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17th century Dutch old Master Oil - The Smoker - Genre interior

About the Item

17th century Dutch Old Master oil painting "The delighted Smoker" This painting is a very enigmatic one with an equally thrilling story. We acquired this work some time ago as attributed to the workshop or circle of Frans Hals, during cleaning however, a completely different painting of far greater quality appeared from underneath overpaint. The restorer estimated that ca. 85% was overpainted to create a different composition, most likely to fit the taste of a specific collector as the original paint layers are in great condition. This overpaint dated likely from the late 1800s (the last photo shows a detail from during cleaning). The original image is very exquisitely painted with confident brushstrokes which clearly point to a talented hand. What is very interesting, as the restorer remarked, is that the pupils of the eyes of both sitters have been scratched out. This was something that can also been found on the works which were damaged during the Beeldenstorm. In the present case however, she believes that this might be an indication that our painting was a very early depiction of smokers, something which at the time was frowned upon and that it might have been a moralising genre picture, dating the to the 1620s, which adds to the rarity of the painting. The depiction itself radiates a cosy yet slightly cheeky atmosphere, the deep blue of the gentleman's coat is reflecting beautifully in the dark, candle-lit, room whilst the smoker himself looks at us with a delightful grin, very much enjoying and indulging in his smoking. He is wearing a so-called "Kalotje", this is a type of headpiece which was worn in the 17th century. On the back there is a wax seal of the Hövell tot Westerflier-family, an important family of art collectors. The oil on canvas measures ca 75*54 cm and with frame ca 89*68 cm. Provenance: Private Collection Germany (overpainted and offered as workshop/circle of Frans Hals)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Circle Of:
    Frans Hals (Dutch)
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Lovely and ready to hang. Cleaned by our restorer who works for some of the most prestigious collections and museums in Europe. A report of her work will be added to the information pack.
  • Gallery Location:
    Antwerp, BE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1423212968802
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