Very Large 17th-century Still Life By Jan D. De Heem (119 X 137 Cm) With Giustianini Coat Of Arms

17th century Italian school, follower of Jan Davidsz de Heem
Still life and Giustiniani family coat of arms
- Probable origin, GIustianini collection -

Important Baroque still life featuring a sumptuous composition of fruit arranged in a vast wicker basket: bunches of white and black grapes, peaches, walnuts and plums are organized in a theatrical setting enriched by a rich red drapery, a piece of silverware and a blackbird perched on the left of the composition.

The work is distinguished by the repeated presence of the arms of the prestigious Giustiniani family, visible on the textile in the foreground as well as on a piece of earthenware placed behind the basket. This heraldic element considerably enhances the historical and collector interest of this painting.

This composition bears witness to the major influence exerted by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1606-1684), one of Europe's greatest masters of Baroque still life. The refinement of the translucent bunches, the luxuriance of the fruit, the contrast between light and shade, and the decorative richness of the whole are direct reminders of the inventions of the Dutch master and his followers active throughout southern Europe.

A major Genoese dynasty based in Rome, the Giustiniani were among the most famous patrons of the 17th century. Their Roman palace housed one of the most prestigious collections in Europe, including works by Caravaggio and the great Italian Baroque masters.
Associating a work with this family immediately evokes the refinement of the great Roman aristocratic collections of the Seicento.

The composition displays all the characteristics of the great still lifes of the 17th century:
- a taste for luminous contrast,
- symbolic abundance,
- richness of materials,
- sumptuous, decorative atmosphere.

The particularly delicate treatment of grapes and reflections, the effects of transparency and depth testify to true technical virtuosity. The blackbird, subtly integrated into the composition, lends an artful, poetic dimension typical of great Baroque compositions.

Thanks to its large format, decorative quality and prestigious heraldic reference, this work is a remarkable testament to 17th-century European aristocratic taste.T

Rentoiled canvas.
Antique dark oak baguette frame

Public auction comparables:


After Jan Davidsz DE HEEM (1606-1683/84)
Still life with numerous fruits and vegetables, birds and insects against the background of a ruin,
Lot N° 7091PaintingOil/canvas84 x 70 cm
Gate hammer price: €9,000 excluding auction fees
07/04/2025HistoriaBerlin, Germany
unsigned

After Jan Davidsz DE HEEM (1606-1683/84)
Natura morta Lot no. 141
PaintingOil/canvas80 x 112 cm
Hammer price: € 5,500Price with fees: € 6,975
Dalle Collezioni di Gina Lollobrigida28/05/2024WannenesGenoa, Italy
DetailsCatalog page 27

After Jan Davidsz DE HEEM (1606-1683/84)
Still life with lobster and nautilus cup
Lot N° 636PaintingOil/canvas115 x 101.5 cm
Gallant price: €5,602 (60,000 KR (SEK)
Classic sale16/06/2022Uppsala AuktionskammareStockholm, Sweden
DetailsShown in the catalog as: "17th century".Reproduced on page 70 of the catalogue