This exquisite mid-17th-century Flemish oil painting depicts a still life with an abundance of fruit and flora perched atop a pewter plate. Its a decadent array of natures finest.
Within every 17th-century still life, theres a suggestion of a deeper narrative and its intriguing to consider whether the artist is communicating at a secondary level. Here, the fruit is so bountiful that its overwhelming the platter, as if in a state of unbridled debauchery.
Grapes are often used as symbols of Bacchus, the God of wine, which seems appropriate. Theres also a merry dance occurring towards the top, as the leaves spring forward with life and vigour.
The handling is exceptional, with the details carefully rendered. Note the reflections of the fruit and the realistic texture of the wooden surface. The artist is unknown, and its been erroneously monogrammed JDH, in an effort to attribute the painting to the well-known Dutch artist, Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1684). It dates to
...circa 1630, and stylistically, its somewhat reminiscent of works by German painter Isaak Soreau (1604-1644), who trained in Antwerp. Its certainly an accomplished piece by a masterful hand.
Held in a beautiful gilt frame, which is possibly original.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 32 x 27 / 83cm x 69cm
Year of creation: c. 1630
Labels & Inscriptions: Various inscriptions on the reverse relating to two previous sales at Christie''s.
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. Repairs to a crack in the panel with corresponding retouching. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2172
Internal Reference: BRV2172
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1166480
Dateline of this antique is 17th Century
Height is 69cm (27.2inches)Width is 83cm (32.7inches)Depth is 5cm (2.0inches)
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