Gérard de Lairesse

After the death of Rembrandt, the classicist painter Gerard de Lairesse (1649-1711) quickly became one of the most popular paiters in the Dutch Republic. Famous in his time, he was all hut forgotten in the following centuries; this book responds to a growing appreciation of his oeuvre and ideas In offers an accessible introduction -- the first of its kind - to De Lairesse's life and work. paying special attention to the historical and artistic context of the late seventeenth century Dutch Republic. De Lairesse's influence on contemporary artistic conceptions and practice was considerable. After losing his eyesight in 169o he wrote two important works on drawing and painting: The Foundations of Drawing and The Great Book on Painting. He participated in the discussions of the renowned society 'Nil Volentibus Arduum, which wanted to thoroughly reform Dutch literature and theatre. The artist was famous for the stage sets he designed for the Amsterdam City Theatre. The variety of pursuits which made up De Lairesse's career are presented here in colourful detail; a fascinating artist is thus brought to life against the backdrop of his time.