Jan Asselijn was a Dutch painter, born at Diemen and died in Amsterdam. First, he received instruction from Esalas Vandevelde (1587-1630), and distinguished himself particularly in landscape and animal painting, though his historical works and battle pieces are also admired. He traveled much in France and Italy, and modeled his style greatly after Bamboccio (Pieter van Laer).
He was one of the first Dutch painters who introduced a fresh and clear manner of painting landscapes in the style of Claude Lorraine, and his example was speedily followed by other artists. Asselijn's pictures were in high estimation at Amsterdam, and several of them are in the museums of that city. Twenty-four, painted in Italy, were engraved.
