Keyser, Hendrick de (1565–1621)

Dutch architect and sculptor. In architecture he is remembered as one of the founders of 17th-century Dutch classicism, and in sculpture as an important Dutch Mannerist. He was appointed city sculptor and architect of Amsterdam in 1594. His major buildings include the Zuiderkerk, the Westerkerk, and the exchange, all in Amsterdam, and Leyden town hall. His sculptures include the tomb of William the Silent in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft.

Keyser was also the most significant Dutch sculptor of the early 17th century, working in a style loosely derived from Italian Mannerism. He produced numerous small bronzes and pieces of architectural sculpture. His chief sculptural work, the tomb of William the Silent in the Nieuwe Kerk at Delft, was commissioned in 1614 but was not complete by the time of his own death.

The son of a cabinet maker, Keyser studied in his native Utrecht under Cornelis Bloemaert. In London in 1607 he met the English sculptor Nicholas Stone, who became his assistant and son-in-law.