Douw, Or Dow, Gerard, a Dutch painter, born in Leyden in 1613, died there in 1680. After receiving instruction in his early boyhood in drawing and in painting on glass, he became in 1628 a pupil of Rembrandt, under whom he studied for three years. He began with portrait painting, but was so extremely slow that no one would sit to him. He then painted domestic scenes. He was so exact in imitation, that a glass is needed to appreciate the skill and delicate finish of his work. His drawing was neither bold nor correct, but his figures are not wanting in life and expression, and his coloring is strong, fresh, and harmonious. He had none of the poetical taste of his master, for his pictures generally consist of two or three figures engaged in the most trivial and often disagreeable occupations, as many of their titles indicate. Among the most celebrated are the "Dropsical Woman," the "Village Grocer's Wife," the " Dentist," and the "Violin Player." His works are to be found in all the public galleries of Europe, but private fortunes could hardly command them, for it was Douw's rule to be paid for his pictures according to the time they cost him.