Lot 45: PIETER CLAESZ. | Still-life with an oil lamp, a pocket watch, an open song book, an overturned roemer, a gilded covered cup and sea shells, all arranged on a table draped with a green cloth

oil on panel, the reverse branded with the clover leaf maker's mark of Michael Claessens (active 1590–1637)

35.5 by 63 cm.; 14 by 24 3/4  in.<br /><br /> 

oil on panel, the reverse branded with the clover leaf maker's mark of Michael Claessens (active 1590–1637) <u style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></u>

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Structural Condition The artist's panel is uncradled and the reverse bevelled and is providing a secure and stable structural support Paint Surface The paint surface has a markedly discoloured and uneven varnish layer and should respond very well to cleaning and revarnishing. There are a number of surface abrasions in the varnish layers and one small loss in the background above the open book. There are traces of other small abrasions within the varnish layers. The fine detail of the painting would appear to be well preserved. Inspection under ultra-violet light confirms how discoloured the varnish layers have become and how well the painting should respond to cleaning. Only the most minimal spots of inpainting are visible under ultra-violet light and there is an area in the lower right corner which appears to have been partially cleaned to reveal the traces of the artist's monogram. There maybe other retouchings beneath old opaque varnish layers which are not identifiable under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and should respond very well to cleaning and revarnishing.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

N.R.A. Vroom, De Schilders van het Monochrome Banketje, Amsterdam 1945, pp. 40 and 198, no. 20, reproduced fig. 26 (as Pieter Claesz., datable to 1623);
N.R.A Vroom, A Modest Message as intimated by the painters of the 'Monochrome Banketje', Scheidam 1980, vol. I, pp. 25, 93 and 103, reproduced figs 17 and 146, vol. II, pp. 16 and 101, nos 42 and 505, (as Clara Peeters or Pieter Claesz., datable to 1623);
N.R.A. Vroom, A Modest Message as intimated by the painters of the 'Monochrome Banketje', Schiedam 1999, vol. III, supplement, D.M. Klinger (ed.), pp. 136 and 153, reproduced fig. 105 (as Clara Peeters or Pieter Claesz.).

Anonymous sale, Stockholm, Bukowski, 24–25 September 1931, no. 32;
With P. de Boer, Amsterdam;
Probably acquired from the above by an antecedent of the present owner;
Thence by descent.