Dutch masterpiece of 400 years old discovered

This week a golden discovery was made in an Australian inn: a still life depicting a lavishly laid table that was made about 400 years ago. The work appears to come from a Dutch master and is possibly worth millions of euros...Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: National Trust of AustraliaThe work is attributed to Gerret Willemsz. Heda, son of the famous Dutch 17th-century still life painter Willem Claesz. Heda, who belongs to one of the great masters of the Dutch Golden Age. Experts believe the oil painting is a collaboration between father and son. The painting shows a half-set table with, among other things, an overturned cup, a cake and a bowl of nuts. 

Willem Claesz. Heda specialized in painting still lifes. Characteristic of his work is a composition in the shape of a triangle in which the highest objects were placed on one side. Heda worked in Haarlem and was one of the most important representatives of the Haarlem School. One of Heda's students was his son Gerret. About 70 works by the old master are known. 

Discovered by chance

The masterpiece, found in Australia, belongs to the collection of an estate in New South Wales, the Woodford Academy. During the restoration, the administrators discovered National Trust Australia by chance the painting was in storage. It is suspected that businessman Alfred Fairfax brought the painting to Woodford when he bought the estate in 1868. At that time, collecting art was a popular pastime and Dutch works by old masters were favourites.

The value of the painting is currently estimated at 3,4 million euros and will be exhibited on May 14, 2022 at the Australian Heritage Festival.

Want to read more about art? Also read: '5x books to learn more about the rich art history'