Jan Van Huysum
A Fruit Piece
1778-1781

Name: A Fruit Piece
Brand: Jan Van Huysum
Price: 24000 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

JAN VAN HUYSUM (1689-1749) “A Fruit Piece.” (Shown) “A Flower Piece.” (Listed Separately) SOLD AS A PAIR ONLY PRICED FOR THE PAIR Mezzotint engraving by Richard Earlom. Printed London, 1778 and 1781 by John Boydell. Jan van Huysum was a celebrity of 18th Century Dutch flower painting. Born in Amsterdam in 1682, mastering the art of Dutch still life painting was his by birthright. His father, Justus, and brothers Justus the Younger, Jacobus and Michiel were accomplished artists. The family studio flourished turning out a steady stream of decorative flower pieces for the local market. Both son and brother to esteemed painters, Jan van Huysum chose independence from the family firm. Jealously guarding his privacy, he attained tremendous success concentrating exclusively on his ornate, highly detailed and remarkably realistic compositions. It is said that in summer Van Huysum traveled to the reknown gardens of Haarlem to observe and study specimens. Working from the real flower, he is said to have delayed the completion of a painting if, in fact, there was no example available. Often his works were double dated in consecutive years. His explanation of the delay was based on his inability to find a particular flower in bloom. It is, perhaps, this insistence on working from live models only that explains each works refinement and sophistication. Very, very few painters achieve a fame which is universal in their own day, never falters, and remain unchanged today; Jan van Huysum is among them. Van Huysum’s patrons included the Kings of Poland and Prussia, the Elector of Saxony, Prince William of Hesse, the Dukes of Orleans and Mecklenburg, and Sir Robert Walpole. Thirty years after Van Huysum’s death (approximately when these engravings were produced), Catherine the Great chose to purchase the Walpole Collection, the greatest in England. Walpole’s Van Huysum’s were valued at twice the price of his two famous Rembrandts. In the nineteenth century the Rothchilds were avid collectors. It is noteworthy that among the treasures Napoleon brought to Paris were allegedly a flower painting and its companion fruit piece, one of the most famous pairs by Van Huysum. However, today the very finest paintings by Van Huysum, called the “Phoenix of flower Painters” and the last of the great Dutch Masters, are never available but are housed in the greatest museums and private collections in the world. “A Fruit Piece.” Bouquet of flowers and fruit, with insects, in a classical urn. Mezzotint. 19 ¾” x 15 ½”. Engraved signature in image: “Jan van Huysum / fecit”, dated 1723. Inscription: “Richd. Earlom Sulpsit 1781.” Inscription: “Published Sepr. 1st 1781 by John Boydell Engraver Cheapside London.” “A Flower Piece.” Bouquet of flowers with insects in a classical urn. Mezzotint. 19 ¾” x 15 ½”. Engraved signature in image: “Jan van Huysum / fecit.”, dated 1722. Inscription: “Richd. Earlom Sculpsit 1778.” Inscription: “J. Boydell Execudit Published June 25th 1778.” Condition: Brilliant use of mezzotint engraving. Strong impression. Sharp crisp image. Early 19th century hand-color to centerpiece only. No tears, folds, or missing pieces. First states with letters “Jan Van Huysum pinxt” scratched in margin beneath work.

Creator:

Jan Van Huysum (1682 - 1749, Dutch)

Creation Year:

1778-1781

Dimensions:

Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)

Medium:

Engraving,Watercolor

Movement & Style:

Old Masters

Period:

18th Century and Earlier

Condition:

Clean, crisp image. Framed to museum specifications using archival matting, backing, and hinging. Silk mat. Finished-corner, hand-made frame with applique. Glazed with ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas. Early 19th century hand-color.

Gallery Location:

Florham Park, NJ

Reference Number:

Seller: 2015 01-20-161stDibs: LU652785412

View Invoice