Man Playing the Theorbo (self-portrait?) 1676

Frans van Mieris the Elder's "Man Playing the Theorbo (self-portrait?)" is a small-scale oil painting executed in 1676. The painting is likely a self-portrait, depicting the artist from the waist up, seated in a chair and turning his head to look over his shoulder at the viewer. He is dressed in a dark, elaborate garment with a white, striped shirt. The painting utilizes a rich, painterly technique, typical of van Mieris's work. The subject and composition are characteristic of Dutch Golden Age painting.