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Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.
Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.

LOT NO 6800

STOCK NO 160816

Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, mid-17th century oil on canvas unsigned 66cm x 55cm
Notes: The painting bears an old brass plaque attributing the work to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a designation typical of late 19th- or early 20th-century trade attributions for Rembrandtesque subjects. The work was examined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989, who concluded that it is by a small, as yet unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, dating the painting to circa 1650-1660.

Sale Details


Portraits & Nudes

Location: Online & Live Broadcast from Duggleby Stephenson of York

Auction ends: from 14:00 on 19/06/2026

Lot Number: 6800

Approx Sale Time

13:59 - 14:19

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Bidding Details


Estimate £1,000-2,000

Buyers Premium 25% (+VAT)

CURRENT BID £750

19/06/2026 13:59

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Further Information & Condition Report


If you require a condition report or further information on this lot, just use the ‘Ask a Question’ button below and one of our specialists will be able to help.

Circle of Nicolaes Maes (Dutch 1634-1693): The Bored Student - Portrait of a Boy Reading a Book, is a captivating mid-17th-century oil on canvas, measuring 66cm x 55cm. This unsigned piece is attributed to a small, unidentified master working in the circle of Nicolaes Maes, as determined by the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, in 1988-1989.

The painting depicts a young boy engrossed in a book, exuding a sense of boredom and contemplation. The portrayal captures a moment of quiet introspection, typical of the artist's style and era.

Noteworthy is an old brass plaque accompanying the artwork, originally attributing it to Barent Fabritius (1624-1673), a common practice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for Rembrandtesque subjects. The RKD's analysis places its creation circa 1650-1660, adding a layer of historical context to this intriguing piece.

This exquisite artwork offers a glimpse into the circle of Nicolaes Maes, showcasing the talent and influence of lesser-known artists from the Dutch Golden Age. Don't miss the opportunity to own this enigmatic portrayal, available at Duggleby Auctioneers.



Delivery Information


Item can be collected from our Duggleby Stephenson Salerooms, York, YO19 5GF. Delivery options available.

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