Michel Bouillon

The catalogue illustration is too red and too dark. The copper support is flat and stable with an old protective varnish. The painting is in good overall condition with thick impasto in the detail of the fruits. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals no major repairs, just scattered local retouchings and some strengthening to the background on the left hand side behind the still life and also the leaves. There has been some minor abrasion caused by movement in the frame. Offered in plain wood frame, some minor chips.
"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."

A similar work of identical dimensions, dated 1653, depicting the same arrangment of fruit, but with the addition of extra peaches as well as an extra glass, was sold in these Rooms, 6 July 2006, lot 253, for £10,000. We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographs.