Michiel Jansz van Mirevelt (Dutch: 1567-1641).
Mirevelt (or Miereveld) was the son of an engraver on precious metals at Delft, and was trained as an engraver. He afterwards entered the studio of Blocklandt at Utrecht, and devoted himself to historical painting, still-life, and other subjects. Presently he painted the portraits of some of the princes of the House of Nassau, and these were so much admired that he came into continuous request in that branch of art. Sandrart relates that Mirevelt claimed to have painted nearly 10,000 portraits; doubtless an exaggeration, but "it may be said that it was he who made the custom of having portraits painted general in the United Provinces. His painting, thin, clean finished, and rather cold, was intended to please his elegant clients" (Havard).
This lady's stomacher embroidered with rows of pearls and pleated lace ruff are finely painted.
2293. HOLY FAMILY.
Ascribed to Luca Penni (Roman: born about 1500).
One of the scholars and assistants of Raphael; after whose death Penni is said to have attached himself to Perino del Vaga. Subsequently he became an engraver.
2294. PORTRAIT OF GALILEO.
Passignano (Florentine: 1558-1638).
Domenico Cresti, called Il Passignano from his native place, a village near Florence, was a pupil of Zuccaro. Moving to Venice, he studied for a while under Paolo Veronese, whose works he greatly admired and whose manner he followed. His facility and rapidity caused a play upon his surname, and he was called "Passa ognuno."
The great astronomer (1564-1642) is represented with astrolabe, books, diagram, and compasses.