Lot 1242 D α

Abraham van der Eyk - Portrait of a Musician

Auction 1266 - overview Cologne
17.05.2025, 14:00 - Old Masters and 19th Century Part II
Estimate: 3.000 € - 4.000 €
Result: 3.024 € (incl. premium)
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Abraham van der Eyk

Portrait of a Musician

Oil on panel. 49 x 39 cm.
Signed and dated upper centre: Abr Vander Eyk 1715.

This painting is registered in the database of the Royal Dutch Art Collection (RKD), The Hague, under the number 136941 as an autograph work by Abraham van der Eyk.

With regards to the identity of the musician depicted, the title “Anthem” on the sheet music would likely lead to Great Britain. The identification with George Frideric Handel, which can be found handwritten on a note attached to the back (“presumably Haendl [sic!]”), is rather unlikely. Although Handel was in London as of 1710, he would have been depicted with a harpsichord or organ, whereas here a flute lies on top of the music sheets and a viola da gamba hangs on the back wall.

Provenance

Christie's, New York, June 5, 1985, lot 78. - Kunsthandlung Heide Hübner, Würzburg. - Christie's, London, October 26, 1990, lot 139. - Nagel, Stuttgart, December 4-5, 1992, lot 3372. - Private collection, North Germany.