Jan van Kessel the Elder

Provenance: private collection.

In Jan van Kessel’s work, nature is a source of delicacy and meticulousness. The undisputed master of still life, the entire essence of his art can be seen in...

Provenance: private collection.

In Jan van Kessel’s work, nature is a source of delicacy and meticulousness. The undisputed master of still life, the entire essence of his art can be seen in this painting of a basket with grapes, game, cat and guinea-pig.

This precious, good-sized copper is the subject of lively and elegant brushwork, which is perfectly suited to the painter’s preferred use of copper. He skilfully and lovingly details every form and colour. He uses his personal style to paint each fruit and vegetable with a rich and spirited stroke. He cleverly creates contrasts between the vegetables – some painted in shimmering colours and others with a downy aspect – and the silky coats of the pheasants, the hare, the cat and the small rodent. Laid out on a table, the traditional basket of grapes dominates the painting, while the opulence of the foodstuffs spill out in cleverly-arranged disorder.

Filled with delicacy and skill, this copper wonderfully illustrates the talent of Jan van Kessel; a true example of the essence of his art, the inquisitive mind shall enjoy it for the beauty of the nature and the harmony therein.