PIETER FAES | Still life of roses, tulips, carnations and other flowers in an urn on a stone ledge, with peaches and grapes

Possibly Vischer-Doelpy collection (according to an old handwritten label on the reverse);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 15 December 1983, lot 217 (as Follower of Jan van Huysum);
With Galerie de Jonckheere, Brussels, 1984 (as Jan van Huysum).

The panel is uncradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is clean, the varnish is clean and even, and the pigments appear vibrant. There is a faint vertical surface crack starting along the centre of the upper margin approx 7cm long, only visible under racking light; it has fine lines of associated, sensitively executed, visible retouchings. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms this, and reveals some further retouchings: in the background upper centre, along the upper half of the left margin, in the vase and blue flowers lower centre, and scattered in the ledge and to the left of it. In overall very good condition. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with minor losses.
"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."

This work closely resembles Faes' early signed and dated painting of 1782, sold New York, Sotheby's, 5 June 2002, lot 14 (oil on panel, 82.6 x 63.5 cm.). It formerly bore a false signature, lower left, reading: Jan Van Huysum fecit.