_Egbert van der Poel_ (Dutch: 1621-1664).
Born at Delft; in 1650 entered as a member of the painter's
guild there; afterwards moved to Rotterdam, where he died.
"Although his name recalls fires especially--never did painter
burn so many houses and farm cottages as Van der Poel--he
painted also small scenes in the style of Ostade, as we see
in his 'Rustic House' in the Louvre, and the 'Interior' in
the Museum of Amsterdam. There are also a few pictures by him
representing still life" (Havard: _The Dutch School_, p. 156).
One of the many views painted by this artist of the explosion of a
powder mill at Delft, October 12, 1654. One might think the mill
exploded specially to be painted, so neatly and in order is everything
represented. In this explosion, a well-known painter, Carel Fabrizius,
lost his life.