(c1699 - 1749)
Joseph van Aken is first known to have practised in Antwerp, where he was probably born. In about 1720 he moved to London with his brothers, Arnold and Alexander, also painters. In London Aken initially produced conversation pieces and crowd scenes, before later specialising in painting drapery for portrait painters, including Hudson and Ramsay. He was so successful in this role that he was able to purchase works by other artists, such as Rembrandt’s ‘Entombment’ and three models by Michael Rysbrack. In 1748, Aken visited the leading painters of Paris, Flanders and the northern Netherlands during a trip with several fellow artists, including Hudson and Cheere. He died in London the following year, leaving a wife but no children.
