Gerrit Dou

Gerrit Dou (1613-1675), also called Gerard Dou, was the son of a glass engraver who learned to engrave and to paint glass. In 1628 he became an apprentice pupil of Rembrandt. Here Dou was introduced to the art of chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and shade which became his speciality. In particular, he became famous for his candlelit scenes. Dou’s genre paintings were also very popular. His meticulous style was highly influential. His pupil Frans van Mieris was one of his followers. In 1665, Dou exhibited his work in a one-man exhibition which was held at the home of artist Johannes Hannot, featuring 27 of his paintings. Dou enjoyed an international reputation, although he never left Leiden.