Portrait of a Boy by Anthonie Palamedesz 1630 | Netherlands Master Study Oil Painting

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Anthonie Palamedesz was a 17th-century Dutch portrait and genre painter who lived from 1602-1673. This master study painting is an … Read more Anthonie Palamedesz was a 17th-century Dutch portrait and genre painter who lived from 1602-1673. This master study painting is an incredibly skilled imitation of his Portrait of a Boy.

Sadly, according to Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (National Museums of Berlin), the original painting was most likely destroyed in May 1945 in the flak tower in Berlin Friedrichshain, where approximately 434 irreplaceable paintings from the Berlin Picture Gallery were set ablaze on May 6th during the Battle of Berlin in the late stages of WW11.

This master study painting may be the next best thing that remains to pay tribute to the original lost work today. The finely detailed brushwork and realism are exquisitely executed, and the earthy sienna background and the boy's slate blue eyes and suit are balanced beautifully with the white collar, pale complexion, and rosy cheeks.

The painting is on a wood panel, with two sliding horizontal boards on the back that appear to have been added for hanging. It is unsigned. We estimate it to be done in the 19th century, given the darkened age of the wood.

Curiously, the painting was glued into the thin, linen frame, which was originally housed inside a larger, outer frame that we assume was damaged and removed. We sourced this painting in Medford, Oregon. Unfortunately, no provenance was provided or available. See less