255 - VALLETTE-PENOT, Jean (Montauban, 1710–1777). “Still Life with a Dresser,” oil on canvas. 89.5 x 104.5 cm

VALLETTE-PENOT, Jean (Montauban, 1710–1777). “Still Life with a Dresser,” oil on canvas. 89.5 x 104.5 cm Original label on the reverse reading “still life / Dutch school / 17th century / collection / Mr. Eugène Goumarault / advisor to the Imperial Court / of Angers” and an inscription on the stretcher reading “coll. Huard-de-VERRIERES de Sainte-Foy” Carved and gilded wooden frame from the Louis XV period This composition can be compared to the one in the Rennes Museum, painted for President Robien, which also features stacked shelves rather than simply a still life on an entablature. Note, on the top shelf of our sideboard, the presence of scalloped “Imari”-decorated plates arranged among various stoneware jars, a jar of pickles, and a cookbook (specify the date). On the middle shelf, two other plates frame a wrapped sugar loaf. To the right, on the ledge, a set of dark glass bottles is neatly aligned. To the left, a bronze torch, and in the dim light, one can make out a pewter flask. Blocking the view of the bottom shelf is a table richly adorned with glasses and earthenware, accompanied by a candy dish and a carafe. In the center, there is a knife with a soft-paste porcelain handle from Saint-Cloud, decorated in shades of blue with leafy scrollwork and featuring a recessed rim designed to rest the index finger on the blade. To the left, there are two slices of sheep’s milk cheese arranged on a faience plate from the Compagnie des Indes. In the middle, a basket of oranges sits atop a carousel of small glass cups holding apples, interspersed with artificial flowers (metal stems). Expert: TURQUIN Firm