Still Life with Fruit in a Wanli Bowl
Willem Kalf
(Dutch, 1619–1693)
1664
Medium/TechniqueOil on canvas
Dimensions53 x 46 cm (20 7/8 x 18 1/8 in.)
Framed: 66.4 x 60.3 cm (26 1/8 x 23 3/4 in.)
Framed: 66.4 x 60.3 cm (26 1/8 x 23 3/4 in.)
Credit LinePromised gift of Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo, in support of the Center for Netherlandish Art
Accession numberL-R 296.2017
On View
On viewClassificationsPaintings
Collections
Kalf’s skill is on full display in this exquisite still life. By tilting the blue-and-white porcelain bowl, he captures the delicacy and translucence that made these objects so desirable. Chinese porcelain was amongst the most coveted and profitable commodities imported by the Dutch East India Company. On average, the company imported 200,000 pieces of porcelain per year. Markers of fashion and good taste, these precious wares filled Dutch homes.
InscriptionsSigned and dated lower left: W.Kalf 1664ProvenanceSince the 19th century, private collection, Basel; until 2013, by descent within the family [see note 1]; June 20, 2013, anonymous (private collector) sale, Schuler Auktionen, Zurich, lot 4316. 2013, Johnny Van Haeften Ltd., London; 2013, sold by Johnny Van Haeften Ltd. to Eijk and Rose-Marie van Otterloo, Marblehead, MA [see note 2].NOTES:
[1] According to the Schuler sale catalogue, the painting had been in the same Basel family for over 120 years. “Aus nachlass Papa Rudolf…” is written on a paper label on the reverse of the painting.
[2] According to Dutch and Flemish Masterworks: From the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection by Frederik J. Duparc (Boston, 2020), p. 69.
Willem de Heusch
Willem Maris
Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof
Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof
Willem van de Velde the Younger
about 1672
