He was a pupil of
Paulus van Vianen who was known for his
auricular style in silver, so-called for its smooth, ear-like forms. After spending time in
Paris (c. 1615), Lutma came to Amsterdam in 1621 where he got engaged on 31 March 1623 to Mayken Roelants, and on 18 May 1638 to Saera de Bie. He was a friend of
Rembrandt, who later etched a portrait of him. The portrait shown here was painted by
Jacob Adriaensz Backer. Lutma is best known for his choir-panel in the
New Church of Amsterdam. A number of the designs of Lutma were later published in four series of prints, mainly by his sons
Jacob and
Johannes Lutma the Younger, more often known as
Jan Lutma. Jan developed a distinct, if not very influential, technique of
stipple engraving by making dots on the plate with a punch and hammer. The
Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam has several works of Johannes Lutma in its collection: two silver saltcontainers, partially gilded, a silver drinking-bowl and a silver pitcher and bowl with sea-motives. In the Amsterdam neighbourhood
De Pijp, as well as
Schoonhoven, there are streets named after him. ==References==