Lot 15: Jacob van Huysum (Amsterdam 1686-1740 London) Peaches, grapes, pomegranates, a melon, and other fruit

Peaches, grapes, pomegranates, a melon, and other fruit with flowers on a stone ledge
signed '* Huysum f' (lower left)
oil on canvas
64.5 x 55.3cm (25 3/8 x 21 3/4in).

In 1716 Jacob van Huysum took over the management of the studio of his father, Justus van Huysum the Elder, on the latter's death. In 1721 he moved to England to work for Horace Walpole at Houghton Hall in Norfolk. Walpole also patronised Jacob's better-known brother, Jan. After two years, however, Jacob was dismissed from Walpole's service for intemperate drinking, a problem which was later responsible for his death.