Lot 23
  • 23

Follower of Willem van Aelst

bidding is closed

Description

  • Willem van Aelst
  • A still life with grapes, strawberries in a porcelain bowl, peaches, a silver-gilt jug, a wine glass, oranges, cherries and a lobster, on a silver plate, all on a marble ledge draped with a green cloth, together with two butterflies, a snail and a dragon-fly
  • oil on canvas, unframed

Provenance

Anonymous sale, The Hague, Glerum, 27 November 1989, lot 52;
Anonymous sale, The Hague, Glerum, 28 May 1990, lot 71 (both the above as by Harmen Loeding);
Anonymous sale, Bern, Stuker, 20 November - 1 December 1990, lot 3387 (as Circle of Jan Davidsz. de Heem);
Anonymous sale, The Hague, Glerum, 13 November 1995, lot 13 (as attributed to Loeding).

Condition

The actual painting is slightly more red and warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a stiff relining. The paint surface has grown slightly thin, mainly in the background. There are some minor flecks of paint loss along the lower edge. Otherwise, no damages seem to be apparent. Small retouches can be observed along the right edge, in the blue grapes, in the background to the upper left. The paint surface is under a fine craquelure pattern, and is covered with a thick and glossy varnish layer. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the aforesaid retouchings, and reveals additional small retouches throughout, as well as minor strengthening in the flies and snail. Offered unframed. (MW)
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

According to Fred G. Meijer, this work is derived from different compositions by Willem van Aelst and other artists working in this style.