Still Life
Although the author of this still life is not known, it is close to the early work of Jan Davidsz. de Heem, one of the most gifted seventeenth century Dutch still-life painters. Indeed, during cleaning in 1955, a false de Heem signature was removed. The artist made skilful use of the light pouring in from a window, which is reflected in the ornate Dutch wine glass (known as a `roemer?). The grapes appear to sparkle, as each fruit has a bright dot where the light reflects on its skin. The vivid yellow lemon and deep purple plums are slightly darker in their reflection on the pewter plate. The picture has a long history in Scotland ? it was recorded in a Scottish inventory of about 1726.
