A Scholar at his Desk by Frans van Mieris the Younger. A man in a fur-trimmed cap and brown robe sits at a desk, chewing on a quill while leaning over a large open book.

A Scholar at his Desk

Frans van Mieris the Younger

1717 · Oil Paint, Panel

This 18th-century Dutch painting captures a contemplative moment of a scholar surrounded by the tools of his trade.

$129

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6 frame sizes

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Where it works

A grounded artwork with confident presence with warm, lived-in color — brings a composed sense of weight.

Often works in
Library · Study · Office
Placement
Reads best as a confident vertical anchor
Walls
Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
Color notes
Charcoal black, Rich brown

About the piece

Painted by Frans van Mieris the Younger in 1717, this Dutch masterpiece depicts a scholar lost in thought at his desk. Surrounded by objects of learning—a globe, scattered letters, and a massive open tome—the figure's expressive posture and the meticulously rendered textures of his fur hat and robe exemplify the 'fijnschilder' tradition of extraordinary detail.

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