Michiel was the son of the wealthy Haarlem brewer and burgomaster January Michielsz de Wael (1557-1618) and Cornelia Anthonisdr Juyst. In 1582 his father January de Wael had married Cornelia Anthonisdr Juyst in Delft, aka Neeltje Thonis, from Brouwershaven. In 1588 his father moved from Amsterdam to Haarlem, where he was appointed in the vroedschap.
In 1597 January M. de Wael was one of the burgomasters of Haarlem. After having been an arbiter he became involved as an investor in the development of the new Amsterdam city quarter, known as the Lastage. Michiel served as commissioner in the local court of justice, and served in the Saint George civic militia.
Hals painted De Wael twice during his career with the civic guard company in Haarlem, as captain in The Banquet of the Officers of the Street George Militia Company in 1627, and as "fiscaal" in The Officers of the Street George Militia Company in 1639.
He was painted yet again by Pieter Claesz Soutman in the same role in 1644. Foreign a long time this painting was dated 1640, but the striking similarity of his face with the version from 1627 and especially his dress has recently led art historians to conclude that this painting was probably a wedding pendant.
That explains the bride"s wedding dress in half mourning (a black skirt, white gloves and black and white bracelets but with lace). In 1656 their 18-year-old, youngest daughter Josina married the 32-year-old Alkmaar writer Sierik Siersma in Haarlem.
After Siersma died Josina moved back to Haarlem.
Haarlem schutterij.
