JAN VAN KESSEL THE ELDER | A swag of flowers fixed with two blue ribbons

Anonymous sale, Paris, Charpentier, 2 December 1952, lot 72 (as Cornelis de Heem);
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 18 January 1984, lot 16 (as signed).

K. Ertz and C. Nitze-Ertz, Die Maler Jan van Kessel, Lingen 2012, p. 367, cat. no. 643, reproduced;
F.G. Meijer, Jan Davidsz. de Heem 1606-1684, doctoral diss., University of Amsterdam 2016, part II, p. 97, under cat. no. A083.

The panel is cradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is clean, the varnish clear and even, and the colours are bright and well-preserved. The painting is in overall good condition without a need for further work. There are two horizontal splits almost running the width of the centre of the panel, one from the left margin, the other from the right, which have been sensitively retouched. Inspection under ultraviolet light, however, appears to reveal very little other intervention, save for very few scattered retouchings and strengthening beneath the rather opaque varnish. Offered in an ebonised Dutch style frame in very good condition.
"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."

This composition is based on a painting by Jan Davidsz. de Heem, formerly with Richard Feigen, New York.¹ 1 Oil on panel, 48.3 x 64.1 cm.; see Meijer 2016, p. 97, cat. no. A083, reproduced in colour.