Paulus Potter (bapt. Nov 20 1625, Enkhuizen - bur. Jan 17 1654, Amsterdam) was a Dutch painter specializing in animals in landscapes. Potter studied painting with his father Pieter Potter in Enkhuizen. His father was for some time a manufacturer of gilded leather hangings in Amsterdam, but stopped after a few years. Paulus lived at that time in The Hague where he met his wife. He was introduced by her in the Dutch elite. After disagreements with fellow painters and Amalia of Solms-Braunfels, a member of the stadholder's family, he left for Amsterdam. Potter was invited by Nicolaes Tulp, who was impressed by his civilized behavior and politeness. Potter painted his son Dirck Tulp. Potter died in 1654, 28 years old, of tuberculosis. In a short time he succeeded in producing about a hundred paintings, working continuously. His most famous painting is The Bull, in Mauritshuis, The Hague (illustration, upper right). The bull is composed from drawings he made in nature: the front and rear are in a different angle, than the middle part. During the 19th century (Romanticism it was a highly apppreciated painting.
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