(Thomas Willeborts), a cele- brated painter, was born at Bergen-op-zoom; and, like the great painters who flourished at that time, be- gan to draw, when very young, in the books that were intended for other studies. Preferring his pencil to every thing else, he drew his own picture, by his re- semblance in a looking-glass, to like, that those who saw it were astonished. This he did before he had the least instruction from any one, and when he was only 12 years of age. Upon this his parents sent him to a master, that he might follow the bent of his genius; but his first master being only an indifferent painter, and incapable of satisfying his earnest desire of learn- ing, he left him, and engaged himself with Gerard Se- gers; under whom, after four years practice, he proved a most accomplished artist. Antwerp being at that time the seat of arts, where there was a conflux of the most eminent painters, he thought it the fittest place for his improvement; and there executed such a num- ber of noble pieces as added greatly to the splendor of that wealthy city. In 1642, Henry Frederick prince of Orange, and his son prince William, employed him in their service; in which he continued several years, and made those excellent pieces that are to be seen in that prince's palace at the Hague and other parts of Holland. Holland, and painted portraits for most of the persons of quality that were then living. He died in the flower of his age, in 1670.