Jan Palthe (1717–1769)

Jan Palthe (1717–1769) was a Dutch painter, primarily known for portraiture and genre scenes. Born in Leiden, he received his artistic training from various masters and became a successful artist in his own right. He is documented as having been active in Leiden, where he registered as a member of the Leiden Guild of Saint Luke.

Palthe's portraits are characterized by their attention to detail and realistic depictions of his subjects. His genre paintings often depicted scenes of everyday life, providing insights into Dutch society during the 18th century. While not as widely renowned as some of his contemporaries, his works are held in various museum collections and private collections. His legacy lies in his contribution to Dutch painting of the period, offering valuable visual records of the people and customs of his time. He should not be confused with later members of the Palthe family, some of whom also became known in the arts.