Lodewijk Van Der Helst - A boy showing a "bulla in bulla"

Dutch 17th century old master portrait of a boy proudly showing a soap-bubble by Lodewijk Van Der Helst
 
This captivating portrait shows a young boy who is looking at the spectator with eyes twinkling of joy and a contagious smile. In his one hand he is holding a shell, likely filled with soap, and in the other a small whistle, to create large soap bubbles. His loyal dog is equally mesmerised by the shining bubbles and enthusiastically watches them, seemingly pondering whether he should leap up and catch one. 
 
Lodewijk van der Helst was an accomplished Dutch painter of the Golden Age, born in Amsterdam in 1642 and baptized on February 2nd of the same year. He was the son of Bartholomeus van der Helst, one of the leading portrait painters of the 17th century. Growing up in a family immersed in the arts, Lodewijk followed in his father’s footsteps, receiving early training under his guidance. His technical skill and attention to detail quickly became evident, and he soon developed his own distinct style. One of Lodewijk’s works was featured at the prestigious TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) in 2023, highlighting he enduring allure of his paintings.
 
What we particulary love about this portrait is not only the sweet depiction, which captures both joy and loyalty, but also the numerous pentimenti which show a young artist doing his utmost best to not only follow in his father's footsteps but to forge a path of his own. Something he did indeed succeed in.
 
Signed with monogram and dated lower left.
 
Dimensions:
The canvas measures ca. 86 by 71,5 cms and with the frame ca. 106 by 91,5 cms.
 
Provenance: 
Collection Carl Weissman, Cologne Germany March 1934
Bukowski's Auctioneers Sweden, November 11th 1959, Lot 209 as Adriaen Hanneman
Private collection Scandinavia 
 
Price on request