Background
Wybrand de Geest was born and died at Leeuwarden. He learned painting from his father, Simon Juckesz, a stained glass worker
Wybrand de Geest was born and died at Leeuwarden. He learned painting from his father, Simon Juckesz, a stained glass worker
He studied later with Abraham Bloemaert.
De Geest (16 August 1592 – ca1661) was a Dutch Golden Age portrait painter from Friesland. From 1614 to 1618 he travelled in France and Italy on a Grand Tour. In 1616 he met up with Leonard Bramer in Aix-en-Provence.
He earned the nickname "De Friesche Adelaar", or "the Frisian Eagle".
De Geest married Hendrickje Fransdr Uylenburgh in 1622, a niece of Saskia van Uylenburgh, the wife of Rembrandt. In 1636 the Frenchman Charles Ogier, secretary to Cardinal Richelieu visited De Geest, to view his large collection of curiosities and coins.
De Geest was the most important portrait painter of Friesland and painted numerous portraits of the well-to-do citizens of his day, many of which survive in the Fries Museum. Perhaps the most intimate portraits he painted were those of his direct family:
De Geest influenced Jacob Adriaensz Backer, and his students were January Jansz. de Stomme, and Jacob Potma.
Bentvueghels]
While in Rome he became a member of the painters" circle known as the Bentvueghels.