Explore: Abraham Jansz Storck

(1644 - 1710)

Abraham Storck was born in Amsterdam and was probably taught by his father, Jan Jansen Storck. Like his father and brothers (all artists) he changed his name from Sturckenburch to Storck in about 1688. He entered the Guild of St Luke, Amsterdam, before establishing an independent studio. His work was influenced by Willem van de Velde II and Ludolf Bakhuizen I, and he may have worked with Bakhuizen. He painted Mediterranean views and battle scenes, although his preference was for harbour views of Amsterdam. His figures, costume, rigging and technical details of ships are painted with accuracy, but the quality of his work varies as he used studio assistants. He would sometimes work on a painting by an assistant and add his own signature.