Gaspar Peeter Verbruggen the Elder

Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 16 October 1997, lot 116.

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is clean. There are some retouchings visible to the naked eye: a repaired inverted L-shaped scratch upper left measuring 2.5 x 5 cm. and repainting of the faded red pigment in the large flower on the far right. There is a small degree of frame rubbing along all margins, and an area of repair at the centre of the lower margin. Other than this, there are just tiny discoloured spot retouchings in the background. The blues are beginning to show signs of fading, but otherwise the bright colours of the blooms are very well-preserved. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a milky uneven varnish. There are small restrengthenings to some of the smaller leaves, to the roses and other small details of the blooms. Also revealed is the restoration to the aforementioned large flower right and to areas along the four margins, as well as some spot retouchings in the background upper right. This lot is offered in a wood frame with a gilt sight-edge, in good condition without any major knocks.
"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."

Verbruggen lived most of his life in Antwerp where he was Master of the Guild by 1677. He trained under his father, also a specialist in still life painting. Typical for Verbruggen's work is the dense and lively arrangement of flowers.