Jan Jansz. Dou (1613–1675), also known as Gerrit Dou, was a leading Dutch Golden Age painter renowned for his exquisitely detailed genre scenes and portraits. Born in Leiden, he trained under Rembrandt from 1628 to 1631, developing a meticulous technique characterized by finely rendered surfaces and delicate light effects. Dou was a master of “fijnschilders” (fine painters), creating small-scale works that combined realism with elegance. His subjects often included domestic scenes, women engaged in everyday activities, and portraiture, demonstrated with rich textures and intricate detail. Dou achieved great success and international acclaim during his lifetime, influencing generations of artists and founding a celebrated school of painting. His works were highly sought after and remain prized for their technical perfection and intimate charm.
