Cornelis Norbertus Gijsbrechts, Vanitas still... Lot 7

Cornelis Norbertus Gijsbrechts, Vanitas still life with crowned skull, roses and palette. Oil on canvas, relined and laid down on panel. (Circa 1660-65). 74.5 x 86.5 cm. Framed. In a wall niche, numerous objects are laid out next to each other on a carelessly thrown-over tablecloth. There is, among other things, bedded on peonies, a skull entwined with ears of corn, an open notebook and a palette with drying paint and a bundle of brushes. Gijsbrechts gathers here exclusively objects with a vanitas meaning. An hourglass tells us that everything is subject to the fleetingness of time, and that time is inexorably running out. The wick of the burnt-out candle is fading, the petals will soon wither, the soap bubbles will burst at any moment. Even erudition - indicated by the open, dog-eared folio - cannot hide transience. A dim atmosphere holds the picture impression together; only the arranged objects on the table shine jewel-like out of the semi-darkness, especially the radiant yellow stalks of grain, which refer to the resurrection of Christ. The depiction exhorts us not to cling to this-worldly things despite all their beauty, but to consider eternal life. We thank Dr. Fred Meijer, Amsterdam, for identifying the artist and providing valuable information. Provenance: Private property, Northern Germany. Taxation: differential taxed (VAT: Margin Scheme).