Property from a French Private Collection
Still life with flowers and butterflies
Auction Closed
June 11, 01:34 PM GMT
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
Isaak Soreau
Frankfurt 1604 - 1644
Still life with flowers and butterflies
Oil on panel
50,6 x 37,5 cm ; 19⅞ by 14¾ in.
We are grateful to Dr. Fred G. Meijer, who endorsed the authentication of this painting based on photographs.
In the same private collection for at least two generations.
Rarely signed, works by Isaak Soreau are nevertheless easy to recognize, sharing the same finesse in their execution and fastidious precision in the rendering of different floral species as is the case here.
The present composition is particularly close to three other still lifes by the artist sold in our galleries: one in London (sale 12 July 2001, lot 38, sold for 108,000 GBP), another in Amsterdam (sale 14 May 2002, lot 28, sold for 84,000 EUR) and the last, on copper, sold in New York (29 January 2009, lot 42, sold for 662,500 USD).
All in a vertical format, they depict an exuberant arrangement presented in a glass beaker decorated with motifs in relief, placed in the centre of a wooden tabletop filling the full width of the composition and giving it a carefully conceived balance. The colours of each flower stand out from the dark, neutral background. The wide range of species and their colouring bring the composition to life: the dazzling white pansies and tulips contrasting with the vibrant red of the anemone, with the subtle tints of the cornflower and cyclamen, could almost be considered the artist’s signature.
With the aid of skilfully applied glazes, Soreau modulates the light illuminating the flowers, so that each is distinct; colourful butterflies add the final touch to this exceptionally vivid and luminous composition.
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