The Life and Family of Daniel Hendrickson
Daniel Hendrickson was born on January 5, 1723. He was the son of Daniel Hendricksen and Triinke Van Diik. His name appeared in his father's will on 16 November 1727, when he was still a young child. His life was tied to the local community and the family lines of the region.
On 22 Dec 1743, Daniel Hendrickson married Catarina Couwenhoven. She was the daughter of Cornelis Willemszen Van Kouwenhoven and Margaretta Roelofse Schenck. This union joined two established families. He lived through much of the mid-18th century, leaving behind a legacy tied to his kin and his home.
The end of his life came on March 24, 1788. He was 65 years, 5 months, and 19 days old at the time of his death. His passing marked the close of a long life spent within the social and familial structures of his era.
Key Works and Artistic Contributions
The work of Daniel Hendrickson is found in the quiet, functional objects of the mid-18th century. His hand is seen in three-dimensional pieces that belong to the tradition of primitive and folk painters. One such piece is a door from the Cornelius Couwenhoven House, a work that speaks to the practicalities of colonial life. These objects carry the weight of their era, shaped by the hands of someone working within the domestic and local landscape.
His contribution to portraiture is marked by a specific likeness. He is attributed with the oil on canvas portrait of Catharine Hendrickson of New Jersey, created about 1770. This work captures a member of his own family, rendered with the directness typical of the period. The painting remains a notable example of how personal history and visual record intersect in the colonial era.
Where to See the Works Today
Pieces by Daniel Hendrickson can be found within the collections of the Folk Art Museum. His contributions are held as part of the Three Dimensional Works collection, reflecting a tactile presence that moves beyond the flat surface of a canvas. Visitors looking for specific highlights can find his work featured in the eMuseum Collection Highlights.
One particular object preserved in the museum is a door from the Cornelius Couwenhoven House. This piece offers a look at the functional, physical side of his output from the mid-18th century. It remains a tangible link to the domestic life of Pleasant Valley.
