Gabriel Metsu

This book has been published for the exhibition, Gabriel Metsu: Rediscovered Master of the Dutch Golden Age which features works from all phases of the artist's career, including a number of recently discovered and restored works. It pays homage to his engaging genre scenes which vary from musical companies and amorous encounters, to revellers, street traders and kitchen maids. Examples of Metsu's lesser known yet wonderfully accomplished achievements in the fields of religious painting, portraiture and still life are also highlighted. The works in the exhibition are drawn from public and private collections around the world.

Born in Leiden in 1629, Metsu was, like his contemporary Johannes Vermeer, one of the most important painters of his age. Despite his untimely death at the age of 37,