RKD Netherland Institute for art History
Cornelis Kruseman was an interpreter of religious, historical and genre scenes and was held in high esteem by the Dutch Royal Court for his skills as a portrait painter and by collectors both at home and abroad. During a study trip to Italy he became acquainted with paintings by Rafaël (1483-1520) and Michelangelo (1475-1564). These experiences and his encounters with leading contemporary artists in Brussels and Paris had a great influence on his style, which is nowadays termed post-classicism.
Kruseman exhibited from 1814 to 1857 in the Exhibition of Works by Modern Masters which was held in the larger cities of the Netherlands. His paintings were also shown at the Salons in Antwerp, Brussels and Paris. His painting oeuvre is estimated to contain around 200 portraits and approximately 100 historical, religious and genre scenes.