The Life and Travels of Simon Johannes van Douw Simon Johannes van Douw was a Flemish painter and draughtsman whose career spanned several significant cities. While his exact place of birth remains unconfirmed, he was likely born in Antwerp, Belgium. He achieved status as a master in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1655, and by 1656, he had married Johanna Soolmaeckers. His professional journey took him from Antwerp to Middelburg, where he became a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1656, and later to Rotterdam, where he was recorded as a burgher and painter. His activity in Rotterdam a…