A concise, richly illustrated study traces the artist’s life from his beginnings in Leiden through his rise in Amsterdam’s Golden Age, exploring his evolution as a painter, etcher and draftsman. The book examines signature techniques—dramatic chiaroscuro, psychological depth in portraits and self-portraits, and textured handling of light and material—while discussing major paintings and etchings, his workshop practices, patrons and the social and economic context of his career. It concludes by assessing his artistic legacy and influence on later generations of artists.