Lot 12

Michiel van Musscher (1645 - 1705) A COURT MOTIF

The court motif presents a painting of a wealthy woman who practices playing a musical instrument and in the meantime refreshes herself with oysters. Michiel van Musscher was a Dutch Golden Age painter. According to Houbraken, he showed a talent for drawing at a young age, and had many teachers, of which he kept a record. Though his entire education spanned several years, Houbraken was astonished that he became so skilled with so few hours of professional study, and concludes that he must have had a great natural talent that he practiced extensively on his own.