburg | 2 | Portrait of a Young Man, Portrait Of A Woman |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
Susanna and the Elders is an oil painting by Govert Flinck, executed about 1627. The work originates from the Dutch Golden Age, a period during which Flinck emerged as a significant figure in the Amsterdam art scene. Having trained in the studio of Rembrandt, Flinck developed a technical approach that balanced the dramatic lighting of his mentor with a more refined, elegant sensibility.
A single light source strikes from the upper left, carving the young man’s features out of a deep, atmospheric darkness. He is caught in a moment of quietude, his gaze steady and slightly melancholic. A heavy red mantle drapes over his shoulder, its weight felt in the thick, painterly folds of the fabric. Beneath it, a teal doublet catches the light, revealing gold embroidery that glints against the muted tones…
The composition is defined by a stark, vertical tension. Three figures occupy the right side of the canvas, their forms silhouetted against a turbulent, dark sky. The central figure of Christ is the primary source of light, his body illuminated to create a sharp contrast against the surrounding gloom. To his sides, the two thieves remain partially lost to the shadows, their presence felt through the heavy chiaroscuro that defines…
Gerard Pietersz Hulft is presented within an oval frame, a formal arrangement that functions as a trompe l'oeil vanitas. The composition centers on his bust-length portrait, surrounded by a meticulous collection of symbolic objects. These items—a globe, leather-bound books, and scientific instruments—denote his status as a high-ranking official of the Dutch East India Company. The lighting is dramatic, utilizing chiaroscuro to illuminate the subject's face and the immediate foreground, while…
Angels Announcing The Birth Of Christ To The Shepherds. Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company (1654) and Korsfæstelsen (1649) come next.
Angels Announcing The Birth Of Christ To The Shepherds, Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company, Korsfæstelsen, Portrait of a Young Man, Officers and Other Civic Guardsmen of District XVIII in Amsterdam, under the Command of Captain Albert Dircksz Bas and Lieutenant Lucas Pietersz Conijn, Govert Flinck, 1645, The Lamentation, Portrait of a man, known as Gozen Centen (1611/12-77), Portrait of Dirck Graswinckel and Geertruyt van Loon, Old man leaning on a balustrade and Portrait of a Bearded Man, formerly called John the Baptist. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 114 works by Govert Flinck, dated from 1627 to 1659.
Mostly in Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), Amsterdam Museum (Amsterdam) and Gemäldegalerie (Berlin). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1640s: 36 of the 100 works on this page were made then, Korsfæstelsen among them.
On this page, the earliest is Susanna and the Elders (1627) and the latest Portrait of a Woman, Govert Flinck, 1659 (1659).
Man (53), Woman (26) and Dark background (18), across the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, for 47 of the 100 works on this page.
Dutch golden age and Baroque, judging by the originals on this page.
Gerard Pietersz Hulft (1621-56). First councillor and director-general of the Dutch East India Company, Portrait of a man, known as Gozen Centen (1611/12-77) and Mercury, Argus and Io: the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam holds 6 of the works on this page.
Govert Teunisz Flinck, a name that resonates with the golden age of Dutch painting, was more than just a portraitist; he was a conduit between Rembrandt’s revolutionary style and the burgeoning artistic landscape of 17th-century Amsterdam. Born in Kleve, Germany, in 1615 – a city steeped in both German and Dutch influences – Flinck's early life hinted at a path far removed from the world of art. His father, a prosperous cloth merchant, envisioned a future for his son within the trade, but fate intervened with the unexpected guidance of Lambert Jacobsz, a prominent Mennonite preacher and painter who recognized the young man’s innate artistic talent. This pivotal encounter steered Flinck towards Leeuwarden, where he began his formal training under Jacobsz, laying the foundation for a career that would ultimately eclipse his initial aspirations.
The move to Amsterdam in 1633 marked a turning point. There, Flinck entered the studio of Rembrandt van Rijn, a relationship that profoundly shaped his artistic development. Rembrandt’s influence is undeniably present throughout Flinck's oeuvre – particularly in his early works – characterized by dramatic lighting, nuanced expressions, and a masterful manipulation of chiaroscuro. However, unlike Rembrandt, who often embraced theatricality, Flinck gradually developed a more refined and elegant style, incorporating elements of Rubensian dynamism and a heightened sense of realism. This evolution is strikingly evident in pieces like “Isaac Blessing Jacob” (1638), where the composition’s balance and the figures' emotional depth demonstrate a clear departure from Rembrandt’s immediate influence.
Flinck quickly established himself as one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after portraitists, catering to a clientele that included wealthy merchants, civic officials, and prominent members of the Mennonite community. His portraits weren't merely representations of likeness; they were carefully constructed narratives, imbued with social commentary and reflecting the status and aspirations of his subjects. The “Portrait of a Man, probably Augustijn Wtenbogaert (1577-1655)” exemplifies this approach, showcasing an aged sitter rendered with remarkable sensitivity and capturing not only his physical appearance but also the weight of experience etched upon his face. The use of rich fabrics, intricate details in the background, and subtle gestures all contribute to a portrait that transcends simple likeness, offering a glimpse into the subject’s life and character.
His commissions for civic guardsmen – as seen in “Officers and Other Civic Guardsmen of District XVIII in Amsterdam…” – further cemented his reputation. These works are not simply depictions of military personnel; they are vibrant celebrations of civic pride, meticulously rendered with attention to detail and a keen awareness of the social dynamics at play. The influence of Rembrandt is palpable here, particularly in the dynamic composition and the use of light and shadow to create a sense of movement and drama. The painting captures not just the appearance of the guardsmen but also their role as protectors of Amsterdam’s prosperity and stability.
While renowned for his portraits, Flinck's artistic range extended beyond the confines of formal representations. He produced a series of compelling genre scenes – intimate depictions of everyday life – that offered a window into the domestic sphere of 17th-century Amsterdam. These works are characterized by their realism and their ability to capture the nuances of human interaction, revealing both the joys and challenges of daily existence. His religious paintings, such as “Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds,” demonstrate a masterful command of composition, color, and symbolism, creating scenes that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Govert Teunisz Flinck’s career spanned nearly four decades, during which he produced an impressive body of work that continues to captivate viewers today. His artistic development—from his early apprenticeship under Rembrandt to the refinement of his own distinctive style—reflects the dynamic artistic climate of the Dutch Golden Age. He left a lasting legacy as one of the most accomplished portraitists and genre painters of his time, influencing generations of artists who followed in his footsteps. His works are now housed in prestigious collections around the world, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, testament to his enduring contribution to the history of art.
