Gillis Jacobsz. van Hulsdonck

Anonymous sale, Zurich, Koller, 2 December 1998, lot 526 (as Netherlandish School, 17th or 18th century);

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 9 July 1999, lot 170;

With Rafael Valls, London, 1999-2000;

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby’s, 24 January 2008, lot 306;

Where acquired.

This signed work by Gillis Jacobsz. van Hulsdonck, the son of eminent still-life specialist Jacob van Hulsdonck, presents an elegant depiction of understated opulence. The delicately rendered pink rose petals, gracefully curling lemon peel, and slightly askew blue-and-white porcelain bowl (likely imported from China), together convey a sense of quiet luxury, underscored by the velvet ochre tablecloth that grounds the composition. Rather than overwhelming the viewer, the arrangement relies on subtlety: each object is placed with care, resulting in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and refined.

We are thankful to Fred Meijer for supporting the attribution of Gillis van Hulsdonck.