Jan van Kessel

Sale, Paris, Palais d'Orsay, 28 March 1979, lot 169 (as Adrien Grijeff).

E. Greindl, Les Peintres Flamands de Nature Morte au XVIIe Siecle, Belgium 1983, pp. 111, 357, cat. no. 50, reproduced p. 235, fig. 113 (as Adrien Grijeff).

The support appears to consist of two horizontal panels which are bevelled on all sides. The panel join is visible on the painting's surface and there is some very slight paint loss along the far right hand side of the join. Otherwise the paint surface is secure and in good condition, with the colours of the painting well-preserved. Some of the brown tones of the painting are very slightly abraded but this is not obtrusive. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the reflective varnish covering the work but does reveal retouchings along the aforemented panel join and the left hand margin and a handful of scattered retouchings elsewhere. Offered in an ornate carved and gilt wood frame in good condition, thought rather rubbed.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the RKD for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographs. The artist's oeuvre was for a long time conflated with that of his contemporary namesake, Jan van Kessel the Elder, despite the marked difference in style. The current work can be compared to his still life sold London, Bonhams, 7 July 2010, lot 58.