#mid 1600s

"The Goldfinch" was lost and unknown for more than two centuries before it first came to light in 1859. Théophile Thoré-Bürger, who had helped to restore the reputation of Vermeer, found it in the collection of former Dutch army officer and collector Chevalier Joseph-Guillaume-Jean Camberlyn in Brussels.

"A Diablerie" by historical memester Cornelis Saftleven, circa 1660s. Note the cat with a tennis racket playing Trictrac, (related to Backgammon). Images via Reddit and Monster Brains. Dutch artist circa 1607-1681.

Earlier researches attributed the costume to Pál Esterházy’s (1635–1713) first wife Orsolya Esterházy (1641–1682) and later to his second wife Éva Thököly (1659–1716). The original owner can no longer be traced but the cut and the embroidery ascertain that either could have worn it at her wedding. Contrary to Western European customs, in Hungary later generations gladly donned the ornate costumes of their forebears on some festive occasion. The suite was restored by Mrs Sándor Borsi between 1969 and 1971.

Young woman with a gold chain, the author's sister (1634) by Rembrandt. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Buenos Aires).

Bow made in c. 1660, chain & pendant in 1800-1900. Enameled gold necklace with pendant, set with diamonds, hung with a pearl & a large sapphire drop.

Pan and Syrinx (detail) by Caesar van Everdingen, c. 1637-1640.

Willem van Aelst (1627-1683) "Flower Still Life with a Timepiece" (1663) Oil on canvas Dutch Golden Age Located in the Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands

Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664) "Still Life with Pots" (c. 1650) Oil on canvas Baroque Located in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain