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Jan Ekels the Elder

1724 – 1781

Dutch painter

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About Jan Ekels the Elder

Lived 1724 – 1781 (aged 57). Jan Ekels the Elder was a Dutch painter and draftsperson.

Jan Ekels the Elder (1725–1780) was a Dutch painter of vedute. His pictures are generally of a small size, and are highly finished, with a good effect of light and shade.

He was born near Oude Kerk, Amsterdam at Bierkaai. The family was Catholic, but not much is known about his baptism. His father ran a paint shop; his uncle was an alcoholic. At the age of 28, Ekels became paralyzed, and thereafter was able to perform only light work. He married Maria Abt in 1756 and had his three children baptized in the Mozes en Aäronkerk and in a hidden church in the Kalverstraat.

Jan Wagenaar mentions that Ekels was in training with Jan ten Compe and a pupil of Dirk Dalens, the younger. His work is influenced by Jan van der Heyden. Ekels could not make a living with his vedute of Amsterdam and Maastricht; he earned more as a restorer of paintings. He lived at Herengracht, near De Krijtberg, but died at Kerkstraat, opposite Amstelkerk. Ekels was buried in the Nieuwezijds Kapel. His only pupil was Jan Ekels the Younger.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
Jan Ekels, Jan Ekels (I), Jan (I) Ekels, Jan Eckels, Jan van Ekels, Jan
morethe Elder Ekels, Jan Ekels I, Jan I Ekels, I Ekels

People in Jan Ekels the Elder's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Jan Ekels the Elder's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jan Ekels the Elder?

Dutch painter (1724-1781)

When was Jan Ekels the Elder born?

Jan Ekels the Elder was born on 21 November 1724 in Amsterdam.

When did Jan Ekels the Elder die?

Jan Ekels the Elder died on 22 November 1781 in Amsterdam.

What was Jan Ekels the Elder's occupation?

Jan Ekels the Elder was a painter and draftsperson.

What nationality was Jan Ekels the Elder?

Jan Ekels the Elder was Dutch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jan Ekels the Elder

· Wikidata: Q2314671

· DBpedia: Jan Ekels the Elder

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jan Ekels the Elder. https://biography.guide/jan-ekels-the-elder/

MLA: "Jan Ekels the Elder." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jan-ekels-the-elder/.

Chicago: "Jan Ekels the Elder." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jan-ekels-the-elder/.

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