Vermeer and the Dutch Boy

A Portrait and a Film

In 2000, Kim and I bought this Dutch portrait in Paris. It lived in our house in Burgundy. The pensive young man is now owned by friends in France. It has no signature, but is dated 1649. 

My friends have sent along a photo, of which this is a detail. It's very blurry, but you may get the idea.

I spent some time trying to determine by whom it was painted, but I couldn't find a match. My supposition is that he hadn't yet reached his majority, suggested by his gray costume... a bit older, I surmise, and he'd be in black. If I get another, better photo, I'll post it. I'd like you to be able to see the detail in his lace collar and to have a better idea of his face.

Also on the Netherlandish subject, Mary Graham writes that she will be going to see the National Gallery (London) film about Vermeer, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, on October 10th.  (Thanks, Mary).
I've bought tickets to a more local theater for the same event. Perhaps you can find a theater near you. Here's a link to the distributor of the film. 
Remember, it's only being shown on October 10th.