Wybrand Simonsz. de Geest Paintings

Wybrand Simonsz. de Geest, also known as 'the Frisian Pallas' or 'the Frisian Raphael', was a notable Dutch Golden Age portrait painter from Friesland. Born in Leeuwarden in 1592, de Geest hailed from an artistic family; his father was a glass painter, and his brother was a painter as well. He is particularly known for his finely detailed and elegant portraits of the Dutch elite, including stadtholders and European royalty.

De Geest received his early training from his father and later studied in Rome, which influenced his technique and understanding of light, shadow, and composition. After returning to the Netherlands, he established a successful studio in Leeuwarden around 1617. De Geest became the court painter for the stadtholder of Friesland, which increased his prominence and clientele. His works were characterized by their realistic portrayal and the use of rich colors.

His clientele included not only local dignitaries and nobility but also prominent figures from other parts of Europe. One of his most famous works is the portrait of Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich of Russia. He was also known for painting a portrait of the English King Charles I, although this was likely based on another artist's work, as there is no record of Charles visiting the Netherlands.

Wybrand de Geest's contributions to Dutch portraiture were significant during the Golden Age, a period marked by a flourishing of the arts, sciences, and trade in the Netherlands. His portraits are now valuable pieces of cultural heritage and can be found in various museums and collections.

The exact date of de Geest's death is not clearly recorded, but it is believed that he died around 1661. Despite not being as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Wybrand Simonsz. de Geest remains an important figure in the history of Dutch art, with his works continuing to be studied and admired for their elegance, craftsmanship, and historical value.