Lot 7: ATTRIBUTED TO ADRIAEN VAN UTRECHT | Still life with fruit piled high in a basket, surrounded by quinces, melons and asparagus on a ledge

oil on canvas

67.3 by 86.4 cm.; 26 1/2  by 34 in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has a recent and firm relining. The canvas may have been slightly trimmed on either side. The paint surface has quite recently been cleaned, relined and restored and is in good overall condition. The largest repair is to a vertical 20 cm tear in the lower right corner. There are some associated old losses either side of this and to and around the asparagus. Apart from this most restoration is local in nature, mostly in the shadows and details of the still life, the margins and the background. The varnish is clear and even and the painting will not require further attention. Offered in a modern gilt wood frame 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."

Catalogue of Old Master Paintings. An illustrated summary catalogue, Rijksdienst Beeldende Kunst, The Hague 1992, p. 198, cat. no. 1664, reproduced (as Luis Melendez).

Private collection, Netherlands;
With J.S. VOF art dealers, Amsterdam;
From whom acquired by Alois Miedl, Amsterdam, trading as J. Goudstikker N.V. on 17 July 1940;
From whom acquired by Heinrich Hofmann, Munich;
From whom acquired by Reichskanzlei, Berlin, on 29 August 1940;
Adolf Hitler;
Linz Museum;
Stichting Nederlandsch Kunstbezit (NK collection number:1596), by 2003 (as L. Meléndez de Ribera);
Restituted to the heirs of the pre-war owners, the partners of the Jewish-owned gallery J.S. VOF, in 2005;
Anonymous sale ('Property from a Deceased's Estate'), London, Sotheby's, 27 April 2006, Lot 69, (as Pieter van Boucle).