Cast Metal Pewter Alluminum Male Musical Figurine What era is he from?

This figurine is 10 1/2" tall.What kind of instrument is he playing? What country does he represent? What material is he made from?

 

My unresearched opinion is Italy, Renaissance, mandolin.

 

Our even more unresearched opinion agrees with Bronwen's, and we're also compelled to say that that's a most unfortunate choice of placement for a vent...

 

not till u'v seen my monkey..

 

I agree with Bronwen, he represents a Renaissance musician with a mandolin. It was made in a later period.
The clothing is pretty generic European Renaissance and these statues were also made in other parts of Europe, especially in the 19th and 20th century.

During the Renaissance musicians were usually portrayed with a lute, a fashion that was started by Caravaggio, if I am correct. But his 1596 lute player was wearing a plain white shirt.
In the Netherlands the fashion for portraying musicians in full dress started in the early 17th century, like this Lute Player by Dirck van Braburen, 1622:


And by Frans Hals, ca 1623:

A very natural choice, and one in keeping with the Renaissance spirit.

 

Hi,
I agree with the others. Seems to be spelter not pewter or aluminum.
greg

 

Thanks Everyone