He was the brother of Pieter Steenwijck, also a still-life painter. His father was Evert Hamenz who was an eyeglass maker. In 1628 he moved to Leiden to live and study with his uncle.
He was the sibling of Pieter Steenwijck, another still-life artist. His father was Evert Hamenz, who crafted eyeglasses. In 1628 he relocated to Leiden to reside and learn from his uncle.