Cuyp or Kuyp [key], family of Dutch painters of Dordrecht. Jacob Gerritszoon Cuyp, 1594–c.1651, pupil of Abraham Bloemaert, was a portrait and landscape painter. His stepbrother and pupil, Benjamin Cuyp, 1616–52, painted figure compositions and peasant scenes in the style of Rembrandt. Aelbert Cuyp, 1620–91, son and pupil of Jacob, was one of the foremost Dutch landscapists. He first painted still lifes, interiors with figures, and animals but later specialized in the pastoral landscapes for which he is famous. They are characterized by breadth and simplicity of treatment and richness of color and light. Many of his best works are in England. Representative are his Piper with Cows and Promenade (Louvre) and Horseman and Cows in a Meadow (National Gall., London). The Metropolitan Museum contains six landscapes.
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