WILLIAM, called the Young Mieris, was son of the former, and born at Leyden in 1662. During the life of his father, he made a remarkable progress: but, by being deprived of his director when he was only arrived at the age of nineteen, he had recourse to nature, as the most instructive guide; and by studying with diligence and judgment to imitate her, he approached near to the merit of his father. At first he took his subjects from private life, in the manner of Francis; such as tradesmen in their shops, or a peasant selling vegetables and fruit, and sometimes a woman looking out at a window; all which he copied minutely after nature, nor did he paint a single object without his model. As Mieris had observed the composition of Gerard Lairesse, and other great historical painters, with singular delight, he attempted to design subjects in that style; and began with the story of Rinaldo sleeping on the lap of Armida, surrounded with the Loves and Graces, the foreground being enriched with plants and flowers; a work which added greatly to his fame, and was sold for a very high price. This master also painted landscapes and animals with equal truth and neatness; and modelled in clay and wax, in so sharp and accurate a manner, that he might justly be ranked among the most eminent sculptors. In the delicate finishing of his works, he imitated his father; as he likewise did in the lustre, harmony, and truth, of his paintings, which makes them to be almost as highly prized; but they are not equal in respect of design, or of the striking effect, nor is his touch so very exquisite as that of the father. The works of the old Mieris are better composed, the figures are better grouped, and they have less confusion; yet the younger Mieris is acknowledged to be an artist of extraordinary merit, although inferior to him, who had scarcely his equal. He died in 1747.

Mieris, Francis, called the Young Francis, was the son of William, and the grandson of the celebrated Francis Mieris; and was born at Leyden in 1689. He learned the art of painting from his father, whose manner and style he always imitated; he chose the same subjects, and endeavoured to resemble him in his colouring and pencil. But with all his industry he proved far inferior to him: and most of those pictures which at the public sales are said to be of the young Mieris, and many also in private collections ascribed to the elder Francis, or William, are perhaps originally painted by this master, who was far inferior to both; or are only his copies after the works of those excellent painters, as he spent abundance of his time in copying their performances.