_Gerhard van den Eeckhout_ (Dutch: 1621-1674).
This painter, the son of a goldsmith at Amsterdam, was one
of the first to enter Rembrandt's school. He was a favourite
pupil, and lived in close intimacy with the master. His
biblical subjects--examples of which are at the Louvre, the
Hague, and Amsterdam--were painted in close imitation of
Rembrandt. He owed to his master not only his subjects, but
their figures, costumes, and attitudes; he could not, however,
borrow Rembrandt's warmth and intensity. His portraits are more
successful.
A group of the four chiefs of the Wine Guild of Amsterdam seated in
conversation over some deeds. The picture is signed, and dated 1657.