Willem de Keyser
Encyclopedia
Willem de Keyser or De Keysar was born at Antwerp about the year 1647. He was brought up as a jeweller, in which profession he became very eminent, but having been well educated, and taught to draw, he had a strong inclination for painting, and employed all his leisure hours in practising in miniature
, enamel
, and oil-colours. Having painted some altar-pieces at Antwerp, his business called him to Dunkirk, where he painted a picture, for the chapel of the English nuns, who were so pleased with it, that they persuaded De Keyser to go to England, and gave him letters of recommendation to Lord Melfort
, then in favour with James II
. The enthusiastic painter could not resist the proposal; he embarked on board an English vessel, and, unknown to his wife or family, sailed for England. His reception was equal to his wishes. He was introduced to the king, who promised to countenance him, and several persons of rank, who had known him at Antwerp, encouraged him in his new vocation.
Transported with this prospect he sent for his wife, ordering her to dismiss his workmen, and convert his effects into money. Within half a year the bubble burst; the Revolution
happened, De Keyser's friends could no longer be his protectors, his business decreased, and the pursuit nf the philosopher's stone
, to which he had recourse in his despair, completed his ruin. He died at the age of forty-five, about the year 1692. He left a daughter, whom he had taken great pains to instruct, and with success. She painted small portraits in oil, and copied well.
Portrait miniature
A portrait miniature is a miniature portrait painting, usually executed in gouache, watercolour, or enamel.Portrait miniatures began to flourish in 16th century Europe and the art was practiced during the 17th century and 18th century...
, enamel
Vitreous enamel
Vitreous enamel, also porcelain enamel in U.S. English, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C...
, and oil-colours. Having painted some altar-pieces at Antwerp, his business called him to Dunkirk, where he painted a picture, for the chapel of the English nuns, who were so pleased with it, that they persuaded De Keyser to go to England, and gave him letters of recommendation to Lord Melfort
John Drummond, 1st Earl of Melfort
John Drummond, 1st Earl and titular 1st Duke of Melfort KG KT PC was a Scottish nobleman.He joined the army and was captain of the Scottish Footguards in 1673. He secured the post of deputy governor of Edinburgh Castle in 1679, followed by Lieutenant-General and Master of the Ordnance in 1680...
, then in favour with James II
James II of England
James II & VII was King of England and King of Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII, from 6 February 1685. He was the last Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland...
. The enthusiastic painter could not resist the proposal; he embarked on board an English vessel, and, unknown to his wife or family, sailed for England. His reception was equal to his wishes. He was introduced to the king, who promised to countenance him, and several persons of rank, who had known him at Antwerp, encouraged him in his new vocation.
Transported with this prospect he sent for his wife, ordering her to dismiss his workmen, and convert his effects into money. Within half a year the bubble burst; the Revolution
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution, also called the Revolution of 1688, is the overthrow of King James II of England by a union of English Parliamentarians with the Dutch stadtholder William III of Orange-Nassau...
happened, De Keyser's friends could no longer be his protectors, his business decreased, and the pursuit nf the philosopher's stone
Philosopher's stone
The philosopher's stone is a legendary alchemical substance said to be capable of turning base metals into gold or silver. It was also sometimes believed to be an elixir of life, useful for rejuvenation and possibly for achieving immortality. For many centuries, it was the most sought-after goal...
, to which he had recourse in his despair, completed his ruin. He died at the age of forty-five, about the year 1692. He left a daughter, whom he had taken great pains to instruct, and with success. She painted small portraits in oil, and copied well.