DOUW (or Dow), GERRIT (GRRARD) (1613-1675), Dutch painter, was born at Leyden on April 7, 1613. His first instructor was Bartholomew Dolendo, an engraver ; and he afterwards learned the art of glass-painting under Peter Couwenhorn. In 1628 he became a pupil of Rembrandt, from whom he acquired his skill in colouring, and in the more subtle effects of lighting ; and the style of Rembrandt is reflected in several of his earlier pictures, notably in a portrait of himself at the age of 22, in the Bridge water House gallery, London, and in the "Blind Tobit going to meet his Son," at Wardour castle, Wiltshire, England. His more mature manner was in some respects antagonistic to that of his master. He cultivated a minute treatment of his subjects, but notwithstanding his meticulous style, the general effect was har monious and free from stiffness, and his colour was always ad mirably fresh and transparent. He was fond of representing subjects in lantern or candle light, the effects of which he re produced with a fidelity and skill which no other master has equalled. He frequently painted by the aid of a concave mirror, and to obtain exactness looked at his subject through a frame crossed with squares of silk thread. His practice as a portrait painter, which was at first considerable, gradually declined, sitters being unwilling to give him the time that he thought necessary. His pictures were always small in size, and represented chiefly subjects in still life. Upwards of 200 are attributed to him, and specimens are to be found in most of the great public collections of Europe. Among his more famous works are : the "Woman sick of the Dropsy," in the Louvre, the "Evening School," in the Amsterdam gallery; the "Poulterer's Shop," and a portrait of himself in the National Gallery, London. Douw's pictures brought high prices, and it is said that President Van Spiring of The Hague paid him 1,00o florins a year simply for the right of pre-emption. Douw died in Leyden in Feb. 1675. His most celebrated pupil was Francis Mieris.
See W. Martin, Het (even en de z.verken van Gerrit Douw