Pieter Pietersz. LASTMAN
Born 1583, Amsterdam–Died 1633, Amsterdam)
Dutch painter active in Amsterdam and specialized in religious, historical, and mythological scenes. He went to Italy (c. 1604) and was influenced by Caravaggio—which makes him akin to the Utrecht School—and by Elsheimer. His "forte" was small figures in exotic and brightly colored costumes. He was back in Amsterdam by 1607. His real importance lies in the fact that Jan Lievens was his pupil in 1617 and Rembrandt in 1624/15.
The complete study of Vermeer’s materials, artistry and painting techniques
Jonathan Janson
(painter & founder of Essential Vermeer.com)