Lot 4: Hans Bollongier (Haarlem c. 1600-1644)

Tulips, a rose, bluebells and other flowers in a glass vase on a wooden ledge, with a snail and a caterpillar
signed with initials and dated 'HB. A, 1634 -' (HB linked, lower left)
oil on panel, laid down on panel
18 1/4 x 12 3/8 in. (46.4 x 31.9 cm.)

In the family of the present owner since the 1960s.

The artist was the son of Gillis Bollongier, from Roeselare in Flanders, who married in Haarlem in 1597. Hans joined the Haarlem Guild of Saint Luke in 1623 and remained working there until 1672, although the great majority of his output dates from the 1630s and early 1640s. His still lifes are distinctive for their crowded and seemingly chance arrangement of flowers, the use of subtle lighting - often showing the uppermost flowers in shadow, and his soft handling of detail.

This hitherto unrecorded work seems to be the only known dated picture from 1634 and is an excellent example by the artist working at the height of his powers.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.