Why was Judith Leyster important?

Judith Jans Leyster was a Dutch Golden Age painter of genre works, portraits, and still lives.

Judith Leyster had her work attributed to Frans Hals or her husband, Jan Miense Molenaer. Her work was rediscovered by scholars and had more recognition in 1893.

Judith Leyster was born on 28th July 1609 in Haarlem and died on 10th February 1660 at the age of 50. She was buried at a farm just outside of Haarlem. She was the daughter of a local brewer, Jan Willemsz Leyster, and his wife, Trijn Jaspers. Her father was the proprietor of The Leistar Brewery in Haarlem.

Per records, Judith Leyster learned painting from Frans Pietersz de Grebber, to generate income to support her family during her father’s financial crises.

Judith Leyster got married to Jan Miense Molenaer, a prolific artist in 1636. The couple was blessed with five children but only two of them survived to adulthood.

Why was Judith Leyster important?

Judith Leyster was important for being a central figure in the Dutch Golden Age. She is a recognized master, with her lively genre scenes built upon contemporary trends with their informality and technical mastery.

Judith Leyster specialized in mixed-genre paintings which include portraiture, still life, and set in enclosed indoor spaces. Her style of art is Baroque, and Dutch Golden Age. She dresses elegantly to indicate her social prominence.