![Michiel Sweerts - Clothing the Naked [c.1661] by Gandalf's Gallery](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/11925351373_267efbb7f4.jpg)
Sweerts (Flemish, 1618 - 1664) was born in Brussels but worked in Rome from 1646 to about 1655. The genre scenes he painted there were influenced by the resident Dutch artists. By 1656 Sweerts was in Amsterdam, where he painted this picture in about 1661. Though the subject, one of seven "Acts of Mercy", was well known, this is a profoundly personal work. The artist's religious convictions were demonstrated in Holland by frequent acts of self-denial and charity. In 1662 he went with missionaries to Persia. He continued on alone to India and died in Goa. Sweerts' sobriety never impaired his remarkable refinement of colour, light, and expression.
[Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - Oil on canvas, 81.9 x 114.3 cm]