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The 9 Most Famous Jan Stolker Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 9 works by Jan Stolker in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Jan Stolker left, the most famous is Portrait of a grain trader (1755), in the collection of the Museum Rotterdam, Rotterdam. Close behind it come Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760) (1750) and Portrait of de moeder van de schilder (1750). Our catalog holds 9 works by Jan Stolker; the gallery has kept the 9 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
1724 – 1785, Amsterdam
Most works: Museum Rotterdam
Jan Stolker's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
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Portrait of Theodorus Bisdom van Vliet and his Family, Jan Stolker, 1757
Portrait of Theodorus Bisdom van Vliet (1698-1777), Mayor of Haastrecht and High Council of the Krimpenerwaard, with his family on a terrace in the garden of his house in Haastrecht for a statue with Neptune and Mercury. His wife Mary of Harthals (1703-63) and his children on the left: Cornelis (1737-73), Maria Theodora (1739-1828) and Adriana Elisabeth (1742-76), below left: Agatha (1743-76) Johanna Margaretha (1735-64) and Johan de Wijs (1740-62),…
The museums that keep Jan Stolker's originals
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Jan Stolker | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Museum Rotterdam |
Rotterdam | 8 | Portrait of a grain trader, Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760), Portrait of de moeder van de schilder |
 Rijksmuseum |
Amsterdam | 1 | Portrait of Theodorus Bisdom van Vliet and his Family, Jan Stolker, 1757 |
Jan Stolker year by year: the originals that define each
From 1750 to 1766, Jan Stolker worked for 17 years: the selection follows that long career year by year, through its finest originals.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
1757
Portrait of an artist, possibly a self portrait of Jan Stolker (1724-1785)
Age 33
2 works this year
More from 1757
Collectors' questions about Jan Stolker's paintings
Which work is Jan Stolker most famous for?Reveal the answer
Portrait of a grain trader (1755), Museum Rotterdam, Rotterdam. Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760) (1750) and Portrait of de moeder van de schilder (1750) come next.
What age was Jan Stolker when Portrait of a grain trader was made?Reveal the answer
31 years old: Portrait of a grain trader dates from 1755, and Jan Stolker was born in 1724.
How many paintings did Jan Stolker leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 9 works by Jan Stolker, dated from 1750 to 1766.
In which museums do Jan Stolker's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in Museum Rotterdam (Rotterdam) and Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam). The museum table above lists them all.
In which years did Jan Stolker paint the most famous works?Reveal the answer
In 1750: 2 of the 9 works on this page were made then, Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760) among them.
What are the first and the last famous originals of Jan Stolker?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760) (1750) and the latest Portrait of the family of Isaac Hubert (1725-1798) (1766).
Which Jan Stolker works hang at the Museum Rotterdam?Reveal the answer
Portrait of a grain trader, Portrait of Adriaen Stolker (1698-1760) and Portrait of de moeder van de schilder: the Museum Rotterdam, Rotterdam holds 8 of the works on this page.
Jan Stolker: life and work
Jan Stolker: Life and Legacy
Early Life and Training
Jan Stolker, a renowned Dutch printmaker, painter, painting dealer, and art collector, was born on July 1, 1724, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He emerged during a period of artistic transition within the Dutch Golden Age’s aftermath. His formative years were dedicated to honing his skills under the tutelage of Jan Maurits Quinkhard, a respected figure in the Amsterdam art world. This apprenticeship provided Stolker with a solid foundation in drawing, painting techniques, and an understanding of the art market.
Artistic Career and Style
Stolker’s artistic career is marked by his exceptional talent in creating portraits and skillfully executed copies of 17th-century masters. He demonstrated mastery across various mediums including printmaking, painting, and etching. His work often reflects the prevailing tastes of the time – a blend of realism with an emphasis on detail and composition. While not necessarily innovative in style, Stolker’s technical proficiency allowed him to produce works that were highly sought after by collectors.
Membership and Associations
Stolker's commitment to the art world extended beyond his studio practice. He was an active member of both the Confrerie Pictura, a society dedicated to promoting the arts, and the prestigious Rotterdam Guild of Saint Luke. These affiliations demonstrate his integration into the established artistic community and contributed to his professional standing.
Notable Works and Collections
Although not widely known for groundbreaking original compositions, Stolker’s copies and portraits were highly regarded during his lifetime. A significant example of his work is Portrait of Theodorus Bisdom van Vliet and his Family (1757), showcasing his skill in capturing likenesses and social standing. His works can be found in several prominent collections:
- Museum Fridart Stiftung (Amsterdam, Netherlands): Features a collection of European art including pieces by Stolker.
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam: While primarily focused on modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk may hold examples of Stolker’s work within its historical collections.
Influences and Artistic Development
Jan Maurits Quinkhard was a pivotal influence in Stolker's artistic development, imparting technical skills and an understanding of the art market. Beyond his teacher, Stolker drew inspiration from the established masters of the 17th century – artists like Rembrandt, Hals, and Vermeer – whose works he meticulously copied. This practice allowed him to study their techniques firsthand and develop his own style.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Jan Stolker’s impact on the art world lies in his role as a skilled craftsman and diligent copyist. He contributed to the preservation and dissemination of earlier artistic styles, making them accessible to a wider audience. While not considered a revolutionary figure, his work provides valuable insight into 18th-century Dutch artistic tastes and practices. His legacy continues to be appreciated by art historians and collectors interested in this period.
Death
Jan Stolker passed away on June 10, 1785, leaving behind a body of work that reflects his dedication to the artistic traditions of his time. His contributions as an artist, dealer, and collector continue to be recognized within the context of Dutch art history.