Matthias Withoos (1627–1703)

• Also known as Calzetta Bianca and Calzetti.
• Was a Dutch painter of still lifes and city scenes.
• Withoos was born in Amersfoort.
• He studied under Jacob van Campen, and then with Otto Marseus van Schrieck.
• When he was 21, Withoos made a trip to Rome with van Schrieck, and Willem van Aelst.
• In Rome they joined the group of artists known as the "Bentvueghels", and Withoos went by the alias "Calzetta Bianca" ("White Hose").
• Withoos' work caught the eye of the cardinal Leopoldo de Medici, who commissioned various paintings from him.
• In 1653, the artist returned to Amersfoort.

• When French troops occupied Amersfoort, Withoos fled from Amersfoort to Hoorn, where he died in 1703.

• Many of Withoos' seven children also followed in his footsteps, including the botanical artist Alida Withoos. 

• One of his students was Caspar van Wittel.

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