_Quiryn Brekelenham_ (Dutch: 1625-1668).
A native of Zwammerdam near Leyden, in which town he joined the
Guild of St. Luke in 1648. He was a pupil of Gerard Dou, but
did not adopt the high finish of that master; his style may
be called an admixture of that of Dou with that of Rembrandt.
He was a painter of quiet interiors, industrious households,
and kitchen scenes. "Inspired by Rembrandt's teaching, he
placed his figures in a beautiful amber light. They are neither
too graceful nor too striking, but singularly lifelike and
truthful. The scenes in which he delights are always quiet,
modest, and sober in movement and expression. His touch is
free, supple, and soft" (Havard: _The Dutch School_, p. 182).
Some of his best works are in the Ryks Museum at Amsterdam. Our
picture is signed, and dated 1653.