David de Coninck Antwerp circa 1644 - in or after 1701 Brussels

The actual painting is more subdued in tone and has less contrast than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined. The coarse canvas structure is still visible to the front. Old stretcher marks can be seen to the upper, right and lower edge. Some pinpoints of paint loss throughout, as well as a minor paint loss visible in the centre bottom. Due to a dent a tendency towards cupping is visible in the lower right. Filled and retouched areas of cupping are visible along the lower edge. The thick application of the paint is well preserved. Retouchings are visible to the naked eye in the vase, grapes and background. One repaired damage can be seen in the lower right , along the edge. The paint surface is covered with a dirty and glossy varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light confirms above mentioned retouchings and shows additional retouchings and strengthening throughout, but especially in the vase, the grapes, the trees and sky to the left and in the tree trunk lower right. Furthermore, a retouching in the rabbit's face to the right is visible as well as a retouched area along the bottom edge. The varnish seems to be unevenly cleaned. Offered in a small gilt wood frame, in fair condition. (JD)
"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."

This impressive garden still life is typical of the large canvases produced by De Coninck during his career in Rome. These still lifes often incorporate a number of the same motifs such as the large urn or other architectural elements, placed in formal, italianate garden settings evocative of, and presumably inspired by, those of his wealthy Roman clientele. The rabbits and the array of exotic autumnal fruits also recur throughout these works: see for example, the still lifes sold London, Sotheby's, 12 December 1990, lot 70 and New York, Sotheby's, 16 May 1996, lot 243.

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer for confirming the attribution on the basis of a photograph.