Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck (c. 1600-03 – 1662),

was a Dutch Golden Age portrait painter from Haarlem. He was son of the painter Cornelis Engelsz from Gouda, who taught him to paint. In 1632 he became a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke and started a successful career as a portraitist of mostly Catholic sitters in Haarlem. He may have been a Frans Hals pupil, and was strongly influenced by him, especially in his natural expressions and relaxed poses. He is best known for his exactness in painting details such as jewelry and lace, which made him quite popular with female sitters. (crop: The Regentesses of the St Elisabeth`s Hospital - 1641)