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FRANÇOIS HABERT (Active in France in the mid 17th century)
S…
See original version (French)
32
-
FRANÇOIS HABERT (Active in France in the mid 17th century)
S…
See original version (French)
Estimate €30,000 - €50,000
Voluntary lot
Description
FRANÇOIS HABERT (Active in France in the mid 17th century)
STILL LIFE WITH A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS, FRUIT, A SHELL, A PORCELAIN GOBLET, A LUTE AND PIECES OF SILVERWARE
Canvas
Signed and dated lower left on the marble pillar "FRANSISCVS. HABERT. F. 16.. ?"
Old restorations
Still life, canvas, signed and dated, with restorations
135 x 165 CM - 53,1 x 65 IN.
PROVENANCE
From Mawson, London, in 1847;
Always remained in the family since the nineteenth century.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
E. Coatalem with the collaboration of F. Thiéblot, La nature morte française au XVIIe siècle, Dijon, 2014, reproduced in colour p. 184.
Few archival documents have come down to us about the life of this painter of flowers and fruit. Probably of Flemish origin, he would have completed his apprenticeship in the Antwerp studio of Jan Davidsz de Heem before moving to Paris, where he is known to have been active around 1643-1652. He was probably a collaborator of Jean-Michel Picart who, in his correspondence with Matthjis Musson, mentions his business dealings with "Monsieur Habert" and, consequently, a dealer in paintings. His works are mentioned twice, once in the inventory of Philippe de Champaigne's collections, as a "garland of flowers by Sieur Habert" purchased for 100 livres, and a second time in the inventory of paintings belonging to Monsieur Charles Tardif, secretary to the Maréchal de Boufflers. His works reveal a sensitivity and a great iconographic variety, testifying to his proximity to the sober and elegant style of the painters of reality, notably Sébastien Stoskopff, and to Flemish inspiration, including that of Pieter van Boucle, who also lived in Paris.
The density of the composition recalls the richness of the works of his master Jan Davidsz de Heem. Featuring sumptuous objects, this painting is like an open window on the opulence of the 17th century at the court of Louis XIV, with in particular the gold-plated ewer, which can be compared to the one depicted on the hanging of the Maisons Royales produced by the Manufacture des Gobelins for Louis XIV, based on cartoons by Lebrun, and now conserved at the Château de Chambord. The lute, set back from the composition, is highlighted by delicate reflections on its varnished surface. The instrument serves as a backdrop for the nautilus, whose pearly surface catches the light and guides the eye towards Chinese porcelain, adding to the richness and refinement of the composition.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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