Jan van Kessel the Elder

Private collection, France, since the 18th century;

With Johnny van Haeften, London;

From whom acquired by the present owner in March 2003.

K. Ertz and C. Nitze-Ertz, Die Maler Jan van Kessel. Jan van Kessel der Ältere 1626–1679, Jan van Kessel der Jüngere 1654–1708, Jan van Kessel der 'Andere' ca. 1620 - ca. 1621, Lingen 2012, p. 268, no. 401, reproduced.

These two fine copper panels (lots 10 and 11) have been given firm wooden border supports behind, probably early in the last century. Both have been remarkably well preserved, with immaculate detail perfectly intact and unworn. There has been a recent restoration. Jan van Kessel. Butterflies and Moths. This painting on a similar copper panel has equally exquisite insects, immaculately perfect down to the finest detail. There is no trace of past damage to the panel, and even the varnish may possibly not have been disturbed quite as recently as its pair. The extreme outer edges do have faint marks from a past frame, with a few minimal retouchings but the entire painting is in a rare, virtually undisturbed condition. This report was not done under laboratory conditions.
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See note to preceding lot.