J.J. Boerendans – Still life with green bottle, jug and copper oil lamp, watercolour and gouache, c. 1925–1945

J.J. Boerendans – Still life with green bottle, stoneware jug and brass oil lamp, watercolour, interwar period

A subdued still life in watercolour and gouache on paper, signed J.J. Boerendans. In front of a draped cloth stands a large, dark green bottle (a demijohn without its basket) in which the light of a window is reflected. In front of it are a gleaming brass oil lamp on a tall stem and a stoneware jug lying on its side, with a red fruit on the edge of the table. The stylised folds and the cool green and ochre tones are typical of the interwar period. The work is on its original board with a drawn line and the typed name ‘J.J. Boerendans’.

Why we chose this piece

We were struck by the reflection of the window in the rounded bottle, rendered very convincingly with just a few planes of colour. The composition is calm and well considered: the round shapes of bottle and jug against the straight lines of the lamp and the folds of the cloth. It is an honest, hand-painted work with the atmosphere of a Dutch studio study.

Style and interior

This still life suits an Art Deco or classic interior, but also a country house with old glass, pewter and brass. The green and ochre combine beautifully with dark wooden furniture and warm wall colours.

Artist: J.J. Boerendans (Dutch artist, not further identified)
Technique: watercolour and gouache on paper, mounted on board
Signature: signed lower right ‘J.J. Boerendans’; the name is also typed on the board (photos 3 and 4)
Dimensions: to follow shortly
Period: interwar period, c. 1925–1945
Origin: the Netherlands
Condition: fair condition with signs of age, without frame. The colours are still fresh. There are a few faint tide lines in the drapery at the top (photo 1). Lower right in the image there is a small scratch and a few small holes, including one in the corner (photos 3 and 4). The lower edge of the sheet is lifting slightly from the board and is lightly creased (photo 3). The board itself has small stains, minor surface damage and some discolouration (photos 3 and 4). A new frame with a mount will complete the work again.

Price:
€ 135

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