

THE PROPERTY OF A LADY
Like so many of Soreau’s still lifes, this painting bears the unmistakable influence of the Antwerp still-life painter Jacob van Hulsdonck (1582–1647) – during the artist's years in Antwerp, it is probable that he spent some time in Hulsdonck’s studio. Although very few works by Soreau are either signed or dated, the correspondence between the arrangement of fruit and vegetables in the basket and one of Soreau's rare signed paintings (Private Collection)1 establishes this as a genuine work by the artist, as does its customary clarity of design. Soreau’s group of works featuring baskets of fruit and vegetables also includes a painting in the Staatliches Museum, Schwerin (inv. no. G 1110). Indeed, Bott suspects that Soreau's limited repertoire of models was based on an economic strategy: 'Series of paintings recognisably in the painter's style became 'brand-name goods' and the artist's resulting reputation made the paintings more valuable.'2
This lot is sold with a signed certificate from Dr. Fred G. Meijer dated 28 June 2017 endorsing the attribution to Soreau.
1 See Bott 2001, p. 187, cat. no. WV.IS.46, reproduced.
2 See Bott 2001, p. 89.