"jan Mortel (attr.) - Dutch Still Life With Fruit, Wine And Venetian Glass"

17th Century Dutch Oil Painting, Still Life with Fruit and Wine and Venetian Glass This painting is a stunning depiction of opulent abundance. Set on a shimmering deep red silk tablecloth, adorned with gold tassels, an exquisite arrangement of fruit captivates the senses. An orange, peaches, and other fruit are artfully arranged on a silver platter. To the right, two Venetian glasses are filled with exquisite wines; a large, finely crafted flute and a winged goblet add an air of elegance to the scene. Jan Mortel (baptized October 16, 1652 – October 15, 1719) was a Dutch painter best known for his detailed still lifes of fruit, flowers, insects, and butterflies. Born and settled in Leiden, Mortel became a member of the Leiden Guild of Saint Luke in 1675. He studied with Jan Porcellis van Delden and was recognized for his meticulously composed works, influenced by artists such as Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Abraham Mignon. In 1690, Mortel was appointed official artist to the Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University, where he collaborated with botanists to document plant species. This position underscores his connection to the growing interest in botany and natural science during the Dutch Golden Age. His art reflects both scientific curiosity and aesthetic refinement, accurately capturing the complex beauty of nature with precision. Mortel's paintings are held in several important museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest and the National Museum in Stockholm. His works are also held in collections managed by the National Trust, such as "Fruit on a Stone Ledge" at Croft Castle in England. Mortel's career took place during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. This period saw the rise of still life painting, which not only celebrated the material wealth of Dutch society but also expressed a deeper fascination with the natural world. The present painting is classified in RKDlite under Jan Mortel. The oil on canvas measures approximately 52.5 x 41 cm and, with the frame, approximately 56.5 x 68 cm. Provenance: Private collection, under the name of Martinus Nellius Art Dealer Cramer, The Hague 1969. Where catalogued under number '35' as attributed to Nicolaes Van Gelder. Private collection France