STOOP Dirk

(Utrecth 1610 – 1668)

Dutch painter and engraver, son of Willem J. Stoop, stained glass painter from whom he learnt to draw and paint. Alternative versions of his name are Thierry, in France, and Roderigo, with whom he was known, in Portugal.
Together with his brother Maerten he was part of the Guild of Saint Luke in Utrecht. Between 1635 and 1645 he made trips to Italy, Portugal and England.
He was much appreciated and had a reputation as a painter of landscapes and horses even if his most famous work come to us is the portrait of the Infanta Portuguese Caterina di Braganza, wife of Charles II, King of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Dirk Stoop etched a series of plates with horses, views of Lisbon, and illustrations for Aesop’s Fables.
His work as an etcher also includes some portraits and battle scenes.