Metsu, Gabriel (1629-1667)

Dutch painter. He settled at Amsterdam as a painter of genre pictures, specializing in interiors and scenes from well-to-do Dutch family life, and sometimes attempting to emulate Vermeer. One of his best-known works is The Sick Child (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam).

Born in Leiden, he was a pupil of Gerard Dou, who was the dominant influence on his early work. He moved to Amsterdam in 1655 and was influenced by Rembrandt's warm colouring and his use of contrasts of light and dark. He was later influenced by the interiors of De Hooch, Steen, Terborch, and Vermeer. His works include The Duet and Music Lesson (National Gallery, London).