Michiel Simons

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Paul Brandt, 25-28 November 1970, lot 147.

Wiesbaden, Museum Wiesbaden, 5 Sammler - 5 Meinungen, 8 April - 27 May 1973.

The actual painting is a lot softer and less red in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel seems to consist of 3 planks, joined horizontally, and has been cradled. The panel has been enlarged on all sides, with strips of wood op approx. 4 mm., possibly to fit the frame. There are a few small paint loss in the lower right corner and in the upper centre. The paint surface is under a very dirty layer of varnish and its removal would improve the tonality of the painting. The paint layer is secure. A few retouchings to the background are visible to the naked eye. Under UV-light the pant surface looks more substantially restored, particularly in the background, in the peaches, and in the table cloth. Offered in a decorative carved wood and gilt plaster frame, in good condition. (MW)
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Little is known about the life and work of still life painter Michiel Simons. Although Simons is mentioned in an inventory in Antwerp in 1644, it seems likely that he was mainly active in the city of Utrecht, where he was recorded in 1669 and 1671, and where he lived until his death in 1673. Simons painted still lifes of dead game and fowl, and a few flower and fruit pieces. In Utrecht he clearly must have been influenced by artists such as Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1683) and Ambrosius Bosschaert the Younger (1609-1645), but as this work clearly shows, he developed a strong individual style as well.

This painting is a beautiful example of the dramatic atmosphere and the rich colours Simons achieves by exploring strong contrasts of light and shade, and the subtle nuances of light which he uses to model softer elements, such as the grapes and leaves. This composition bears a strong resemblance to other signed works, all most likely executed in the early 1650s, and which all include the pewter plate with the peaches balancing on the left corner of the table¹.

1. See, for example those sold Berlin, Kettner, 23 November 1961, lot 415, and New York, Sotheby's, 14 January 1994, lot 106.