Career
Born at Antwerp about the year 1647, he was trained as a jeweller, but as an amateur practised in miniature, enamel, and oil-colours. His reception was equal to his wishes. He was introduced to the king, who promised to countenance him, and several persons of rank, who had known him at Antwerp, encouraged him in his new vocation.
Within half a year the bubble burst.
The Revolution happened, De Keyser"s friends could no longer be his protectors, his business decreased, and the pursuit of the philosopher"s stone, to which he had recourse in his despair, completed his ruin. He died at the age of forty-five, about the year 1692.
He left a daughter, whom he had taken great pains to instruct, and with success. She painted small portraits in oil, and copied well.
