- 11
Thomas Mertens
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description
- Thomas Mertens
- Still life with fruit and oysters on a table
- signed and dated upper right: Tho. mertens. fecit 1666.
- oil on panel
Provenance
David Koetser, 1989.
Exhibited
David Koetser Gallery, Winter Exhibition 1989-90, no. 24, reproduced in color in the catalogue;
New Orleans 1997, no. 27;
Baltimore 1999, no. 25.
New Orleans 1997, no. 27;
Baltimore 1999, no. 25.
Literature
J. de Maere and M. Wabbes, Illustrated Dictionary of 17th-Century Flemish Painters, Brussels 1994, p. 264, cat. no. 773;
New Orleans 1997, pp. 66-67, cat. no. 27;
Baltimore 1999, p. 61, cat. no. 25;
A. van der Willigen and F. Meijer, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish Still-life Painters Working in Oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, pp. 141-142.
New Orleans 1997, pp. 66-67, cat. no. 27;
Baltimore 1999, p. 61, cat. no. 25;
A. van der Willigen and F. Meijer, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish Still-life Painters Working in Oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, pp. 141-142.
Condition
The panel is cradled and beveled on all four sides. Overall there is excellent retention of the paint surface with nice thick impasto and strong coloration. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some retouches on the peaches, some on the tablecloth in foreground, and an area at lower left corner. There is also some retouching along extreme right edge. These have been well applied and painting may be hung as is.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
This simply arranged still life with fruit and oysters was the only work by Theodoor Mertens known to Jan de Maere when he published it in 1994 (see Literature). Since then, Fred Meijer has published the picture as a youthful work by the artist (see literature), and a small number of pictures given to Mertens have appeared on the art market. These include another signed work (oil on canvas, 34¼ x 43¾ in.) sold, New York, Christie's, 4 June 2009, lot 76. Additionally, a copy of the present picture, which in turn follows a 1650 composition by Jan Davidsz de Heem (private collection, Switzerland), was offered for sale in London, Christie's, 12 December 2003, lot 84.
Mertens, who was active in Antwerp in the 1660s, was clearly influenced by Jan Davidsz de Heem, as well as Joris van Son, with whose his technique and preference for smooth finishes are readily apparent in this panel.