Dutch 400-year-old masterpiece discovered

A golden find was made this week at an Australian inn: a still life depicting a generously laid table made some 400 years ago. The work appears to be by a Dutch master and may be worth millions of euros...Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: National Trust of AustraliaThework is attributed to Gerret Willemsz. Heda, son of the famous Dutch 17th-century still-life painter Willem Claesz. Heda, who is among one of the great masters of the Dutch Golden Age. Experts believe the oil painting is a father and son collaboration. The painting shows a half-decorated table including 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 form of a triangle in which the tallest objects were placed on one side. Heda worked in Haarlem and was among the most important representatives of the Haarlem School. One of Heda's pupils 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 a New South Wales estate called Woodford Academy. During restoration, National Trust Australia trustees discovered the painting in storage by chance. It is suspected that businessman Alfred Fairfax brought the painting to Woodford when he bought the estate in 1868. At the time, art collecting was a popular pastime and Dutch works by old masters were favorites.

The value of the painting is currently estimated at 3.4 million euros and will be exhibited at the Australian Heritage Festival on May 14, 2022.

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