Tell me a bio of Aert van der Neer.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Aert van der Neer was a Dutch painter, primarily known for his landscapes and seascapes. He was born in 1603 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and died in 1677 in Amsterdam.

**Early Life and Training**

Aert van der Neer was the son of a painter, Jan van der Neer, who was a painter of small, detailed scenes. Aert's early life and training are not well-documented, but it is believed that he learned the art of painting from his father.

**Career**

Van der Neer's career as a painter spanned over four decades, during which he developed a unique style that focused on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes. He was particularly known for his paintings of moonlit scenes, which were highly popular during the 17th century.

**Style and Influences**

Van der Neer's style was characterized by his use of soft, feathery brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes. He was influenced by the works of the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt and Hals, and was also influenced by the Italian landscape painters of the Renaissance.

**Achievements**

Van der Neer's achievements as a painter include his ability to capture the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes, which was a new and innovative approach at the time. He was also known for his ability to create highly detailed and realistic paintings, which were highly prized by collectors during the 17th century.

**Impact**

Van der Neer's impact on the development of landscape painting in the Netherlands was significant. His use of soft, feathery brushstrokes and his focus on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes influenced a generation of Dutch landscape painters, including Meindert Hobbema and Jacob van Ruisdael.

**Legacy**

Today, Van der Neer's paintings are highly prized by collectors and museums around the world. His works can be found in the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the National Gallery in London, among others.

In conclusion, Aert van der Neer was a highly influential Dutch painter who made significant contributions to the development of landscape painting in the Netherlands. His unique style, which focused on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in his landscapes, influenced a generation of Dutch landscape painters and continues to be celebrated by art lovers around the world.
Aert van der Neer was a Dutch painter, active during the 17th century, particularly known for his landscapes and nocturnal scenes. Born around 1603 or 1604, in Gelderland, Netherlands, van der Neer was the son of a miller and initially worked as a painter in Flanders and the southern Netherlands. However, in the early 1630s, he moved to Amsterdam, establishing himself as a successful artist of landscapes and nocturnal scenes.

**Career and Style**

Van der Neer's style was heavily influenced by his contemporaries, including Meindert Hobbema and Jacob van Ruisdael, who were known for their realistic depictions of landscapes. He specialized in painting tranquil, moonlit scenes of rivers, canals, and forests. His technique often featured bold, expressive brushstrokes, conveying a sense of atmosphere and mood. 

**Achievements and Impact**

Van der Neer's paintings were renowned for their captivating and dreamlike quality. He was a respected artist among his peers, and his work influenced later generations of Dutch landscape painters. Some of his notable paintings include "The Milky Way" and "Moonlight Scene with Trees and a Bridge." His work is now held in high esteem by art historians and collectors.

**Notable Facts**

- Aert van der Neer passed away on April 14, 1677, at the age of 73.
- During his career, he was involved in a scandal related to the theft of a fresco he had painted. This event sparked a lengthy trial, showcasing the friction between local authorities and artists.
- Van der Neer was a signatory to the Confrerie Pictura, an artists' guild in Amsterdam.
- He also created a large number of etchings and drawings, many of which feature landscapes and figures.

**Influence on Later Art**

Van der Neer's work significantly influenced the next generation of Dutch landscape artists, including artists like Willem Kalf and Gerard ter Borch. His innovative use of light and atmosphere paved the way for later artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelite movement, to experiment with nocturnal and dreamlike landscapes.

Overall, Aert van der Neer was an influential Dutch painter who expanded the landscape genre with his captivating nocturnal scenes. His contributions have left a lasting legacy in the art world.