Abraham Gibbens

Panel has been cradled. painting is clean and can be hung as is. the paint surface has been very well perserved and there is lovely retention of detail and strong coloration. two tiny losses can be seen at extreme lower left corner. examination under ultraviolet shows some very small retouches to salsify and to wood table top. a few retouches on fruit and along what appears to be a horizontal join which runs through cherries. Offered in a faux ebony wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Little is known about this Flemish artist, also called Abiah Gibbens, who was accepted in 1629 as a master painter in the corporation of Saint Germain-des Prés in Paris.  Only three signed paintings are known, one of which is another version of the present composition, signed and dated 1635, formerly in the F. Steinmeyer collection, Lucerne (see M. Faré, Le Grand Siècle de la Nature Morte en France, Le XVIIe Siècle, Paris 1974, p. 79 reproduced).