(Egbert), called the Old, a celebrated Flemish painter of drolls and conversations, of whom, though so universally known, we have no information as to the time in which he flourished, or the school in which he was taught. Though the taste of his compositions is but low, yet it ought to be confessed that he took his subjects from nature; from persons in the meanest occupations, whose dress, actions, and manners, could not furnish the imagination with any ideas of elegance; and to express their passions and undisguised humours, seems to have been the utmost of his ambition. By frequenting fairs, merry-meetings, gaming-houses, and inns, he acquired a surprising power of connecting humorous circumstances, He designed and drew correctly, and his pictures have a strong effect from his accurate management of chiaro oscuro. Some of his pictures have suffered from unskilful cleaners, and many things are sold as his which dishonour him; but his genuine works, well preserved, have a clearness and force equal to any of the Flemish artists.

(Egbert), called the Young, was the disciple of Peter Grebber, but imitated the manner of Brouwer and of the elder Hemikerck. He was born at Haarlem in 1645, but settled at London, where for a long time his works were exceedingly esteemed, though they are now much sunk in their value. He had a whimsical imagination, and delighted in compounding uncommon and fanciful subjects; such as the temptation of St Anthony, nocturnal intercourse of witches and spectres, enchantments, &c., which he executed with a free pencil and a spirited touch. It was customary with him to introduce his own portrait among the conversations he designed; and for that purpose had a small looking-glass placed near his easel. He died in 1704.