ABRAHAM MIGNON | STILL LIFE WITH PLUMS, PEACHES, APRICOTS, GRAPES AND A MELON, WITH A ROEMER GLASS AND A FLUTE GLASS, ALL ON A DRAPED TABLE, A GOLDFINCH ON THE WINDOW SILL AND A BRACE OF SONGBIRDS

Sold pursuant to a settlement agreement between the current owner and the heirs of Gertrud Bühler and Ludwig Traube
ABRAHAM MIGNON
Frankfurt 1640 - 1679 Utrecht
STILL LIFE WITH PLUMS, PEACHES, APRICOTS, GRAPES AND A MELON, WITH A ROEMER GLASS AND A FLUTE GLASS, ALL ON A DRAPED TABLE, A GOLDFINCH ON THE WINDOW SILL AND A BRACE OF SONGBIRDS

signed: A. Mignon. fe (centre right)
inscribed with the Dresden inventory number: 392 (lower right)
oil on canvas
90.2 by 74.9 cm.; 35½ by 29½ in.

Condition Report:
Support
The painting is on canvas which has been relined. The lining canvas has been tacked to an expandable wooden stretcher which is in a good state of preservation.

Paint layers
The central cornucopia of fruit, vegetables and objects on the stone table has survived almost unscathed and is in excellent condition. There is however a short horizontal tear line in the background to the left of the roemer and a couple of small losses a few centimetres below, the lower one running into the top of a plum. Other small losses are located in the rug beneath the fruit and around the edges of the painting, possibly caused by abrasion with the frame. There is also a fine network of drying cracks in the background down the left side of the painting which has been carefully retouched to remove any visual disturbance they might otherwise cause. Notwithstanding the above mostly minor issues, the paint layers have survived in remarkably good condition for a work of the 17th century.

Varnish coating
The painting is currently covered in a thin and transparent layer of resin varnish.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
Acquired through Count Joseph Anton Gabaleon Wackerbarth-Salmour (1685–1761) for the Dresden Royal collections under the rule of the Elector August the Strong by 1722, and in the inventory of that year as no. A 392 as 'de Heem'

Thence by descent to the Gemäldegalerie Dresden, from which deaccessioned, and ownership transferred to the Haus Wettin as part of a settlement with the former Ruling House of Saxony, 1924

By whom sold via Ball & Graupe to Ludwig Traube (d. 1928)

His widow Gertrud, who married Eduard Bühler, Berlin-Grunewald

By whom sold under duress, ‘Besitz B, Berlin-Grunewald’, Berlin, ‘Union’ Leo Spik, 4 May 1935, part of lot 241

With Galerie Paffrath, Düsseldorf, by 1 December 1949 (when advertised in Die Weltkunst)

Thence by descent from the owners of Galerie Paffrath to the present consignor