Copper — Auction price
Johann König was a German painter. The son of a Nuremberg goldsmith, König was a follower of Adam Elsheimer. He is known today primarily because of his very finely painted copper panels.
Gillis Claesz. de Hondecoeter was a Dutch painter, working in a Flemish style, painting landscapes, trees, fowl and birds. Later on d'Hondecoeter painted in a more Dutch, realistic style.
Johann Heiss was a German painter of the Baroque period.
Johann studied painting in Memmingen, went to Stuttgart in 1663 and was in the service of Eberhard III, Duke of Württemberg. In 1675, the art historian Joachim von Zandrart praised his work in his book The German Academy. After 1677, Heiss lived and worked in Augsburg. Johann Heiss painted pictures on historical, biblical and mythological subjects, worked in churches and monasteries, creating frescoes and allegorical themes.
Heiss's work can be seen in museums throughout Germany, as well as in the Louvre, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), the Hermitage Museum, and the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as Sassoferrato, was an Italian Baroque painter born in 1609 in Sassoferrato, from which he derived his name. He is celebrated for his deeply devotional images, particularly of the Virgin Mary, rendered with an elegance that echoes the works of Renaissance masters like Raphael and Perugino. Salvi's commitment to these older styles, amidst the 17th-century Roman art scene, marked his work as consciously anachronistic, emphasizing traditional religious themes and the serene beauty of his subjects.
Sassoferrato's training under his father and possibly under Domenichino in Rome, as well as influences from Guido Reni and Francesco Albani, equipped him with a unique blend of styles. He concentrated on creating multiple copies of devotional images, catering to the private market's demand during the Counter-Reformation. Despite a few public commissions, his legacy includes works in major collections such as the National Gallery in London and the British Royal Collection. Sassoferrato's art, particularly noted for its immaculate execution and spiritual aura, was highly regarded until the mid-19th century and has seen a revival in interest since the late 20th century.
One of his most revered works, "The Virgin in Prayer," showcases Sassoferrato's mastery in portraying the Virgin Mary with a life-like presence, using minimal but vibrant colors to highlight her contemplative grace. This piece, along with others, reflects the Catholic Church's 16th-century reforms advocating for personal devotion, a theme Sassoferrato adeptly captures through his intimate and contemplative religious scenes.
Despite the breadth of his work, Sassoferrato remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, with his art often overshadowing the details of his life and career. Yet, his paintings continue to be a source of admiration for their serene beauty and spiritual depth, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
For those interested in exploring the work and legacy of Giovanni Battista Salvi, consider signing up for updates on new discoveries, sales, and auction events related to his art. This subscription ensures that collectors and experts remain informed about opportunities to engage with the timeless beauty of Sassoferrato's masterpieces.
Willem van Herp was a Flemish Baroque painter specializing in religious paintings and small cabinet paintings of "low-life" genre scenes. He operated a large workshop and through his good connections with Antwerp art dealers helped spread the Flemish Baroque style internationally.