Figuurstudie

1632

In Amsterdam

The inscription on a study of a head proves that in 1632 he was in Amsterdam, where he possibly studied under Willem Cornelisz Duyster or Pieter Codde.

1633

Studies with Pieter de Molijn in Haarlem

In 1633 (other accounts say 1634) he goes to Haarlem to study under the landscape painter Pieter de Molijn and studies the art of Frans Hals; the training takes two years.

1635

Master of the Haarlem Guild of St Luke

Having completed his training, in 1635 he is made a master of the Haarlem Guild of St Luke, which gives him the right to sign his own works; his first surviving painting dates from the same year.

summer 1635

In London with his engraver uncle

In the summer of 1635 he goes to London to his uncle Robert van Voerst, a successful copper engraver, and meets the outstanding portraitist Anthony van Dyck.

1636–1643

Journeys through Italy, Spain and France

According to the biographer Arnold Houbraken, in 1636–1643 he travels through Italy, Spain, France and the Southern Netherlands; in Madrid he paints a portrait of Philip IV (not preserved) and comes under the influence of Velázquez. Other accounts say he was invited to Madrid later, where Philip IV gave him employment and a knighthood, but an intrigue forced him to return to the Netherlands.