400-Year-Old Dutch Master Artwork Uncovered In The Blue Mountains
Image: 'Still Life' before restoration.
A 400-year-old painting from the 17th century – which may now be worth up to AUD $5 million – has been uncovered in a Blue Mountains property that’s managed by National Trust of Australia (NSW).
A recent art restoration project commissioned by the National Trust (NSW) has revealed a remarkable find. In amongst one of the most historically significant collections in Australia, comprising of an astonishing 60,000 pieces, a valuable 17th century painting from the Dutch Golden Age has been discovered.
The artwork, known simply as Still Life, was housed for many years in what is currently known as Woodford Academy in the Blue Mountains.
The work is being attributed to Gerrit Willemz Heda, son of the famous Dutch 17th century still life painter Willem Claesz Heda; but expert considerations of the Still Life’s creator are ongoing, with suggestions that it may be a father-and-son collaborative artwork being investigated. Willem Claesz Heda’s works are typically valued in the millions of dollars.
Rebecca Pinchin, National Trust Collections Manager said, “To find an authentic 17th century painting in my storeroom at the National Trust was beyond exciting – it left me breathless. To find the signature of the artist felt like a one in a million chance. This is a remarkable story of discovery, which has taken us on a journey across a number of years, piecing together and validating the work through expert advice and technology.”
Still Life will be on special display as part of the 2022 Australian Heritage Festival at Woodford Academy, Blue Mountains on Saturday May 14, 2022, from 10am – 3pm.
