Vanitas  still life with foliants, a pen and ink set, a musical instrument and other objects on a Persian rug on a table, it was executed in 17th century in the style of Dutch painter of still lifes, in particular floral and vanitas still lifes Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraten (1630 Haarlem-1700 London).  Due to the lack of expertise, we attributed this work to a hand of Painter Pseudo-Roestraten, who worked in the 17th century in the style of Peter Geritsz van Roestraten.

Pseudo-Roestraten or Pseudo-Roestraeten is the nornament given to an artist or artists to whom or which are attributed a number of vAnita's still lifes likely created in the period between 1675 and 1725. The notname was given as the artist's works show some resemblance to that of the Dutch painter Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraten. Recurring elements of the paintings are arrangements of books, documents and precious objects with a vanitas meaning displayed on oriental carpets.

The artist(s) may have been of German or Scandinavian origin. Many works of the anonymous artist are or were held in English collections, which makes it likely that the artist worked for some time in England. The works attributed to the Pseudo-Roestraten typically depict all kinds of objects on a table or ledge, which is covered with a red oriental carpet. These objects are the typical symbols found in so-called vanitas still lifes.

Literature: different art lexicons;  Pieter Gerritsz. van Roestraeten, A Vanitas c.1666-1700 at the Royal Collection Trust; Pieter Gerritsz. van Roestraeten, Porringer and Nautilus Cup at the Victoria and Albert Museum; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Gerritsz_van_Roestraten .

Inscriptions: unsigned.

Technique: oil on canvas, antique gilt frame of the later period.

Measurements: unframed 41 3/4" x 34 1/4" (106 x 87 cm), framed 49 5/8" x 41 1/8"(126 x 107 cm).

Condition: good, old relining  of original canvas, there are no significant retouches.