Pseudo-Jan van Kessel; late 16th-early 17th century.

PSEUDO-JAN VAN KESSEL; End of the 16th century- Beginning of the 17th century.
"Still lifes".
Oil on copper (x2).
Works corroborated by Fred G. Meijer.
They conserve frame of epoch.
Measurements: 16.5 x 22 cm (x2); 48 x 55 cm (frames, x2).

These works, corroborated by Fred G. Meijer, renowned art historian and expert in 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, present two still lifes that are fully in the Dutch Baroque tradition. One of them shows a basket full of fruit placed in the center of the scene on a diagonal red tablecloth, whose folds in the foreground reveal the quality of the author. The work reproduces in great detail the fruits, the flowers and the squirrel that brings spontaneity to the scene. The other still life, with a similar composition, differs in the food represented and in its cold tones, which provide a more austere vision.

Still life painting in 17th century Holland is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of light and color. These paintings, depicting inanimate objects such as fruit, flowers and food, not only exhibit the artist's technical skill, but also reflect the richness and symbolism of everyday life at the time.

Pseudo-Jan van Kessel the Younger or Pseudo-Jan van Kessel II is the pseudonym given to an artist or workshop to whom some 200 small still lifes, probably dating from the late 16th to the early 17th century, are attributed. The works present combinations of a limited number of motifs in simple or elaborate compositions. Although the Flemish influence suggests a Flemish artist or someone trained by a Flemish artist, he is believed to have been active in southern Europe, probably in Italy.