52. Thomas Willeborts Bossaert
Born at Berghen ap Zoom in Brabant An. Dom. 1613. following diligently the examples of the great Painters, that flourished at that time in the same Countrey, he fell a Designing when very young in the Books which were intended him for other Stu∣dies, and preferring his Pencil before all things, he drew his own Picture, (not having then seen 12 years), by the resem∣blance in a looking Glass, so like, that those that saw it were amazed, and this he did before he had the least Instruction, from any one, which his Parents perceiving, sent him to a Master that he might enjoy his own Inclination, but because his first Master was but an indifferent Painter, and no ways meet to satisfy his earnest thirst after Learning, he lest him and betook himself to Gerard Segars, under whose better Instruction Art perfected what Nature began, proving a most accomplished Workman after 4 years practice. Antwerp being a place that was as it were the Seat of Arts and where was a Conflux of many eminent Painters, he thought most worthy of his Resi∣dence, and the fittest place for him to improve in; There he made such a number of Magnificent Pieces, that gave new Splendour to the ancient beauty of that wealthy City. Henry Frederick Prince of Orange, in the year 1642, and his Son, Prince William employed him, in their Service for several years, in which time he made those excellent Pieces, which were to be seen at the said Princes Palace at the Hague, and other parts of Holland. He Painted most Persons of Quality, that were then living. That great Piece of his, is most admi∣rable, at the Hague, where he represents Mars the God of War, on one fide, stirred up, and provoked by the Furies; on the other hand, Peace and concord striving gently to appease and restraine him, among the Figures is a naked woman, whose flesh seems, so natural, so soft and lively, that the Hand is apt to be deceived by the Eye, into an endeavour to feell that which seems to be real Flesh, The Martyrdom of St George in the great Church is also an admirable Piece. He died in the Flower of his Age and his loss was much lamented.