Hanneman, John

, an historical and portrait painter, was born at the Hague in 1611, and as some writers report, was a disciple of Vandyke; But with more probability, was a disciple of Hubert Kavestein. However, he formed his taste, and his manner of penciling, by studying and copying the works of Vandyke, observing particularly the airs of the heads, which he very happily imitated; and in the tints of his carnations he had somewhat so extremely soft and delicate, as to give them an appearance little inferior to those of Vandyke. Several of Hannetnan’s copies after that illustrious painter’s works shewed such exactness, and at the same time such a freedom of hand, that they are frequently mistaken for originals. Although he was usually employed in portrait-painting, yet he sometimes designed historical and allegorical subjects. Of the latter kind there is^a large picture in the hall of the States of Holland, representing Peace, under the figure of a beautiful woman seated on a throne, holding a dove on her knees, and crowned with wreaths of laurel by two genii. The composition is rich, and it is painted with a great deal of force; the carnations approaching very near to the tints of Vandyke. He came to England in the reign of Charles I. and continued here for sixteen years, and, at his return to the Hague, became the favourite painter of the princess Mary of Orange. There is a picture of her, and the prince in armour, at lord Stratford’s at Wentworth castle, painted, as lord Orford thinks, by him; there are also portraits by him at Windsor, Worksop, and other places. He died about 1680. ²

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