17th Century Old Master Painting School Of Leiden Circa 1645 The Lute Player

School of Leiden, circa 1645

The Lute Player

Oil on panel, 59.1 x 50.8 cm

Contained in a dark fruitwood ripple frame, outer dimensions 80.5 x 71 cm

Label inscribed in brown ink ‘Ferdinand Boll’ on reverse; remains of 4 red lacquer seals

Provenance: private collection, Holland

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This beautiful painting was most likely painted in Leiden in the 1640s. It displays the influence of artists like Rembrandt and Gerrit Dou. It is particularly close to works by Jacob van Spreeuwen (c.1610 – after 1650), and may indeed be attributed to this artist. The lute, cello, lyre, blue table coth and skull, as well as the archaic clothing of the player also occur in other works by artists of this period, and remind the viewer of Vanitas, the vanity of human life. 

Recently professionally restored and in very good condition.