I can across this painting on the web. The title given is A Philosopher In Meditation, although that may not be the subject matter as originally painted. It is purported to be by Rembrandt (1606-1669). I particularly like the twisting staircase which seems to represent the philosopher's convoluted chain of thought. He is concerned with higher things - or at least things that lead to a higher plane - unlike the woman in the corner who busies herself with more mundane matters like keeping warm.
I have subsequently also found on the web the following, very similar painting entitled Philosopher with an Open Book by Salomon Koninck (1609-1656) who was a contemporary and countryman of Rembrandt's and who apparently moved in the same circles. I suspect that copying was done not so much as an act of plagiarism but as a mark of respect.
