(b Cleve, Germany, 25 Jan. 1615; d Amsterdam, 2 Feb. 1660). Dutch painter, active mainly in Amsterdam. He studied with Rembrandt from about 1633 to 1636, and his early work, including portraits, religious subjects, and landscapes, was overwhelmingly influenced by his master (several of his paintings have indeed at some time been assigned to Rembrandt). From the mid-1640s, however, Flinck adopted the elegant style of van der Helst, with which he had great success. In 1659 he was awarded the most prestigious commission given to any Dutch painter of his time: he was asked to paint twelve pictures for van Campen's new town hall in Amsterdam, eight of which (each about 5 m (16 ft) high) were to represent the story of the Revolt of the Batavians. However, Flinck died suddenly three months after signing the contract and the commission was divided among Rembrandt, Lievens, and Jordaens.