Still Life With Grapes And Nest

A complex conservation process revealed the layer of the painting in its original subtlety and delicate retouchings recreated the integral surface of the painting. As a result, we can confirm that it is a painting of high artistic quality dating most probably from the middle of the 17th century, painted on an oak panel of German origin. We remain doubtful about the Internet auction suggested authorship, as the painting does not reach the artistic quality of Jan Davidsz De Heem, a top rank artist from the Netherlands. It is possible to continue with the art-historical analysis (and other investigations) of the painting, to find further proof for the hypothetical dating and maybe even reach an attribution but we must not forget to ask the questions whether and to whom it would be necessary. What matters for the owner of the painting is the fact that an artwork which decorates the wall of his home has both aesthetic and historical value - even without knowing its exact date or the painter.