Lot 1527 Dα

The present work can be dated to around 1640, and thus to the mature phase of Floris van Schooten. Like many of van Schooten's works, this carefully composed arrangement of berries and bowls is not intended to be read symbolically, but merely as an expression of the joy of life. The artist's masterfully illusionistic depictions of reality are intended to impress the viewer and encourage their enjoyment of good food and drink. Bread was eaten on a daily basis in Holland but white bread like the loaf in this painting was a luxury good. People usually ate coarse, brown rye bread. The strawberries were almost certainly a local delicacy, but their ripeness and abundance are a sure indicator of wealth. Other signifiers include the finely wrought wine goblet, the opulently engraved mug, and the imported Asian Wanli porcelain bowl.
Schooten's works were influenced by the opulent still lifes of Floris van Dijck (circa 1575-1651) and Nicolaes Gillis (circa 1612-1632). Schooten spent the majority of his career in Haarlem, and his later works are clearly inspired by those of Pieter Claesz. (1597/98-1660), who moved to Haarlem from Antwerp in the early 1620s. The two artists are known to have collaborated on at least one still life in around 1630.
Dr Fred G. Meijer has confirmed this painting to be an authentic work by Floris van Schooten.