Hendrik van Steenwijk was a Dutch artist born in Amsterdam. He is a descendant of the famous Dutch painter of the 17th century, H. van Steenwijck, who was best known for his paintings of church interiors.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, he started his career as a set designer for the theater, working and living in various places in the Netherlands during that period. During this period, Steenwijk met prominent artists such as Mesdag and Jan Toorop. Toorop and Steenwijk even exhibited together in Haarlem.

He preferred a realistic style in which he depicted sweet scenes. After moving to the province of Zeeland around the turn of the century, Steenwijk devoted his work to nature, creating beach scenes and landscapes in a more impressionistic style.

Hendrik undertook several long journeys that added thematic depth to his work. His stay in Norway, for example, stimulated his interest in Norse mythology.

In 1914 he moved to Haarlem, where he would live for the rest of his life. Deeply involved in local art life, Steenwijk donated paintings at charity events and participated in local exhibitions.

In 1934, just a few years before his death, the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem organized an exhibition dedicated to him.