Seated Man with a Lute

From the Rijksmuseum record

The young man tuning his lute here is a French courtier dressed in the latest fashion. At the time, music instruction was an integral part of the education of nobles and well-to-do citizens. However, it came with a price! A lute, for example, was a costly instrument and lessons too were expensive. However, musical skills were good for interacting socially and developing a refined taste.