18th-Century Still Life With Flowers, Fruit and Table

18th-Century Still Life With Flowers, Fruit and TableAn impressive 18th century still life with an array of flowers, fruit and foliage. We imported the piece from Germany but it could be Dutch or Flemish. This iconic style of still life was made popular by the Dutch old masters in the 17th century when many of the flowers depicted were considered highly exotic and precious. The artist has certainly been influenced by that period and this beautiful image pays homage to the golden age of flower painting.

The portrait is housed within an appropriate frame from the late-19th-century

a middle-aged gentleman makes his way carefully down some well-trodden steps

The portrait is housed within a decorative gilded frame and signed/dated in the lower right

In true Bernhardt style

has used a lively array of skilful marks to capture the scene

The painting is housed in a heavy wooden frame and signed in the lower left

The Medway is a river steeped in historical significance and it’s been the source of inspiration for many painters over the years

Several of his works have appeared at the leading auction houses and here are two examples

It’s been painted with a great degree of confidence and the beard is particularly well rendered

and this piece fits within that oeuvre

which could relate to English artist Ernest Herman Ehlers (1858-1943)

There’s every chance that this is a view into Vedel’s own kitchen and maybe it’s his supper