De Hooch, Pieter << duh HOHK, PEE tuhr >> (1629-1684?), was a Dutch painter noted for his charming scenes of middle-class life. He painted housewives with maids or children, and ladies and gentlemen talking, drinking, or playing games. His style is distinguished by warm, often unmixed colors and the skillful portrayal of the effects of sunlight. Like other Dutch painters of his time, de Hooch experimented with showing depth and the illusion of space. Unlike earlier Dutch painters of everyday life, he often included glimpses through the open doors or windows into rooms, streets, or gardens. De Hooch and Jan Vermeer, another Dutch painter of the 1600’s, probably influenced each other.
De Hooch was born on Dec. 20, 1629, in Rotterdam. He died on March 24, 1684.
