The Reijnst family was a family of soldiers and politicians in the Dutch Republic. Their surname was also spelled Reynst or Rijnst. The family played an important role in the Dutch East India Company, the Navy, Amsterdam government and as Art collectors. The family owned the Reynst collection from which the Dutch Gift came.
The origins of the family can be found in the 15th century when they were merchants in the city of Amsterdam. After the Alteratie of Amsterdam (1578) the Reynst came into government where the family achieved huge influence and prestige during the Golden Age period. J.C. Reijnst (1798-1871) was given noble status and the rank of jonkheer or jonkvrouw in 1840. This branch became extinct in 1972. Today there are still family members from a non-ennobled branch.