Carstian Luyckx

IJsselstein, Stadsmuseum IJsselstein, Zomerse Stillevens & Tuinen. Hollandse meesters Barok en Modern, 25 April - 30 September 2009.

The actual painting is a little softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a stable relining. The paint surface is under a clear layer of varnish and the painting seems to be recently cleaned. No damages are apparent. The paint surface is in wonderful condition, with subtle detail in the flowers and butterflies still intact. Two tiny restored losses can be made out lower left. Minor strengthening can be observed in the sculpted table. Inspection under UV light reveals a few very tiny retouchings in the curtain centre left, and upper left, and only very minimal ones in the thistle and in the yellow flower. Overall, the painting is in very good condition. Offered in a plain lacquered wood frame with a gilt fillet.
"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."

Although it remains unclear where exactly Luyckx was active during his career, it is known that he stayed in his native town of Antwerp until at least the 1650s, and possibly even later. French inscriptions on his later paintings allow us to believe he moved to southern regions, but no documents confirm this.
His preferred subjects consist of vanitas paintings, game pieces and flower still lifes, mostly containing garlands, see for example the one sold, New York, Sotheby's, 26 January 2006, lot 11, or festoons, and like this painting, a swag of flowers. They have been recorded in private Antwerp collections as early as 1652.¹

1. See A. van der Willigen, F.G. Meijer, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish Still-life Painters Working in Oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, pp.134-5.