Gerard Dou (Dutch: Gerard Dou, also Dutch: Gerrit Douw, April 7, 1613, Leiden – February 9, 1675, ibid.) was a Dutch artist, one of the “Little Dutchmen”.

Gerard Dou (1613-1675) was born in the Dutch city of Leiden to a family of a glass workshop owner. Gerard learned to draw from the glass carver Bartholomew Dolendo and the glass painter Peter Kouwhoorn.

From 1628 to 1631, Gerard studied with Rembrandt, completely submitting to his requirements for the accuracy of drawing details, painting technique, and the relationship between light and shadow.

In 1648, Dou founded his own art school.
In Dou’s works, unique features are clearly visible, allowing us to unmistakably classify his works as paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, the period 1568-1648.

Firstly, the subject matter – the so-called genre of everyday life, i.e. scenes of everyday life of the inhabitants of Holland in the 17th century. Secondly, the characteristic chiaroscuro, the presence of which had a strong influence on the entire theme of the painting and, in combination with the painting technology called “trompe l’oeil”, created a certain three-dimensional effect of objects and human figures. For example, in the self-portrait in the window, the illusion is created that the human figure protrudes beyond the boundaries of the painting. And finally, the small details of the paintings, which the artist depicted with incredible precision and often under a magnifying glass.

Gerard Dou died on February 9, 1675.
During his lifetime, the artist’s works were highly valued and in great demand. Gerard Dou was known throughout Europe and was even invited to a personal audience with the King of England, Charles II.
Despite his high popularity, the artist was forgotten soon after his death. Only in the 1970s was he “discovered” again and active study of his legacy began.

From 2006 to 2014, 14 works by Gerard Dou were sold at Sotbey’s auctions. Including:
– A Bearded Old Man (1665-1670) – $1.248 million (01/26/2006)
– Young Girl With a Perroquet in a Niche (1670) – $628.0 thousand (06/08/2007)
– Woman Eating Porridge (1632-1637) – $5.3465 million (01/27/2011);