J.S. Bernard (actif en France, 1657-1667)
Nature morte aux roses, aux œillets, aux lys dans un vase en bronze
signé et daté 'JS:Bern: fecit-/ A°:1657.' (en bas à droite)
huile sur toile

signed and dated 'JS:Bern: fecit-/ A°:1657.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
84.2 x 64cm (33 1/8 x 25 3/16in).
Footnotes:
Provenance
Private Collection, France, for at least 50 years

Very little is known of the life of the painter who signed J. S. Bernard. Not to be confused with his fellow countryman, Samuel Bernard (1615-1687), who was recorded as peintre ordinaire du Roi in 1685, the oeuvre of J. S. Bernard is constructed around a few works, such as the present still life, which are dated between 1657 and 1667. A common feature of his works is the gilt metal mounted glass vase, which appears in the present still life.

The canvas has been relined. The varnish is very dirty and scuffed. There is some minor abrasion around the edge where the frame has rubbed. There are a few small losses throughout the painting. Discoloured restoration is visible to the naked eye along the right-hand edge of the canvas and to the background, lower right and upper left. Further old restoration is visible in the vase and the leaves, lower left. The paint surface is starting to lift in parts.
Inspection under UV light is hindered by thick varnish but it is possible to see: the aforementioned discoloured restorations; numerous small infillings to the background, upper centre and centre; and strengthening to the flowers, centre right; and a few scattered small infillings. Further restoration cannot be excluded.