Keyser, Thomas de

Keyser, Thomas de

(də kī`zər), c.1596–1667, Dutch portrait and figure painter of Amsterdam. He was the outstanding practitioner in his field prior to Rembrandt. De Keyser's work is distinguished for its clear, warm color, masterly characterization, and strong light and shade. Among his best-known paintings are Burgomasters of Amsterdam (The Hague) and the portrait of Constantijn Huygens and Merchant and His Clerk (both: National Gall., London).