Flemish Artist, Still Life with Flowers and Fruit, 1750, Oil on Canvas

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18th-century flemish painter

still life with flowers and fruit, a cake, a precious goblet, and cheese

oil on canvas (73 … Read more 18th-century flemish painter

still life with flowers and fruit, a cake, a precious goblet, and cheese

oil on canvas (73 x 98 cm - framed 98 x 129 cm)

provenance: cambi, genoa, november 29, 2011, lot 612, estimate: €7,000-€9,000
this still life depicts a rich and varied composition of objects typical of the flemish baroque tradition. The scene is a triumph of abundance, with a sumptuous, partially cut savory tart at the center, with a knife elegantly placed beside it, inviting the viewer to join in the banquet. In the background, a majestic, embossed, gilded goblet, a symbol of royalty and wealth, stands tall.

on the left, a glass ampoule overflows with a vibrant and lush floral bouquet, with roses, white flowers, and tulips creating a striking color contrast against the dark background and warm tones of the center.

every element is rendered with extraordinary realism: the crumbly texture of the pie crust, the sheen of the metal, the shiny, waxy surface of the lemons and apples, the porosity of the large wedge of aged cheese, and the intricate shells of the walnuts scattered on the table.

the theatrical lighting, emerging from the darkness, accentuates the depth and volume of the objects, creating an intimate yet grandiose atmosphere, emblematic of the flemish and dutch mastery of this pictorial genre.

it is a work that celebrates beauty, but each object depicted is not chosen randomly; each carries a specific symbolic meaning, often linked to the theme of "vanitas" (the transience of life and earthly goods): flowers represent ephemeral beauty par excellence, as does glass, whose transparency and delicacy directly allude to the fragility of existence. The precious chalice also alludes to material wealth and luxury that cannot be carried into the afterlife.

food evokes the same concepts, particularly fruits such as nuts or peeled foods, which indicate the need to go beyond material appearance (the peel) to seek spiritual substance.

a painting with a similar composition, titled "fruit, cheese, and cake on a table," was sold at christie's paris (auction march 2, 2011, lot 171, in the manner of juan van der hamen).

additional information:

the painting is being sold with a beautiful frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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