Lot 43: Cornelis de Bryer , active in Antwerp circa 1634 - 1660 Cherries, Grapes, Apricots, Figs, Maize, and Other Fruit with a Silver Tazza on a Table oil on canvas

signed lower left: C. DE BRIER oil on canvas

measurements note 16 3/4 by 19 1/2 in.; 42.54 by 49.53 cm.

E. Greindl, Identification du monogramme d'une nature morte du XVIIs., in Bull. M.R.B.A.B., XVII, no 3, 1973, pp. 254-263;
E. Greindl, Les Peintres flamands de nature morte, Brussels 1983;
J. De Maere and M. Wabbes, Illustrated Dictionary of 17th Century Flemish Painters, Brussels 1994, p. 88, under no. 215., reproduced vol. I, figure 215.

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, July 17, 1984, lot 71;
Acquired by the present collector in 1984.

PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION
Works by de Bryer are quite rare and are not often seen on the art market, with signed works proving even more uncommon. This well preserved canvas is one of ten extant signed works, making it a truly exceptional offering.υ1 The biographical details of de Bryer's life are somewhat unclear, however he is first mentioned in the painter's guild in The Hague, and is listed as a pupil of Daniel van Middeler. De Bryer's surviving works demonstrate a keen understanding and appreciation for the market demands and tastes of his day. His works show the clear influence of not only his teacher, van Middeler, but also Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Jan van Son. De Heem's interest in metallic reflections is evident here in De Bryer's upright silver gilt cup. The handling of this element in particular displays his talent as a highly accomplished technician among the finest Dutch masters. 1. F. Meijer, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish Still-life Painters Working in Oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, pp. 56-57.