Pieter Jansz Saenredam - Interior of the Church of St Bavo in Haarlem

Pieter Jansz Saenredam (1597–1665) was a Dutch painter who specialised in architectural paintings, especially church interiors. He was born in Assendelft, North Holland, and was the son of a well-known Dutch painter, Jan Pietersz Saenredam. Saenredam is known for his precise and detailed depictions of churches and other buildings, often using a monochrome palette. His paintings are characterised by their meticulous attention to detail and their ability to capture the atmosphere and mood of the space. Saenredam's most famous works include his series of paintings of the Gothic church of St Bavo in Haarlem, which he completed between 1636 and 1648. These paintings are considered some of the finest examples of Dutch Golden Age painting. Saenredam's work had a significant influence on later Dutch painters, especially those who specialised in architectural painting. His legacy can be seen in the works of artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Emanuel de Witte. Saenredam died in Haarlem in 1665, and his work continues to be celebrated for its technical skill and ability to capture the beauty and grandeur of Dutch architecture.