Studio of Sir Peter Lely

half-length, wearing a red tunic, against a dark background

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT STRUCTURE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is an even, thin layer of dirt overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some very minor retouching to the sitter's left eye and mouth. There is a very opaque and discoloured varnish that obscures much of the canvas. It has been cleared away to reveal the sitter's face and parts of the instrument but otherwise covers the majority of the painting. FRAME Held in a British transitional style carved and gilded frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The playing of a lute or guitar, alone or accompanying the voice, was a favourite pictorial allegory of love and pleasure. Lely painted a number of romantic portraits of musicians, for example the series of five dateable to the 1640s, originally in the collection of William, 1st Earl Craven (c. 1608-1697). As in this portrait, there is a strong emphasis on the dramatic contrast of a dark setting and soft lighting of the figure and instrument. However, the Van Dyckian dress of the sitter and the soft handling of the pigments in addition to the lively character and contraposto of this sitter is perhaps more closely comparable to The Music Lesson, dated 1654 (Private Collection).