Le chant interrompu: portrait of the artist and his wife, 1671 (oil)

Le chant interrompu: portrait de l'artiste et sa femme (Principal title); The Painter presenting a glass of wine to his wife (Nom d'usage) Mieris, Frans van (known as the Old Man) During his lifetime, Mieris enjoyed a great vogue that lasted throughout the 18th century. From the end of the 19th century, however, he suffered from the disaffection that affected all the fijnschilders - "precious painters" - of the Leiden school, of which he was one of the most brilliant representatives.As was often the case in 17th-century Holland, this painting, with its gallant undertones of love and music, depicts the artist and his wife, Cunera van der Cock (1629/1630 - 1700), and illustrates the theme of the five senses. Having belonged to Count Charles de Perrégaux, the painting was sold by his heirs, including his son Edouard, who ruined himself to support the beautiful Marie Duplesssis. It's not hard to imagine how the proceeds from the sale were used to buy camellias for the famous courtesan. The two lovers served as models for Alexandre Dumas fils's heroes, Armand Duval and Marguerite Gautier, in his novel "La Dame aux camélias". Signature and date - Bottom left: "F.van Mieris 1671". Inventory number: PDUT915