Thomas Van Alstyne (1688-1765)

1721

Oil on canvas

Overall: 39 1/4 in. × 30 in. (99.7 × 76.2 cm)
Framed: 46 × 36 1/2 in. (116.8 × 92.7 cm)

Gift of Brigadier General and Mrs. John Ross Delafield

1930.6

The first of the Van Alstynes in America was Jan Martense Van Alstyne who was in New Amsterdam as early as 1646; he acquired a large tract of land around Kinderhook, south of Albany. His son, Lambert Janse Van Alstyne, immigrated from Holland in 1665 and bought land adjoining his father's property. Thomas Van Alstyne, the son of Lambert Janse, inherited his father's lands when he was fifteen years old and became a prominent figure in the Dutch community of the upper Hudson.

Markingsinscription: lower left: "AEtatis Sua: 33/1721" inscription: on back of canvas: "Thomas Van Alstyne of Kinderhook, N.Y. / Born 1688--Died 1765. Son of Lambert Van Alstyne"

ClassificationsPAINTINGS