Matthijs Naiveu: A Life in Genre Painting Matthijs (or Matthys) Naiveu was a Dutch Golden Age painter born in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1647 and passing away in 1726. He is remembered for his charming and detailed genre scenes depicting everyday life during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Early Life and Training Naiveu’s artistic journey began with drawing lessons from Abraham Toorenvliet, a glass painter and drawing instructor (and father of Jacob Toorenvliet). He then further honed his skills under the tutelage of Gerrit Dou, a prominent figure in the Leiden *fijnschilder* style – known…