[1] It was attributed for centuries to Frans Hals until Wilhelm von Bode saw it in the Six collection in 1883.

[1] This is one of seven paintings first properly attributed to Leyster by Hofstede de Groot ten years later in 1893.

A mezzotint of this painting was made for Van Winter in 1803 by Frederik Christiaan Bierweiler and inscribed "F. Hals pinxit ... F.C.

[2][3] After it was attributed to Leyster, the Rijksmuseum purchased the paintings from the Six heirs of Jhr.

According to Hofrichter, the scene shows a lute player in the "Honthorst style" of indirect candle light from below.