- 168
Pieter Claesz.
Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Pieter Claesz.
- A still life of fresh-water fish, with a cat, a Bartmannkrug, a barrel and a small fishing net on a table
- signed with monogram and dated lower right: Ao PC 1656.
- oil on oak panel
Provenance
Professor Leopold Ruička (1887–1976), Zürich, 1940;
With Alfred Brod Gallery, London, 1961;
In the present family collection by 1965.
With Alfred Brod Gallery, London, 1961;
In the present family collection by 1965.
Exhibited
Amsterdam, Gebr. Douwes, Stil leven, 13 March – 13 April 1968, no. 28;
Amsterdam, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de Verzameling Willem Russell, 20 June – 13 September 1970, no. 15;
Haarlem, Frans Hals Museum; Zürich, Kunsthaus; Washington, National Gallery of Art, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, 27 November 2004 – 31 December 2005, no. 47.
Amsterdam, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de Verzameling Willem Russell, 20 June – 13 September 1970, no. 15;
Haarlem, Frans Hals Museum; Zürich, Kunsthaus; Washington, National Gallery of Art, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, 27 November 2004 – 31 December 2005, no. 47.
Literature
The Connoisseur, 148, December 1961, p. 320;
Antiek, vol. 3, April 1968, no. 9, p. 451;
S. Levie, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de verzameling Willem Russell, exhibition catalogue, Amsterdam 1970, p. 25, cat. no. 15, reproduced p. 24;
N.R.A. Vroom, A modest message as intimated by the painters of the 'Monochrome Banketje', Schiedam 1980, vol. I, p. 109, vol. II, cat. no. 536 (as Clara Peeters);
M. Brunner-Bulst, Pieter Claesz. Der Hauptmeister des Haarlemer Stillebens im 17. Jahrhundert, Lingen 2004, 339, cat. no. 224, reproduced p. 338;
P. Biesboer, M. Brunner-Bulst, H.D. Gregory and Christian Klemm, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 2004, pp. 58 and 129, cat. no. 47, reproduced in colour, p. 111;
F.G. Meijer, in L.M. Helmus (ed.), Fish. Still lifes by Dutch and Flemish masters, exhibition catalogue, Utrecht 2004, p. 317, under no. 48.
Antiek, vol. 3, April 1968, no. 9, p. 451;
S. Levie, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de verzameling Willem Russell, exhibition catalogue, Amsterdam 1970, p. 25, cat. no. 15, reproduced p. 24;
N.R.A. Vroom, A modest message as intimated by the painters of the 'Monochrome Banketje', Schiedam 1980, vol. I, p. 109, vol. II, cat. no. 536 (as Clara Peeters);
M. Brunner-Bulst, Pieter Claesz. Der Hauptmeister des Haarlemer Stillebens im 17. Jahrhundert, Lingen 2004, 339, cat. no. 224, reproduced p. 338;
P. Biesboer, M. Brunner-Bulst, H.D. Gregory and Christian Klemm, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 2004, pp. 58 and 129, cat. no. 47, reproduced in colour, p. 111;
F.G. Meijer, in L.M. Helmus (ed.), Fish. Still lifes by Dutch and Flemish masters, exhibition catalogue, Utrecht 2004, p. 317, under no. 48.
Condition
The panel is uncradled and flat. The paint surface is secure. The surface is clean and the colours are strong. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish. There are no signs of retouching. Overall the work is in very good condition.
The work is offered in a wood carved frame with raised sight edge, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This picture is one of only three paintings of this subject, which Pieter Claesz. addressed in the last years of his life between 1655–57. All three pictures contain similar motifs, which appear in others of the artist's still lifes with food, such as the oysters, the Bartmannkrug and the knife on the edge of the table.1 The centre of the scene is enlivened by the cat staring watchfully out at the viewer, as if in the knowledge that it could be chased away at any moment. Pieter Claesz.'s late works are characterised by a looseness and freedom in the rapid brushwork, and a muted, monochromatic palette.
Vroom's misattribution of this and a number of other works by Pieter Claesz. to Clara Peeters was due to a misreading of the monogram composed of P and C.
Vroom's misattribution of this and a number of other works by Pieter Claesz. to Clara Peeters was due to a misreading of the monogram composed of P and C.
1. For illustrations of the three paintings see Vroom, 1980, vol. I, p. 109, vol. II, cat. nos 536, 537 and 538 (as Clara Peeters).