Dutch School, circa 1630-40

The identity of the sitter and artist of the present lot remain unknown. As indicated in the inscription in the upper right, the gentleman sat for this portrait at the age of 56. However, the style of his dress and collar would have been outdated by the year 1640, and a more likely date of execution falls in the 1630s. The painting has historically been attributed to Thomas de Keyser (1596-1667) and Nicolaes Eliasz. Pickenoy. (1588-1656). Other attributions that have been put forward include Cornelis van der Voort (1576-1624), Abraham de Vries (circa 1590-1650), and Dirck Dircksz. Santvoort (1610-1680). 

The inscription in the upper left corner is thought to be a religious verse in old German.

We are grateful to Nadja Garthoff of the RKD for providing additional information related to the Provenance of this lot.