SwissArtGallery · Documented identity

Jacob Adriaensz Backer

Jacob Adriaensz Backer is presented as a Dutch painter of the Golden Age. The son of Adriaen Tjercksz, a Mennonite baker, and Hilk Folckerts, he probably trained in the workshop of Jan Pynas, described as a possible first master. Backer’s training continued in Leeuwarden, where he worked with Govaert Flinck for several years. He returned to Amsterdam, perhaps as early as 1632 and, in any case, by 1633 at the latest.

Between 1634 and 1644, several important official commissions marked his career. These included a group portrait of the regents of the Amsterdam orphanage. Two militia paintings were intended for the Kloveniersdoelen. He also painted an allegorical scene for Stadholder Frederick Henry, intended for the fireplace of the New Gallery at Buren Castle.

Based in Amsterdam, Backer taught several painters there, including Abraham van den Tempel. In June 1651, he joined the city’s Remonstrant community. He died on 27 August 1651 and was buried a few days later in a family grave at the Noorderkerk.

This profile brings together identity references for Jacob Adriaensz Backer and paintings, drawings and works on paper documented in auction catalogues.

1 references are documented at Dobiaschofsky. Each record links to its source; the amounts are not a general valuation of the artist’s work.

References excluded from statistics: attributions and special lots

These references are shown separately because of their attribution or lot composition. Each record states the reason.

Dobiaschofsky

Copy

Oil on wood

Original catalogue wording

Kopie - Copy
Öl auf Holz
Kopie

Date to be documented

Copy

Catalogue reference — sale not confirmed

View the lot at the auction house ↗

Sources and references

• Reference record
• AGORHA · Reference link only; no institutional text or image copied.
• LOMBARDIA-CULTURA · CC0-1.0
• LOMBARDIA-CULTURA · CC0-1.0
• Met · CC0
• Met · CC0
• Documentary source

SwissArtGallery documentary note based on the cited sources. Titles, media and qualifications are provided in the profile language; the original catalogue wording remains available in each record.
Documentation updated : 2026-10-19