Pieter Vanderlyn: The Gansevoort Limner and Hudson Valley Portraiture Pieter Vanderlyn (c. 1687 – 1778) stands as a pivotal figure in American colonial art, largely recognized through his distinctive style—the “Gansevoort Limner”—and the captivating portraits he produced during his lifetime. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Vanderlyn’s artistic journey began with formal training in Holland before venturing into naval service and ultimately establishing himself in New York City, where he cultivated a prolific career as a painter, landowner, and businessman. His legacy resides not only in his i…