Hubert van Ravesteyn (Dordrecht 1638-1683) cerchia

Hubert van Ravesteyn (Dordrecht 1638-1683) workshop/circle Still life with fruit, vegetables, a crystal goblet and a painted ceramic jug. Flemish painter, mid-seventeenth century. Oil on canvas (59 x 74 cm - Framed 74 x 88 cm) Provenance: Hampel Munich, 29.06.2023, lot 1017 (https://www.hampel-auctions.com/a/Maler-des-17-18-Jahrhunderts.html?a=136&s=877&id=578227) The composition presents a typical seventeenth-century Flemish still life where, carefully arranged starting from the left edge of the table partially covered by a cloth, we can admire, in order, a magnificent Venetian crystal goblet, a plate with bread, a painted porcelain jug with a silver lid; on the right instead, a selection of fruit and vegetables, with apples, beets and a large cabbage inside a woven basket, while on the table are placed two pears and some chestnuts. The stylistic and compositional characteristics of the painting have led us to identify the author in the circle of the Flemish Hubert van Ravesteyn (Dordrecht 1638-1683), whose painting is very distinctive, with a mixture of realism and abstraction that transmit a unique and fascinating sensation. Entering into specifics, in his compositions he uses a careful arrangement of the individual objects to create a sense of balance and harmony. The use he makes of space is also remarkable, as the empty elements highlight the beauty of the objects. This artwork is a perfect example of the artist's ability to capture the beauty of everyday, non-artifact objects through painting. It looks like the photograph of a table of a seventeenth-century Dutch family, without too many frills. The work also has an allegorical meaning, as often happens for this kind of compositions, their reading invites us to see a sort of emblem that transmits a moralizing message. The sobriety of the composition, consequently, refers to the concept of moderation which assumes particular significance if associated with the food genres represented (first of all bread) as well as the robust jug. The only detail that we could define as out of the chorus is the cup in fine crystal, placed not casually by the author off-center on the left, which alludes to the transience of worldly pleasures, in contrast to the rest of the representation that instead refers to the stability of the spiritual sphere. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The sold work is completed by a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery of Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/