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Gerrit Dou Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Gerrit Dou our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Gerrit Dou · 1613 – 1675

Old Woman Reading a Bible

1630 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 71 x 56 cm

Admire Gerrit Dou’s ‘Old Woman Reading a Bible,’ a stunning Baroque portrait of quiet contemplation. Explore this 1630 masterpiece's rich details & symbolism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26356 × 71 cm Commission at original size

The Silver Ewer

1663 · The Louvre, Paris · original 102 x 82 cm

Admire Gerrit Dou’s ‘The Silver Ewer,’ a Baroque masterpiece showcasing exquisite detail and dramatic chiaroscuro. Explore a stunning reproduction at ArtsDot.com & discover the legacy of Leiden's finest painter.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$39282 × 102 cm Commission at original size

English The Moneylender Français Le peseur d'or

1664 · The Louvre, Paris · original 29 x 23 cm

Experience Gerrit Dou's 'The Moneylender,' a captivating Dutch Golden Age painting of an old man at his table. A masterpiece of chiaroscuro and detail, showcasing Dou’s skill & artistry.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Fisherman's Wife

1653 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 23 x 17 cm

Experience the luminous detail of Gerrit Dou's 17th-century Dutch Golden Age realism, capturing quiet scholarly moments bathed in candlelight; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait

1640 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 48 x 37 cm

Experience Baroque reflection with Gerrit Dou's meticulous self-portrait, showcasing masterful chiaroscuro of the Dutch Golden Age; discover this luminous piece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19837 × 48 cm Commission at original size

Self-Portrait

1640 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 48 x 37 cm

Gerrit Dou’s 1640 ‘Self-Portrait’ is a stunning Baroque oil painting showcasing dramatic chiaroscuro & rich textures. Explore this intimate Dutch Golden Age masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19837 × 48 cm Commission at original size

The Physician

1653 · Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna · original 49 x 37 cm

Gerrit Dou (1613-1675) was a prolific painter known for his ‘fijnschilder’ style—genre scenes and trompe l'oeil niche paintings. He mastered chiaroscuro, achieving luminous effects.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24937 × 49 cm Commission at original size

The Night School

1660 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 74 x 64 cm

Discover "The Night School" by Gerrit Dou (1660). A dramatic Baroque masterpiece featuring candlelight, chiaroscuro & a family of scholars. Explore this exquisite Dutch Golden Age painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38564 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Reading the Bible

1645 · The Louvre, Paris · original 60 x 46 cm

Gerrit Dou's "Reading the Bible" (1645) captures a serene moment of faith and contemplation, showcasing his masterful use of light and detail in this Dutch Golden Age portrait.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22746 × 60 cm Commission at original size

An Evening School

1655 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 25 x 23 cm

Experience Gerrit Dou's 'An Evening School,' a captivating Dutch Golden Age painting of an illuminated night scene featuring scholars and candlelight, showcasing masterful chiaroscuro and detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25030 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Woman Pouring Water into a Jar

1640 · The Louvre, Paris · original 36 x 27 cm

Experience the luminous detail of Gerrit Dou's 17th-century Leiden fijnschilder style in this tranquil scene of domestic life; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait

1665 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 49 x 39 cm

Discover Gerrit Dou’s ‘Self-Portrait,’ a captivating Baroque masterpiece showcasing masterful chiaroscuro and intricate detail. Explore the artist's unique style & technique in this stunning 1665 painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20239 × 49 cm Commission at original size

Heraklith

1632 · Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg · original 61 x 51 cm

Admire 'Heraklith' by Gerrit Dou (1632), a captivating portrait of an elderly scholar in oil on canvas. Explore its realism, chiaroscuro & symbolic depth – a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23851 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of a Couple in a Landscape

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 76 x 63 cm

Admire Gerrit Dou's 'Portrait of a Couple,' a stunning Dutch Golden Age painting showcasing refined elegance and masterful detail. Explore the rich colors, intricate textures, and serene composition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31263 × 76 cm Commission at original size

The Dropsical Woman

1663 · The Louvre, Paris · original 86 x 67 cm

Gerrit Dou’s "The Dropsical Woman" (1663) – a haunting Baroque masterpiece. Explore this Dutch Golden Age oil painting's rich detail, dramatic lighting & poignant symbolism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36567 × 86 cm Commission at original size

Woman Pouring Water into a Jar

1640 · The Louvre, Paris · original 36 x 27 cm

Experience Gerrit Dou's 'Woman Pouring Water,' a captivating Baroque masterpiece depicting domesticity and light. A stunning oil painting from 1640, rich with detail and emotion.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Young Mother

1658 · Mauritshuis, The Hague · original 74 x 56 cm

Experience 'The Young Mother' by Gerrit Dou – a captivating Dutch Golden Age portrait of tender motherhood. Hand-painted reproduction captures the artist’s masterful chiaroscuro and meticulous detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26856 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Untitled (AQQJ9Q)

2011 · Alte Pinakothek, Munich

A captivating Dutch Golden Age painting by Gerrit Dou depicts an elderly woman receiving thanks before a simple meal, rendered with exquisite detail and dramatic chiaroscuro lighting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The Night School (detail)

1660 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Discover Gerrit Dou's "The Night School" (1660). A Baroque masterpiece showcasing dramatic lighting and intimate scenes of scholarly pursuits, housed at the Rijksmuseum.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The Young Mother

1655 · Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin · original 49 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19937 × 49 cm Commission at original size

The Night School

1660 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 74 x 64 cm

Gerrit Dou, born in Leiden in 1613, died in 1675, was a prolific painter of the Dutch Golden Age renowned for his meticulous genre scenes and trompe l'oeil 'niche' paintings. His signature style combined realism with illusionistic techniques.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38564 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of an old woman reading

1635 · original 71 x 56 cm

Discover Gerrit Dou’s ‘Portrait of an Old Woman Reading.’ A meticulously detailed 1635 oil painting showcasing Baroque light & wisdom. Explore this Dutch Golden Age masterpiece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26356 × 71 cm Commission at original size

Trumpet-Player in front of a Banquet

1660 · The Louvre, Paris · original 38 x 29 cm

This artwork showcases Gerrit Dou’s exceptional skill in capturing the atmosphere of a lavish banquet with a single trumpeter illuminated by candlelight. Executed around 1665, it exemplifies Dou's signature style—characterized by meticulous detail and dramatic chiaroscuro—and is housed in the Louvre Museum.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$17829 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Extraction of Tooth

1630 · The Louvre, Paris · original 32 x 26 cm

Gerrit Dou (1613-1675) was a prolific painter in the Dutch Golden Age, renowned for his 'fijnschilder' style—characterized by meticulous genre scenes and masterful use of light. He studied under Rembrandt and achieved fame as a master of chiaroscuro.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Fisherman's Wife

1653 · Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · original 23 x 17 cm

Experience Gerrit Dou's 'A Fisherman’s Wife' (1653). This captivating Dutch Golden Age painting showcases a fisherman in a richly detailed, chiaroscuro scene. Explore the artistry and history of this iconic work.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 335 artworks by Gerrit Dou
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Gerrit Dou

1613 – 1675

Quick facts

Creative periodsmature period
Copyright statusPublic domain
Topics exploredcandlelight, portrait, dutch golden age, dutch art, chiaroscuro
Gift suitabilityanniversary
Movementsdutch golden age, baroque
Top-ranked workOld Woman Reading a Bible
Emotional tonereflective
Lifespan62 years

Biography

Early Life, Family and Training

Gerrit Dou was born on April 7, 1613, in Leiden, Netherlands. He grew up in a household where light and glass were central to daily life, as his father worked as a glazier and glass engraver. This early exposure to the delicate manipulation of light through glass likely shaped his developing eye. His father provided his first lessons, instilling a sense of precision that would define his later years. By 1622, at the age of fourteen, he began an apprenticeship with the copper engraver Bartholomeus Dolendo. It was under Dolendo that he also studied the fundamentals of drawing, learning to translate form onto a surface with careful intent.

His training continued through the specialized world of glasswork, spending two years in the stained-glass workshop of Pieter Couwenhorn. These formative years were spent mastering the technicalities of material and color before he moved toward the broader canvas. Between 1628 and 1631, his path took a significant turn when he entered the studio of Rembrandt. This period of study allowed him to absorb the methods of a master, particularly regarding the way light and shadow interact to create depth and mood. While he would eventually develop a style of his own, the years spent in that studio provided the essential foundation for his technical growth.

Technique and Artistic Style

Dou’s approach to painting was defined by a quiet, almost obsessive devotion to detail. He was a leading figure of the Leiden fijnschilders, a group that prioritized a refined and meticulous technique. Rather than working on large, sweeping canvases, he preferred small-scale works that invited close inspection. To achieve this level of precision, he reportedly used a combination of concave and convex lenses, essentially using magnification to help him render the world with astonishing accuracy. This method allowed him to capture the tiniest textures, from the sheen of pewter to the subtle wrinkles in linen, with a clarity that felt almost photographic.

His method, often called verliefde schildering or "loved painting," involved applying many thin layers of paint to create a surface with an enamel-like smoothness. This painstaking process gave his works a polished, velvety quality. He had a particular talent for trompe l'oeil "niche" paintings, where he used arched stone openings to create a deceptive sense of depth, making the small scenes feel like real, lived-in rooms. His mastery of chiaroscuro was most evident in his candlelit night-scenes, where he used the interplay of light and shadow to pull the viewer into intimate, domestic moments.

His focus remained largely on genre scenes, capturing the quiet rhythms of everyday life. Some of his notable subjects include:

Key Works and Masterpieces

Dou’s early output shows a man quickly finding his own voice. In 1628, he produced The Night School, a work that reflects the beginnings of his lifelong fascination with quiet, indoor settings. By 1630, his ability to render specific, often gritty human experiences was already evident in The Extraction of Tooth. These early years established his ability to turn small, domestic moments into something deeply observed and physically present.

As his career progressed, he became a specialist in the interplay of light and shadow. He found a particular rhythm in candlelit scenes, such as The Astronomer by Candlelight. His 1650 work, The Dutch Housewife, currently held in the Louvre, Paris, demonstrates the polished, enamel-like surfaces that became his signature. He continued to refine this approach through the mid-century, painting The Silver Ewer in 1663 and The Moneylender in 1664, both of which highlight his devotion to texture and the way light hits a surface.

Many of his most significant achievements are found in the way he handled human vulnerability and quietude. The Evening School, located in the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum, remains a primary example of his skill with light. Perhaps his most celebrated achievement is The Dropsical Woman, painted in 1663, which many consider his chef-d'oeuvre due to its intense level of detail and psychological depth.

The Night School (1628)
The Extraction of Tooth (1630)
The Dutch Housewife (1650)
The Evening School (undated)
The Silver Ewer (1663)
The Dropsical Woman (1663)

Patrons and Commissions

Gerrit Dou’s ability to capture the smallest details of domestic life brought him significant financial success and a steady stream of high-profile clients. His work was highly sought after by the merchant class, who valued the quiet, polished scenes of everyday existence. One of his most notable arrangements involved Pieter Spiering, who paid 500 guilders annually simply for the right of first refusal on Dou's latest paintings. This ensured that Spiering could secure the artist's newest creations before anyone else had the chance to bid on them.

Beyond the local merchants of the Dutch Republic, Dou’s reputation reached the highest levels of European nobility. Queen Christina of Sweden was a significant collector of his work, eventually owning eleven of his paintings. His studio also attracted international interest; Cosimo III de' Medici visited his home, and it is believed he may have purchased at least one work during his visit. While his large-scale genre scenes brought in substantial sums, he also maintained a steady practice in portraiture. For these personal commissions, he charged a rate of 6 guilders an hour.

Circle, Rivals and Pupils

Gerrit Dou’s artistic path was deeply shaped by his time in the studio of Rembrandt. He spent about three years studying under the master, absorbing the way light and shadow could define a scene. While he took much from Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, Dou eventually moved away from his teacher's broader, more textured approach. He sought a different kind of precision, focusing on small-scale works that required a steady hand and an almost obsessive attention to detail. This shift helped him become the founder of the Dutch school of Fijnschilderij, a group of painters dedicated to this highly polished, fine style.

His influence extended through the many artists who sought to learn his meticulous methods. He was a teacher to several notable figures who would go on to make their own marks on Dutch art. Among his most prominent pupils were Frans van Mieris the Elder and Gabriël Metsu. His studio also served as a training ground for Godfried Schalcken, Carel de Moor, and Matthijs Naiveu. These students carried forward the tradition of fine painting, ensuring that the technical precision Dou championed remained a significant part of the artistic landscape.

Legacy and Influence

Gerrit Dou left a mark on the Dutch Golden Age that extended far beyond his own studio in Leiden. As the founder of the Dutch school of Fijnschilderij, he established a standard for fine painting that defined an era. His influence flowed directly into the work of his pupils, most notably Frans van Mieris the Elder and Gabriël Metsu. These artists carried forward his devotion to meticulous detail and the quiet observation of domestic life, ensuring his technical approach remained a part of the artistic conversation for years to come.

The reach of his work is felt today in the halls of major institutions. His paintings are held in various collections, including the Museum Huis ten Bosch in the Hague, where his ability to render light and texture remains on display. His paintings continue to hold the attention of art enthusiasts and artists who find inspiration in the way he captured the smallest nuances of a scene. Whether through a candlelit interior or a carefully composed niche, his hand remains visible in the history of Dutch art.

Where to See the Works Today

Finding the traces of Gerrit Dou's hand requires a trip through some of Europe's most significant halls. His presence is felt most strongly in Paris, where The Louvre holds thirteen of his paintings. In these quiet rooms, one can observe the way he handled light in scenes like The Dropsical Woman (1663). Amsterdam also offers a deep look into his life through the collections at the Rijksmuseum, which preserves twelve of his works, including the detailed The Evening School.

Beyond the Netherlands, his influence traveled far. The Leiden Collection in New York City keeps six of his paintings, allowing viewers to see his meticulous technique across the Atlantic. In Europe, the Residenzgalerie in Salzburg houses four works, while the Alte Pinakothek in Munich holds three. These collections allow us to see the evolution of his style, from the early influence of his teacher to the highly polished surfaces he became known for.

The Night School (about 1628)
The Dutch Housewife (1650)
The Moneylender (1664)

Questions & Answers

Where can I see all artworks by Gerrit Dou?

Every work by Gerrit Dou on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

In which historical period did Gerrit Dou work?

Gerrit Dou worked in the Early-Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

What colors did Gerrit Dou use most often?

The Palette Genome of Gerrit Dou is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 15, 2026

Collector's quiz

In which city was Gerrit Dou born?
With which famous artist did Gerrit Dou study from 1628 to 1631?
Gerrit Dou is associated with which group of artists?
Which technique is Dou known for using to achieve extreme precision in his paintings?
Which of these works is considered one of Dou's chef-d'oeuvres and is located in the Louvre?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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