Potter, Paul or Paulus, 1625–54, Dutch animal and landscape painter and etcher. In The Hague he enjoyed the patronage of the prince of Nassau, for whom he painted the celebrated life-sized Young Bull (1647; Mauritshuis, The Hague). He moved to Amsterdam in 1652. In his brief life Potter painted over 175 pictures, considered the finest animal paintings of the Dutch school. He was also able to render landscape with a sensitive feeling for atmosphere. His works are to be seen in many important European collections. Well-known examples are Bear Hunt and Shepherds with Their Flocks (Rijksmus.), Landscape with Cattle (National Gall., London), and Meadow with Oxen (Louvre). His etchings of animals are characterized by the same simplicity and naturalism as his paintings.
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