Jan Tilius

Emperor Leopold I;
With Franz Goldmann, Vienna;
Acquired from the above by Prince Johann I of Liechtenstein (1760-1836) in 1832.

G. Parthey, Deutscher Bildersaal. Verzeichnis der in Deutschland vorhandenen Oelbilder verstorbener Maler aller Schulen, vol. II, Berlin 1864, p. 134, no. 7, as Jan van Mieris;
J. Falke, Katalog der Fürstlich Liechtensteinischen Bilder-Galerie im Gartenpalais der Rossau zu Wien, Vienna 1873, p. 62, no. 524, as Frans van Mieris;
J. Falke, Katalog der fürstlich Liechtensteinischen Bilder-Galerie im Gartenpalais der Rossau zu Wien, Vienna 1885, p. 67, no. 491, as Frans van Mieris;
W. Bode, Die Fürstlich Liechtenstein'sche Galerie in Wien, Vienna 1896, p. 91, as Jan van Mieris;
A. von Wurzbach, Niederländisches Künstler-Lexikon, vol. II, Vienna-Leipzig 1910, p. 166, as Jan van Mieris;
A. Kronfeld, Führer durch die Fürstlich Liechtensteinsche Gemäldegalerie in Wien, Vienna 1931, p. 102-103, no. 491, as Frans van Mieris.

The stable support consists of a single vertical panel, bevelled on all sides, with a very slight convex bow. The paint surface is clean, secure and in a good condition, under a glossy varnish. No major damages are apparent. The brown tones of the background, particularly around the window frame have become a little thin. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the aforementioned varnish, but does reveal some older retouchings in the background to the right of the figure and fewer scattered spot retouchings to the foreground. Some newer retouchings have been made to the curtain and to the harpist's hair. The harpist's face, dress, arms and the table, tapestry and music book all remain largely original. Offered in a wooden slip frame in good condition.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred Meijer of the RKD who proposed the attribution based on photographs. A similar painting of a harp player, which is signed by Tilius, resides in the Gemeente Museum in the Hague (see G. Knuttel, Gemeentemuseum 'S Gravenhage. Catalogus van de schilderijen, aquarellen en teekeningen, The Hague 1935, p. 254, no. Sch.35).