Lot Essay
Celebrated during his lifetime as a painter of still lifes in vases, garlands and swags, Nicolaes van Veerendael achieved early renown and collaborated with other illustrious painters such as David Teniers II, Carstian Luyckx, Gonzales Coques, and Jan Davidsz. de Heem. The bold contrasting colors (frequently featuring pinks and reds in the same composition), expert use of whites and careful attention to the play of light for which Veerendael was renowned are all evident in the present vibrant and sumptuous composition, which dates to the artist's mature period in the 1670s. Fred Meijer of the RKD, The Hague, has confirmed the attribution to Veerendael on the basis of a transparency and photograph (written communication, 24 March 2003).