1273 - Michiel Simons (c. 1620–1673, Utrecht), attributed to;

Michiel Simons (c. 1620–1673, Utrecht), attributed to; Large Festive Still Life with Fruit, Shrimp, a Cassette, and a Wine Glass A composition in a wide, horizontal format. Artfully and harmoniously balanced, the still life is arranged on the top of a large, rectangular table, half of which is covered with white cloths. On this surface, Simons has arranged a bountiful feast of a wide variety of fruits—some from the south—staggered in height and depth, with leafy branches, grapevines, and the peel of a lemon breaking up the composition. Additional elements of the still life include a massive, dark (ebony) box, a champagne flute à la façon de Venise, a loaf of bread, and a pewter plate with shrimp. Although unsigned, this still life can nevertheless be attributed to the artist’s known oeuvre—as extensively documented by the RKD in The Hague—based on comparisons of style, composition, motif, and color scheme. This includes, among other works, a painting signed by Simons from 1653, which was auctioned on May 25, 2000, at Sotheby’s, New York (Lot 57a) and in which the tall flute also reappears. Very little is known about the still-life painter’s life. Although Simons is mentioned in an inventory in Antwerp from 1644, he was likely active primarily in Utrecht; he is documented there for the years 1669 and 1671 and lived there until his death in 1673. In addition to still lifes featuring hunted game and poultry, he painted still lifes of flowers and fruit. Although he was influenced by artists such as Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606–1684) and Ambrosius Bosschaert the Younger (1609–1645), he nevertheless developed—as this work impressively demonstrates—a distinct style of his own. Oil on canvas, relined; 68 cm x 131 cm. Framed. Attributed to Michiel Simons (circa 1620–1673). Oil on canvas, relined.