Justus van Huysum (1659-1716) - Natura in posa con drappo, frutta e farfalle

Justus van Huysum (Amsterdam 1659–1716)
Still Life with Peaches, Pomegranate, Goblet, Snail and Butterflies
Oil on canvas, 82 x 65 cm
Signed centre-left beneath the table

This richly conceived still life by Justus van Huysum dates from the final years of the 17th century, exemplifying the refinement and luxuriant detail for which the artist became celebrated. At the centre, peaches and a split pomegranate rest upon a draped velvet cloth edged with gold embroidery, their sensuous flesh painted with a precision that recalls the vanitas tradition while delighting in natural abundance. A gilt chalice rises majestically above the composition, balanced by a glass roemer and an overturned wicker basket spilling grapes across the table. The dark, velvety background heightens the luminous play of light on fruit and metal, while fluttering butterflies introduce a note of transience and delicacy.

This painting offers a rare and compelling opportunity in the oeuvre of Justus van Huysum as fruit still lifes are exceptionally unusual for this artist. His surviving body of work is overwhelmingly floral in character, although a particularly relevant comparandum (also signed "Jan van Huysum" and including the very same snail) is held in the RKD’s image archive under n. 259316 - see file in the photo gallery. In our richer composition, one can discern echoes of masters from the earlier generation such as Willem van Aelst and Hendrik de Fromantiou, as well as clear points of contact with Huysum's contemporary Jan Mortel.

Justus was the patriarch of the renowned Huysum dynasty of painters, including Jan - the star of the family - and Jacob, all known for their still lifes. Despite their signatures often overlapping, it is easy to differentiate Justus's work from that of his sons because it still speaks the language of the Dutch Golden Age, while Jan and Jacob's paintings are entirely 18th century in character. That said, Jan was very active in the workshop from an early age, so it is reasonable, in this as in other similar cases (e.g. Koller, Zurich, 22 March 2013, lot no. 3035), to assume that he helped with the painting under his father's supervision.

It is recommended that the work undergo professional cleaning to remove dirt and oxidised varnish, bringing out the vibrancy of its colours.

Provenance: Private collection, Germany.