Adrian, a famous Dutch painter born either at Oudenard or Haarlem, in 1608, of poor parentage. He became the disciple of Francis Hals, under whom he proved an inimitable artist. His subjects were taken from low life, always copied from nature; as droll conversations, drunken brawls, boors at cards, or surgeons dressing the wounded. Brouwer was apprehended at Antwerp as a spy; where being discovered by Rubens, he procured his liberty, took him home, clothed him, and endeavoured to acquaint the public with his merit; but the levity of his temper made him quit his benefactor: and he died not long after, in 1640, destroyed by a dissolute course of life.