Cuyp, or KUYP, JACOB GERRITSE, commonly called the Old Cuyp, was born at Dordrecht in 1575. Jacob Cuyp's representation of cows and sheep, battles and encampments, are clever, but his fame rests principally upon his excellent portraits. His colouring is warm and transparent; his manner, free, and spirited. Cuyp was one of the four founders of the Guild of St Luke at Dordrecht, and died after 1649.—ALBERT CUYP, Jacob's son, was also born at Dordrecht, in 1620.
He excelled in the painting of cattle grazing or reposing, moonlights, wintry landscapes, still waters with ships, horse-markets, hunts, camps, and cavalry-fights; and in rendering effects of warm golden sunlight he is without a rival. During his lifetime and long after, Albert's pictures, although in many respects equal to those of Claude, were held in little estimation. Opinion, however, has now changed regarding them, and a fine example of his art has realised over £5000. England is particularly rich in his works, the National Gallery possessing eight of his subjects. He died at Dordrecht, 1691.—BENJAMIN CUYP, a nephew of Albert, was born at Dordrecht in 1608, and became a member of the guild there in 1631. He painted biblical pieces in Rembrandt's style, and familiar scenes of country life. His best works are in the manner of Teniers. His seashores have less repute.