Still Life with Apples and Strawberries
Painting on panel (likely a decorative inset or tile) • Henk Bos (Dutch, 1901–1979)
Style & Movement
New Objectivity (Nieuwe Zakelijkheid) / Traditional Realism; influenced by 17th-century Dutch masters.
Medium & Technique
Oil on wood panel or masonite; features soft sfumato blending and fine stippling to achieve texture on the fruit.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940–1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 8 inches; Square format.
Subject Description
A classic kitchen still life composition featuring two green apples (possibly Granny Smith or Reinette types) and a scattering of five strawberries. The lighting is directional, creating soft shadows and highlights that emphasize the volume and skin texture of the fruit against a neutral, monochromatic background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the paint layer is stable but shows signs of surface grime and typical age-related darkening of the varnish.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Signature 'Henk Bos' visible in the lower right. Likely produced for the commercial art market or as part of a series of kitchen-themed decorative panels popular in Northern Europe and North America in the mid-century.
Art Historical Significance
Henk Bos was a prolific Dutch still life painter known for his ability to translate the timeless qualities of the Old Masters into a 20th-century aesthetic. His work gained significant popularity in the United States through reproductions and small-scale original panels, helping maintain the tradition of realist fruit painting during the rise of modernism.
Notable Features
The signature style of Bos is evident in the 'fuzzy' texture of the strawberries and the subtle handling of light. The work is likely held in a period dark wood frame typical for these smaller decorative commissions.
Condition Issues
Visible surface abrasions, minor scuffing near the bottom right edge over the signature, and slight yellowing of the protective top coat.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove accumulated oils/dust; re-varnishing with a non-yellowing UV-protective synthetic resin; ensure climate-controlled display to prevent movement in the wood support.
Collector Notes
Henk Bols