The Life and Art of Hendrick Coster
Hendrick Coster was a Dutch Republic painter who was active between 1638 and 1659. Born in Arnhem, Netherlands, he was likely trained in Utrecht, as his painting style closely resembles that of the Utrecht school and the work of Johan van Loenen. In 1639, he married Florentina van Hardenbroek in Jutphaas. Following his marriage, he returned to Arnhem, where he was enrolled in the Josephsgilde. His career eventually led him to Groningen, where he became a member of the glassmakers and painters' guild in 1656. He died in Groningen.
Coster's oeuvre includes portraits, genre scenes, and potentially bird still lifes, landscapes, and history paintings. His early commissions for the Court of Gelre involved copying portraits of Maarten van Rossum and Duke Charles of Gelre. Notable works include a portrait of Helena Leydeckers, a portrait of an anonymous woman dated 1642, and a work titled King Solomon . He was also known for his ability to paint figures by candlelight, as seen in his Personification of Poetry .
Questions & Answers
Is there an overview of all the subjects Hendrick Coster painted?
Hendrick Coster 's works can be explored by subject on the artist's Subject Atlas page.
What are the birthplace and birth year of Hendrick Coster?
Hendrick Coster was born in Arnhem in 1615.
In which historical period did Hendrick Coster work?
Hendrick Coster worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team
Updated Oct. 14, 2026
