Focus on this artwork and explore the Provenance.
After Vermeer's death in 1675, the painting stayed in Delft in the hands of Maria de Knuijt, his widow. In 1682, Maria gave the painting to their daughter, Magdalena van Ruijven. After Magdalena's death, the painting was passed on to her widower, Jacob Abrahamsz Dissius, in 1695. On 16 May 1696, the painting was auctioned off at a Dissius sale in Amsterdam. From 1794 to 1802, The Guitar Player was in the hands of Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston, in London. From the dates of 1802 to 1865, the painting was owned by Temple's son, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston. Eventually, the painting was in the ownership of John Temple's step-son, William Francis Cowper-Temple, 1st Baron Mount Temple, from 1865 - 1888. In 1888, his step son, Evelyn Melbourne Ashley, sold the painting to Thomas Agnew and Sons, in London. Between the dates of 1888 and 1889, the painting was sold by the Agnews to Edward Guinness. From the dates of 1889 to 1927, the painting was in the hands of Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, in London.In 2012, Kenwood House closed for renovations. While construction was taking place, the painting was on display in the National Gallery, beside the visiting galley's own two Vermeers. In 2013, The painting was returned in late December when construction was over. The Guitar Player is currently on display in the Kenwood House in London, as part of the Iveagh Bequest collection.
Edward Guinness Kenwood House National Gallery Iveagh Bequest Amsterdam Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh Maria de Knuijt William Francis Cowper-Temple, 1st Baron Mount Temple Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston Henry Temple, 2nd Viscount Palmerston Guitar London Delft Thomas Agnew and Sons