_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.