Otto Marseus van Schriek, called Snuffelaer

Abraham Fontanel, Montpellier;
From whom acquired by Jacques Joseph de Boussairolles (1741-1814), Montpellier, 10 Feb 1805 (for 240 frs);
Count de Saporta, Aix-en-Provence;
Private collection, Switzerland;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 11 January 1996, lot 72;
David Koetser, 1996. 

New Orleans 1997, no. 50;
Baltimore 1999, no. 49.

J.J. de Boussairolles, L'Etat des Tableaux, before 1814, under cat. no. 19;
A. Chevalier, La collection de tableaux de Jacques-Joseph de Boussairolles, 1741-1814: un collectionneur du début du XIX siècle à Montpellier, PhD Dissertation (Sorbonne), Paris 1984, p. 49, cat. no. 64, reproduced p. 84;
New Orleans 1997, pp. 129-131, cat. no. 50, reproduced p. 130;
Baltimore 1999, pp. 116-117, no. 49, reproduced p. 117;
S. Steensma, Otto Marseus van Schrieck: Leben und Werk, Hildesheim 1999, p. 199, cat. no. B4.100 (incorrectly identified with cat no. B1.73).

The canvas has an old glue lining which is firm and stable. The paint surface overall is in good condition under a clear and fresh varnish. The detail in the foreground is well preserved, particularly in the thistle and frog. Some of the darks and foliage in the background have perhaps sunk a little but the painting still reads very well. Inspection under ultraviolet light is somewhat impeded, however there appears to be an old repaired compact tear in the upper right background of approx 4 by 3 in. and two circular repaired damages at either side of the thistle, at the level of the lower leaves, measuring approximately 2 in. in diameter. There is a curved line of retouching in the background at center right of approximately 2 in. and some retouching at the edges to address old frame abrasion. The painting requires no further restoration and is ready to hang in its present state. Offered in a black carved 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.

Otto Marseus van Schrieck was one of the leading innovators of the Dutch forest floor-still life. In this work, he has focused meticulous attention on a thistle, a single pink flower, and a handful of forest dwellers, all of which glisten vividly against a darkened background.  Working at a time of increased interest in the natural sciences, he is highly renowned for his detailed and dramatically lit nocturnal scenes that depict flora, moss and denizens of the forest.  His nickname Snuffelaer, or ferreter, undoubtedly reflects his excursions into the forest underbrush to examine different specimens—sometimes even bringing them back to his vivarium, where they were further cultivated and studied.  Much admired during his lifetime, his works were imitated by number of artists, including no less distinguished a talent than Rachel Ruysch (see lot 59).

Between 1648 and 1657, Otto Marseus van Schrieck left Amsterdam to embark on several extended sojourns to England, France, and—most notably—Italy.  During his time in Florence, he worked for the Grand Duke Ferdinand II de Medici of Tuscany, for his works complemented the family’s collection of flora and fauna in both painted and physical form.  A number of Marseus van Schrieck’s still-life paintings can be found in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence today.