Johannes Frederik Hulk artwork • painting • previously for sale Sailing vessels in a city harbour

Johannes Frederik Hulk Sr., member of the famous 19th-century artist family and youngest child of founding father Hendrik Hulk, was destined to succeed his father in the merchant trade. But he drew from an early age and asked his brother Abraham to teach him. Abraham wanted that on the condition that Johannes would not paint seascapes, after all, that was his specialization. Johannes kept the agreement and focused on cityscapes. He received his painting training, in addition to that of his brother, at the Royal Academy in Amsterdam and from Kaspar Karsen, known for his cityscapes. Hulk was a member of the artists' society 'Arti et Amicitiae' in Amsterdam and taught, among others, his son John and J.B. de Hoog. From 1855 to 1882 he had a business selling drawing, painting and office supplies and a photographic studio in Rokin, Amsterdam, called 'De Rembrandt'. He was one of the first to take portrait photos and photograph the city of Amsterdam. He loved hunting, fishing and sailing and, with his son John Jr., was one of the founders of the Sailing Club 'Het IJ' in Amsterdam.