Ruysdael
or RUISDAEL, JAKOB, a Dutch landscape painter; born in Haarlem, Holland, about 1625. In 1648 he was enrolled a member of the guild of St.
Luke at Haarlem, and in 1659 was granted the freedom of the city of Amsterdam. His works are very picturesque in detail. He had a fine feeling for the poetic spirit of nature, which he embodies with great skill. His pictures exist in Dresden, Berlin (probably the two best collections), the Louvre, the London National Gallery, Amsterdam, and The Hague. He left a few etchings, RYAN which are highly prized. He died in the almshouse of Haarlem, March 14, 1682.
RUYTER (roi'ter), MICHIEL ADRI- AANSZOON DE, a Dutch naval officer; born in Flushing, Holland, March 24, 1607. From the situation of cabin boy he rose to the rank of captain in the Dutch navy in 1635, and rear-admiral in 1645.
He defeated and sunk an Algerine pirate squadron in 1647. He distinguished himself in the war with England and in the service of Denmark. In 1667, sailing up the Thames he destroyed the English shipping and burned several men-of-war.
His victories led to the peace of Breda.
After fighting the French fleet in the Mediterranean, he retreated to the harbor of Syracuse, Sicily, where he died of his wounds, April 29, 1676.