Follower of Willem Claesz. Heda

Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 23 June 1992, lot 108 (as by Franchoys Elout).

The actual painting is a little less red than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel is flat and stable and is cradled to the reverse. The impasto of the highlights, e.g. in the lemon, the pocket watch and the table cloth have been nicely preserved. There's a minor tendency towards flaking to the upper right, but otherwise, no damages are visible to the naked eye. Some retouchings can be observed in the background and in the fallen glass and tablecloth. The paint surface is under a fairly clear layer of varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals a repaired and retouched horizontal crack of approx. 15 cm. in the centre right, and some additional strengthening in some of the objects. Offered in a plain wood frame with a gilt fillet in good condition.
"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 painting comes very close to the signed and dated 1630 Willem Claesz. Heda that was with Noortman in 1993, which shows the same objects on the table, albeit differently arranged.