Lot 104: JACOBUS BILTIUS THE HAGUE 1633-1681 BERGEN-OP-ZOOM

THE PROPERTY OF ROB SMEETS OLD MASTER PAINTINGS

TROMPE L'OEIL STILL LIFE WITH QUAILS, KINGFISHER, BIRD NET AND WHISTLE;
TROMPE L'OEIL STILL LIFE WITH TWO QUAILS, BIRD NET AND WHISTLE

measurements note
each: 21 by 15 3/4 in.; 53.5 by 40 cm

one, signed lower right j. biltiùs - fecit -;
the other, signed and dated lower right j. biltiùs - fecit - / 1666

a pair, both oil on canvas

Quantity: 2

PROVENANCE

Private collection, Netherlands, from whom purchased by Rob Smeets Old Master Paintings.

NOTE

Biltius created numerous trompe l'oeil compositions dated between 1663 and 1677, which continue to be the pictures for which he is best known. This genre was developed shortly after artists such as Philips Angel, Cornelis Biltius and the Leemans, and Jacobus Biltius, began exploiting the possibilities of these recently developed forms. These two pictures are wonderful examples of Biltius' pioneering achievements in creating the illusion of three dimensional objects. The careful depiction of varying textures and close attention to the effect of light and placement of shadows are among the most important factors in creating such an illusion, and are all admirably exemplified in this pair of dead game pieces.

A trompe l'oeil still life of weaponry by Biltius dated to the same year was in the collection of Bill Blass, sold in these rooms on January 22, 2004, lot 22 for $344,000.