Jan van Hemessen

Jan van Hemessen (c. 1500–c. 1566) was a Flemish painter of the Northern Renaissance, renowned for his pioneering role in genre painting as well as his religious and allegorical works. Active in Antwerp, van Hemessen blended the detail of Early Netherlandish tradition with the dynamism of the Italian Renaissance, which he studied during his travels to Italy.

His most famous works include The Prodigal Son (Prado Museum, Madrid), The Surgeon (Antwerp), and The Calling of St. Matthew. Van Hemessen is celebrated for introducing scenes of everyday life into religious narratives, paving the way for later masters like Pieter Bruegel the Elder. His art combined moral storytelling, lively composition, and vivid color, making him one of the most innovative painters of 16th-century Flanders.

At Blue Surf Art, we recreate Jan van Hemessen’s masterpieces as museum-quality, hand-painted oil on canvas reproductions. Each reproduction is crafted with care to capture the expressive detail, narrative richness, and vibrant color of the originals. Perfect for collectors, admirers of Flemish art, or interiors seeking unique Renaissance works, our reproductions bring the artistry of Jan van Hemessen into your home, with worldwide shipping available.