Jan Heyse was born in Zierikzee in 1882. His father, Johan Hermann Christian Heyse, was a former Lutheran minister and member of the Provincial Executive of Zeeland. In 1892, the family moved to a large house on the Lange Delft in Middelburg. Heyse started drawing at an early age and studied at the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam from 1899, where his classmates included Jan Sluijters. In 1904, he returned to his parents, who were now living in the house 'Het Witte Hardt' on the Rouaansekaai.
During an exhibition of Flemish Primitives and Old Art in Bruges in 1902, Heyse probably found his own direction in art. Inspired by Hans Memling (1430-1494), he started painting Madonnas, but in traditional Zeeland costume. These Madonnas express motherly love rather than a religious interpretation. His work is characterized by a search for purity and simplicity, which gives his paintings an almost mystical appearance.
After his father's death in 1913, Heyse inherited enough to live a sober life and devote himself entirely to painting. In the same year, he married Miesje Visser from Middelburg and the couple settled in Veere, in the house 'De Kolve' on the Markt. Heyse was described as a withdrawn and sensitive person, who kept himself aloof from the artistic world in Veere and Domburg.
Heyse's oeuvre includes refined figures, landscapes and village views that radiate pure beauty. His work seems to fit within symbolism, especially because of the way in which he manages to give everyday life in Zeeland a religious content.
In addition to paintings, Heyse also made a lot of graphic work and illustrations. His fine, modest and often decorative drawing style led to him being invited to make illustrations for, among others, the Zeeuws Prentenboek and the Hollandsch Liederboek.
Jan Heyse died in 1954 in Veere. His work is still appreciated and occasionally offered at auctions.
