The Man With The Glass - Attributed To Frans Van Mieris The Elder, 17th Century

Oil on wood representing "The Man with the Glass", attributed to Frans van Mieris the Elder, born in Leiden on April 16, 1635 and died in the same city on March 12, 1681. Private collection. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Frame: h.22.5 cm x l.18.7 cm. Wood: h.14.5 cm x l.11.5 cm. History: Dutch painter, born into a family of painters and goldsmiths, he was influenced by several masters, notably that of Jacobus Houbraken and Abraham van Toorenvliet, but the most decisive was that of Gérard Dou. He is classified with him as well as with Gabriel Metsu among the Dutch "fijnschilders", these painters whose precision is such that the brushstrokes become invisible to the naked eye. During his lifetime Mieris enjoyed a notoriety beyond borders; he is the protégé of Leopold I of the Holy Empire and Cosimo III de Medici. His sons, Jan and Willem, as well as the latter's son, Frans, would all become talented painters but would never quite reach the level or popularity of their father and grandfather. Frans van Mieris the Elder died on March 12, 1681 in his hometown. He is buried in St. Peter's Church in Leiden.