Gerrit Pietersz Sweelink (1566–1612)

Gerrit Pietersz Sweelink was born in 1566 in Amsterdam. He was the son of the painter Pieter Jansz Sweelink. He was trained by his father and later by the painter Cornelis van der Voort.

Sweelink was a versatile painter who produced portraits, genre scenes, history paintings and still lifes. His style was influenced by the Italian Renaissance and Flemish Baroque. He was also influenced by the Dutch Mannerist style, characterised by elongated figures and exaggerated poses.

Sweelink was a member of the Amsterdam Guild of Saint Luke from 1592 to 1612. He was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including the painter Karel van Mander, who praised his skill in painting landscapes and still lifes.

Sweelink's most famous work is The Last Judgment, which is now in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The painting depicts Christ judging the souls of the dead, surrounded by angels and demons. The painting is notable for its dramatic composition and vivid colours.

Sweelink died in 1612 in Amsterdam. His work had a significant influence on Dutch painting in the 17th century, particularly on the work of Rembrandt and his followers.