JANSSEN, or Jansen (sometimes Johnson), Cornelius (1590-1665), painter, was bornât Amsterdam about 1590. About 1618 he went to England, where he was patronized by James I. and the court. Under Charles I. he continued to paint the numerous portraits which adorn very many of the mansions and collections of England; but in 1648, after the outbreak of civil war, he retired to Holland, where his brush was busy till his death in 1665. Janssen’s pictures, chiefly portraits, are distinguished by clear colouring, delicate touch, good taste, and careful finish. He generally painted upon panel, and often worked on a small scale, sometimes producing replicas of his larger works. A characteristic of his style is the very dark background, which throws the carnations of his portraits into rounded relief.

JANSSENS, or Jansens, van Nuyssen, Abraham (1567-1632), painter, was born at Antwerp in 1567. He studied under Jan Snellinck, was a “master” in 1602, and in 1607 was dean of the master-painters. Till the appearance of Rubens he was considered perhaps the best historical painter of his time. The styles of the two artists are not unlike. In correctness of drawing Janssens excelled his great contemporary; in bold composition and in treatment of the nude he equalled him: but in faculty of colour and in general freedom of disposition and touch he fell far short. A master of chiaroscuro, he gratified his taste for strong contrasts of light and shade in his torchlights and similar effects. Good examples of this master are to be seen in the Antwerp museum and the Vienna gallery. The stories of his jealousy of Rubens and of his dissolute life are quite unfounded. He died at Antwerp in 1632....