Haarlem school oil on canvas painting of a boy or young man shown in half-length while he tunes a double-headed lute, possibly Franchoys Elaut (Dutch, fl. 1620-1653). The fashionably-dressed musician wears a beret with red and white feathers and a purple and gold scarf that hangs over an ornate gorget or breastplate. He looks thoughtfully toward the viewer as he adjusts a tuning peg with his left hand. Sgraffito linework accentuates the curls of the figure’s hair. Housed in a modern lacquered Dutch-style frame. Circa 1620s-30s. Canvas: 20 1/8 in. H x 17 7/8 in. W. Framed: 30 in. H x 28 in. W.

Note: Although previously given to Pieter Fransz de Grebber, Fred G. Meijer suggests Franchoys Elaut as the more likely attribution. Copies of a 1999 document signed by Jack Kilgore and a 1998 conservation report from Nancy Krieg, NY, are available to the winning bidder. The Kilgore document states that, to the best of Mr. Kilgore’s belief, the present painting “is free and clear of all encumbrances and restrictions, and since the year 1940, has not been imported or exported into or from any country contrary to its laws.”

PROVENANCE: Private West Tennessee collection; Jack Kilgore & Co., NY (as Pieter Fransz de Grebber) ; Christie’s, NY, April 18, 1997, lot 46 (as Pieter Fransz de Grebber)

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Canvas has been lined. Professionally conserved in 1998 by Nancy Krieg, New York, NY. With scattered, minor retouching primarily to lower 2/3rds of composition plus a few areas of localized retouching or inpainting, largest to body of lute along lower left edge, 2 1/4 inch x 3/4 inch, and to figure’s neck, 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch. See U/V photography.