Still Life with Grapes and Nest

Abstract

A complex conservation process revealed the layer of the painting in
its original subtlety and delicate retouchings recreated the integral
surface of the painting. As a result, we can confirm that it is a painting
of high artistic quality dating most probably from the middle of
the 17th century, painted on an oak panel of German origin. We
remain doubtful about the Internet auction suggested authorship,
as the painting does not reach the artistic quality of Jan Davidsz
Dé Heem, a top rank artist from the Netherlands. It is possible to
continue with the art-historical analysis (and other investigations)
of the painting, to find further proof for the hypothetical dating and
maybe even reach an attribution but we must not forget to ask the
questions whether and to whom it would be necessary. What matters

for the owner of the painting is the fact that an artwork which decorates

the wall of his home has both aesthetic and historical value –

even without knowing its exact date or the painter.