Miguel de Pret

MIGUEL DE PRET (Antwerp, 1595 - Zaragoza, 1644).
"Still life of grapes.
Oil on canvas. Relined.
It has slight Repainting.
It has a frame with damage caused by xylophagous.
Measurements: 47,5 x 62 cm; 54 x 68,5 cm (frame).
The grapes have become a sign of identity of the painting of Miguel de Pret, in fact, the two paintings that the Prado Museum houses of the artist have as main theme the representation of grapes. This work rescues the same theme and also the master's own aesthetics with the main elements presented in a strict frontality and on a neutral background that enhances the naturalism of the scene. There are also similar pieces by the artist in the Abelló collection and in the Cerralbo Museum, which defines his work as follows: "The bunches of grapes are presented isolated, suspended, held by thin strings, cut out against dark backgrounds and with a very close point of view, which creates an almost ethereal atmosphere with strong light impacts, giving a trompe l'oeil appearance. He pays detailed attention to describe the qualities of the surface of the grape skin, emphasizing its translucent aspect, the different color of each one and its waxy coating or pruina that nature provides to this fruit for its protection". A definition that can be applied to the present painting.
Little biographical information is known about the life of Miguel Pret, who came from a family of merchants. It is known, by a marriage certificate of 1630, that in the decade of the 20's he had to move to Madrid, where he began to be part of the court. It is also known that he worked with Francisco Barrera. He was clearly influenced stylistically by the paintings of Juan van der Hamen and Felipe Diricksen. In 1641, Miguel de Pret joined the Company of the Archers of the Noble Guard of the Corps of the King Our Lord, which demanded requirements such as belonging to the nobility and being from the Netherlands. It is believed that this fact meant a lower pictorial production of the artist.