Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 7 October 1993, lot 92 (as Attributed to Pieter Gerritsz. van Roestraeten);
There purchased by the present collector.

Canvas has been relined. under a thick, discolored old varnish. the paint surface has been pressed in the aforementioned relining. most of the objects still read well and detail in carpet is nicely preserved. the bottle at center is thin and abraded and globe at right background has lost some of its definition, but overall the painting reads well and presents a decorative image. under UV: the thick varnish renders it very difficult to see anything. there are a few small retouches on top of the varnish here and there in background.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Pseudo-Roestraeten is the name given to the anonymous artist who produced a fairly large number of still lifes, usually depicting arrangements of books, documents and precious objects displayed on an oriental carpet. Though related to still lifes by Pieter Gerritsz. Roestraeten, who was active in Holland and England, Fred Meijer of the RKD, The Hague, thinks the Pseudo-Roestraeten may have had a German or Scandinavian origin.  He notes that many works by this master have turned up in old English collections and, therefore, the artist may have been active in England.¹

We are grateful to Fred Meijer for confirming this as a woꦦrk by the Pseudo-Roestraeten.

1. See A. Willigen and F.G. Meijer, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish Still-life Painters Working in Oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, p. 227.