Maximilian Pfeiler (active from 1683 to approx. 1721) Pair of still lifes of fruits

Maximilian Pfeiler (active from 1683 to approx. 1721) Still life with watermelon and Still life with grapes and figs (2) Oil on canvas, 62 x 76 cm Framed, 79 x 92 cm The pair of fruit still lifes presented here is attributable to the hand of the Czech artist Maximilian Pfeiler, active from around 1683 to 1721. Biographical information and chronological references regarding the artist are scarce. The few existing sources indicate that in 1683 he was a member of the Prague Painters' Guild, his native city, as well as one of the best students and followers of Christian Berentz (1658-1722), a painter of German origin who traveled first to the Netherlands and then settled in Rome, introducing North European themes to Italy related to the still life genre in which he specialized. It is not clear whether Pfeiler's studentship under Berentz took place directly in Rome, where the Czech artist was certainly active from 1694, developing collaborations with Francesco Trevisani and Michele Rocca and achieving enormous success. In the Roman capital, Pfeiler quickly managed to carve out a prominent role within the artistic scene of the late 17th - early 18th century, creating extravagant and recognizable compositions of fruits and flowers highly appreciated by illustrious men, such as Cardinal Joseph Fesch, who commissioned some paintings for his collection. The two sumptuous specimens under consideration present the main strengths of his repertoire as a great specialist in still lifes: the realistic depiction of fruit, finely embroidered fabrics, and shiny metal plates, combined in a complex and elegant carefully balanced composition. Pfeiler includes in his repertoire a series of recurring fruits of different seasonal availability, such as grapes and slender vine shoots, figs, peaches, and watermelons, tirelessly blending them into ever more exuberant compositions, typical of the decorative instances of late Baroque still life. The en plein air setting, influenced by the example of the Flemish Franz Werner Tamm favored by the painter, gives the reproduced objects a special luminosity, enhancing Pfeiler's rich and contrasting palette and giving full prominence to his virtuosity in light effects and in the rendering of surfaces The object is in good condition With Ars Antiqua it is possible to delay all amounts up to a maximum of €7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Tot. €4,500 = Monthly installment €300 for 15 months. Ex. Tot. €3,600 = Monthly installment €720 for 5 months. For amounts over €7,500 or for a greater delay in time (over 15 installments), we can provide a personalized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. TV BROADCAST – SUNDAY 17.00 – 21.00 Dig.terr. 126 + 809 SKY - THURSDAY 21.00 - 23.00 Dig.terr. 134 + 809 SKY – Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social networks Facebook and Youtube All the works proposed by Ars Antiqua are sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law and a careful in-depth sheet. It is possible to see the works directly at the gallery showroom in Milan, in via Pisacane 55 and 57. We personally organize transports and deliveries of the works, both for Italy and abroad.