Johannes Klenck was the eldest son[1] of a trader in Russian caviar and studied theology in Leiden. On 24 May 1644 he accepted a post on issues concerning morality. There he introduced debating with the students. In 1648 he was appointed professor of philosophy at the illustrious school of Amsterdam.[2] He taught physics, metaphysics, logic, ethics and politics.
In May 1660, acting on behalf of a consortium of Dutch sugar merchants with plantations in the Caribbean, he offered the Klencke Atlas to the King, hoping to gain favourable trade agreements with Britain.[3][4]
In July 1660, Louis of Nassau arrived in London; his countrymen Simon van Hoorn, curator of the Athenaeum, Michiel van Gogh and the Roman Catholic Joachim Ripperda arrived in November to present to Charles II the Dutch Gift,[5][6] consisting of furniture, a yacht, 24 paintings, and twelve statues to celebrate the Restoration in 1661?[7] The three envoys were assisted by 24 servants and a few clerks [8] when they left Den Briel on 29 October 1660.[9] Klencke, an expert on Grotius, may have accompanied them, to discuss 'unrestricted trade', and the Act of Navigation.[10]
He was made a knight on 19 September 1660.[3][4] In 1669 he left Amsterdam for Paris and London. According to Isaac Vossius, Klencke was silly and insane.[11] In 1672 he died suddenly at Batavia.[12]
