MYTENS (Martin), painter of portraits and history, was born at Stockholm in 1695, and at 11 years of age showed an extraordinary genius. When he had practised for some years, he determined to seek for improvement at Rome, and in his progress to examine every thing curious in other cities of Europe. His first excursion was to Holland, and from thence he proceeded to London, where he practised miniature and enamel painting, to which he had always a strong
tendency, and by his performances in that way gained a sufficiency to maintain himself, without being any Mytens, Mythology incumbrance to his parents. In 1717 he visited Paris, and proved so fortunate as to obtain the favour of the duke of Orleans, and to have the honour to paint the portrait of that prince, and also the portraits of Louis XV. and the Czar Peter. In 1721 he arrived at Vienna, where he was graciously received; and having with great applause painted the portraits of the emperor, the empress, and the most illustrious persons at that court, during a residence of above two years, he proceeded on his intended journey to Italy. Having visited Venice, and spent two years at Rome, he went to Florence, where the grand duke Gaston I. showed him all possible marks of esteem; and having engaged him for some time in his service, he made him considerable presents, and placed the portrait of Mytens among the heads of the illustrious artists in his gallery. He also received public testimonies of favour from the king and queen of Sweden, each of them having presented him with a chain of gold and a medal, when he visited that court, after his return from Italy. At last he settled at Vienna, where he obtained large appointments from the court; and lived universally esteemed for his uncommon merit, and equally valued for his personal accomplishments. He died in 1755.
There were some other painters of the name of Mytens, but of inferior note.