Lot 168: PIETER CLAESZ. | A still life of fresh-water fish, with a cat, a Bartmannkrug, a barrel and a small fishing net on a table

oil on oak panel

46.2 by 63.7 cm.; 18 1/4  by 25 1/8  in.

oil on oak panel

The panel is uncradled and flat. The paint surface is secure. The surface is clean and the colours are strong. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an even varnish. There are no signs of retouching. Overall the work is in very good condition. The work is offered in a wood carved frame with raised sight edge, in 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."

Amsterdam, Gebr. Douwes, Stil leven, 13 March – 13 April 1968, no. 28;
Amsterdam, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de Verzameling Willem Russell, 20 June – 13 September 1970, no. 15;
Haarlem, Frans Hals Museum; Zürich, Kunsthaus; Washington, National Gallery of Art, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, 27 November 2004 – 31 December 2005, no. 47.

The Connoisseur, 148, December 1961, p. 320;
Antiek, vol. 3, April 1968, no. 9, p. 451;
S. Levie, 17e-eeuwse schilderijen uit de verzameling Willem Russell, exhibition catalogue, Amsterdam 1970, p. 25, cat. no. 15, reproduced p. 24;
N.R.A. Vroom, A modest message as intimated by the painters of the 'Monochrome Banketje', Schiedam 1980, vol. I, p. 109, vol. II, cat. no. 536 (as Clara Peeters);
M. Brunner-Bulst, Pieter Claesz. Der Hauptmeister des Haarlemer Stillebens im 17. Jahrhundert, Lingen 2004, 339, cat. no. 224, reproduced p. 338;
P. Biesboer, M. Brunner-Bulst, H.D. Gregory and Christian Klemm, Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life, exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 2004, pp. 58 and 129, cat. no. 47, reproduced in colour, p. 111;
F.G. Meijer, in L.M. Helmus (ed.), Fish.  Still lifes by Dutch and Flemish masters, exhibition catalogue, Utrecht 2004, p. 317, under no. 48.

Professor Leopold Ružička (1887–1976), Zürich, 1940;
With Alfred Brod Gallery, London, 1961;
In the present family collection by 1965.