early life and influences wouter pietersz ii crabeth, a prominent figure in the dutch golden age, was born in 1594 in gouda, netherlands. as the son of pieter woutersz. crabeth, a writer and politician, wouter's early life was marked by an immersion in the world of art and politics. artistic journey wouter pietersz ii crabeth embarked on a 13-year journey to france and italy, which significantly influenced his artistic style. upon returning to gouda in 1628, he established himself as a notable painter, particularly known for his captivating works: the adoration of the magi (1631), a masterpi…