Brief Biography-Caspar Netscher was born in Heidelberg. At the age of two, his father, who was in service during the civil war, died in Prague, and his mother fled to Arnhem, losing her two sons to hunger on the way. A Physician Samaritan named Tullekens adopted Caspar, and when he realised his talents, he placed him under Gerard Terborch for tuition. He had made rare advances by the time he left that master and departed for Italy via Bordeaux. However, he never got further than Bordeaux as he married Margaretha Godijn there, and after three years, they moved to The Hague with their first son.
He became acquainted with Gerrit de Hooch and Gerard Dou in the Hague. However, his paintings only sold well once he concentrated on portraiture. From then on, he was in high demand, particularly amongst notable citizens and visiting dignitaries. His portrayal of fabric was exceptional, and his chiaroscuro effect was well executed. Sir William Temple enticed him to work for Charles II in London, but he preferred to work more freely in his home setting. His three sons became painters, most notably Constantijn.