Metsu or Metzu, Gabriel [key], 1630?–1667, Dutch genre painter, b. Leiden. In 1657 he moved to Amsterdam, where he remained for the rest of his life. In his youth he painted biblical subjects, such as Woman Taken in Adultery (Louvre), which show Rembrandt's influence. His true gift was for genre, and he is best known for his quiet, charming interiors that reveal the influence of Dou, his teacher. His work is distinguished by fine draftsmanship and exquisite handling of light and texture. Among his well-known works are Music Lesson (The Hague); Duet (National Gall., London); Mother with a Sick Child (c.1660, Amsterdam); Music Lesson, Visit to the Nursery, and Tavern Scene (all: Metropolitan Mus.).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: European Art, 1600 to the Present: Biographies
