Gerard de Lairesse ( 1641 - 1710)

Dutch Golden Age painter, engraver, draughtsman and art theorist, born in Liège and active principally in Amsterdam. Renowned for his refined classical style, he became one of the most sought-after decorative artists of the late 17th century, producing grand history paintings, ceiling decorations, book illustrations and allegorical compositions. Although he lost his sight in later life, he continued to influence artists through his writings, most notably the influential treatises Grondlegginge ter Teekenkonst (1701) and Het Groot Schilderboek (1707), which remained standard references for academic art well into the 18th century. His engravings and designs influenced a number of other European artists.