JANSSENS or JANSENS, VAN NUYSSEN, ABRA HAM (c. 1575-1632), Flemish painter, was born at Antwerp. He studied under Jan Snellinck, was a "master" in 1601, and in 1607 was dean of the master-painters. Till the appearance of Rubens he was considered the best historical painter of his time. Jans sens excelled in correctness of drawing, in bold composition and in treatment of the nude. A master of chiaroscuro, he gratified his
taste for strong contrasts of light and shade in his torchlights and similar effects. Good examples of this master are to be seen in the Antwerp museum and the Vienna gallery. The stories of his jealousy of Rubens and of his dissolute life are unfounded. He died at Antwerp in 1632.