Dahl, Michael

Dahl, Michael (b Stockholm, 29 Sept. ?1659; d London, 20 Oct. 1743).
Swedish portrait painter, active mainly in England. He settled permanently in London in 1689 (following an earlier stay in 1682–5) and became Kneller's principal rival. His work is less dashing and fluent than Kneller's, but at his best he surpasses him in sincerity and humanity. There are several paintings by him or from his busy studio in the National Portrait Gallery in London.