Jacobus van Looy (Haarlem, 1855 – Haarlem, 1930) was a Dutch painter, draughtsman and author. He attended the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten (‘National Academy of Visual Arts’) in Amsterdam, where he was taught by August Allebé. In 1884 the artist won the Prix de Rome, but had to share the prize with Jan Dunselman because the jury were unable to choose just one winner. The prize enabled Jacobus van Looy to take a study trip to Italy, Spain and Tangier (Morocco). He also travelled to, among others, London, Paris and Berlin. When in the Netherlands, he spent most of his time in Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Jacobus van Looy’s work consists mainly of landscapes, still lifes and animal scenes. The Frans Hals Museum manages his extensive legacy, which is owned by the Jacobus van Looy Foundation.