Canvas — Old Master Paintings and Sculpture
Giulio Romano, an Italian prodigy in painting and architecture, is celebrated for his dynamic contributions to the Renaissance and Mannerist styles. A pivotal figure in the late Renaissance, Giulio Romano was not only Raphael's principal pupil but also a trusted assistant, inheriting his master's workshop upon his death in 1520.
Giulio Romano's artistic journey began under Raphael's tutelage, where he honed his skills in both painting and architecture. His work vividly reflects the essence of the High Renaissance yet also signals the advent of Mannerism, a style characterized by elongated forms and exaggerated emotions. Notably, Romano's architectural prowess was largely self-taught, developed while assisting Raphael, who was the papal architect during that time.
The Palazzo del Te in Mantua stands as a testament to Giulio Romano's architectural genius. This pleasure palace, begun around 1524 and completed a decade later, showcases his inventive spirit and skill. It's a striking example of how Romano played with classical conventions to create something uniquely expressive. His ability to transform spaces was not just limited to grand structures but also extended to designing gardens and facades, enhancing their aesthetics and functionality.
In painting, Giulio Romano's works such as the Stoning of St. Stephen in Santo Stefano, Genoa, and the Adoration of the Magi in the Louvre, demonstrate his mastery and influence. His fresco "Fire in the Borgo" in the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican City is particularly noteworthy. Romano's drawings and designs, revered for their technical skill and creativity, significantly influenced subsequent artists, including Nicolas Poussin.
For art collectors and experts, the works of Giulio Romano present a fascinating blend of Renaissance classicism and the burgeoning Mannerist style. His contributions in both painting and architecture have left an indelible mark on the history of art and culture.
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Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance, celebrated as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect. His remarkable abilities and innovative thinking made him an epitome of the Renaissance humanist ideal. Born in Vinci, near Florence, in 1452, Leonardo was educated in Florence by Andrea del Verrocchio, a renowned painter and sculptor. He began his career in Florence, later working in Milan, Rome, and France, where he died in 1519.
Da Vinci is revered for his artistic mastery, technological innovation, and scientific inquiry. Despite having fewer than 25 major works attributed to him, including several unfinished ones, his influence on Western art is profound. His magnum opus, the "Mona Lisa," housed in the Louvre Museum, Paris, is considered the world's most famous painting. "The Last Supper," his most reproduced religious painting, showcases his mastery of dramatic narrative and pictorial illusionism. Both paintings exhibit Leonardo's unique ability to convey complex human emotions and his innovative use of techniques like sfumato and chiaroscuro.
Leonardo's interests extended far beyond fine art. He was a visionary in multiple fields, including anatomy, physics, architecture, and mechanics. His notebooks reveal designs for machines like bicycles, helicopters, and military tanks, centuries ahead of their time. However, due to his diverse interests, he left many projects and paintings incomplete. Leonardo's final years were spent in France, where he continued his artistic and scientific pursuits until his death.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Leonardo da Vinci remains a figure of endless fascination. His works not only embody the pinnacle of Renaissance art but also provide insights into the era's scientific and philosophical inquiry. To stay updated on new sales and auction events related to Leonardo da Vinci, sign up for our newsletter. This subscription is a gateway to exploring the rich legacy of this unparalleled artist and inventor.
Joost Cornelisz. Droochsloot was a Dutch painter of the Dutch Golden Age, member of the Guild of St. Luke in Utrecht. He was a versatile painter, painting landscapes, moral allegories, and biblical stories. But he was mainly known for his genre rustic scenes with many participants, these paintings often had a moral component. In his compositions, Drochslot paid much attention to detail and signed them with the monogram "JCODS."
Peter Paul Rubens was a distinguished Flemish Baroque painter, renowned for his dynamic, vibrant, and sensuous paintings. Born on June 28, 1577, in Siegen, Westphalia, Germany, Rubens' family moved back to Antwerp in the Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium) after his father's death. He was raised in his mother’s Roman Catholic faith and received a classical education. He began his artistic training in 1591 and later traveled to Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by Renaissance masters like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. This experience significantly shaped his artistic style.
Rubens' art is celebrated for its emphasis on movement, color, and sensuality. He was particularly skilled in depicting religious and mythological scenes, portraits, and landscapes. Some of his notable works include "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Raising of the Cross," which are prime examples of Baroque religious art, showcasing his unique style that blended influences from Italian Renaissance and his own innovations.
Rubens was not just a painter but also a diplomat, serving at various European courts. He was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. His diplomatic missions often intertwined with his artistic endeavors, as seen during his travels to Spain and Italy. In addition to painting, he was involved in designing tapestries, prints, and book title-pages. He ran a large workshop in Antwerp, producing works that were popular with nobility and art collectors across Europe. His studio was in his home, the Rubenshuis, now a museum.
His influence extended to his students, notably Anthony van Dyck, and his collaborative works with other artists like Jan Brueghel the Elder. Rubens' work continued to be celebrated for its vitality and influence on the Baroque style, making him one of the most influential artists of his time.
For those interested in the work and life of Peter Paul Rubens, many of his works can be found in museums and galleries worldwide, including the National Gallery in London, which houses several of his paintings like "A View of Het Steen in the Early Morning" and "Minerva protects Pax from Mars ('Peace and War')".
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Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish painter born in 1599 in Antwerp and passed away in 1641 in London, is celebrated as one of the foremost Baroque painters of the 17th century. His notable contributions to the art world include his exceptional portraits of European aristocracy, as well as his religious and mythological paintings. Van Dyck's early exposure to art was influenced significantly by his apprenticeship with Hendrik van Balen and later, by the profound impact of working alongside Peter Paul Rubens. His mastery was recognized early on, leading him to set up his own workshop by the age of 15.
Van Dyck's journey to Italy in 1621 marked a pivotal phase in his career, allowing him to immerse himself in studying the Italian masters and commencing his successful stint as a portraitist. His style evolved under the influence of Titian, evident from his vibrant use of color and refined modeling of form. Van Dyck's Italian period not only honed his artistic skills but also established his reputation as a painter of consequence.
Upon returning to Antwerp, van Dyck's portraits became highly sought after, leading to commissions from notable figures such as Archduchess Isabella and Queen Mother Maria de' Medici. His role as a court painter further solidified in England under the patronage of King Charles I, where he was knighted and appointed as the principal painter, profoundly shaping the aristocratic character of Charles I's reign through his portraits.
Van Dyck's legacy extends beyond his death, having influenced English portrait painting for over a century. His innovative techniques in watercolour and etching, along with his sophisticated portrayal of subjects, continue to be admired. His art not only showcases his technical prowess but also reflects the cultural and social nuances of his era, making his work a significant study for collectors and art historians alike.
For enthusiasts eager to explore the intersections of art, history, and culture through the lens of Anthony van Dyck's work, staying informed about new discoveries and auction events is essential. Signing up for updates can provide exclusive insights into the world of one of the most influential figures in Flemish art. This subscription ensures that collectors and experts are well-informed of any developments related to van Dyck's oeuvre, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of his contributions to the art world.
Gaspard Duguet, also known as Gaspard Poussin, was a French painter specialising in landscape painting. He was born into a family of French painters who settled in Rome.
Gaspard Duguet received his artistic training from his uncle, Nicolas Poussin, who was one of the leading Baroque painters. Duguet's early works were strongly influenced by Poussin's style, which emphasized clarity and orderliness of composition.
In the 1650s, Duguet began to develop a style of his own, characterized by his bold brushwork and vibrant use of colour. He became known for his ability to create dramatic and atmospheric landscapes, often depicting scenes from the Roman countryside.
Gaspar Duguet's paintings have a sense of grandeur and monumentality. His landscapes often feature classical ruins and ancient monuments, giving his works a sense of historical depth and resonance.
Pier Francesco Cittadini was an Italian painter of the Bolognese school of the Baroque period.
In Bologna, the artist followed the teachings of Guido Reni and became known for his portraits and lush still lifes, including vanitas.
Abraham Brueghel was a Flemish painter from the famous Brueghel family of artists. He emigrated at a young age to Italy where he played an important role in the development of the style of decorative Baroque still lifes.
Abraham Brueghel was a Flemish painter from the famous Brueghel family of artists. He emigrated at a young age to Italy where he played an important role in the development of the style of decorative Baroque still lifes.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, an Italian painter, was a pivotal figure in the transition to Baroque art. Born in Milan or the town of Caravaggio in 1571, his work is renowned for its realistic depiction of human emotion, dramatic use of lighting, and less-than-idealized portrayal of subjects, which broke away from the Mannerist style prevalent at the time.
Caravaggio's life was as dramatic as his art. In 1592, he moved to Rome, where, despite initial hardships, his unique style caught the eye of Cardinal Francesco del Monte, leading to his first public commissions. His success, however, was marred by a tumultuous life filled with brawls and legal troubles. Notably, in 1606, he fled Rome after killing Ranuccio Tommasoni in a brawl, an act that led to a death sentence. He sought refuge in Naples, Malta, and Sicily, continuing to create influential works while attempting to secure a papal pardon.
His most significant contributions to art include introducing a style that combined naturalistic detail with dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro) and psychological realism. This approach had a profound impact on the evolution of Baroque painting. Some of his notable works include "Basket of Fruit," "The Calling of St. Matthew," "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist," and "Supper at Emmaus." These works are characterized by their innovative composition and the intense emotional state they convey.
Caravaggio's fame waned after his death in 1610 under mysterious circumstances while traveling from Naples to Rome. However, the 20th century saw a resurgence in interest in his work, acknowledging his significant influence on Western art.
For collectors and art experts, Caravaggio's works represent a pivotal moment in the history of art, where the transition from Renaissance ideals to Baroque realism is profoundly evident. His paintings can be seen in various museums and galleries, offering a glimpse into the dramatic and emotive potential of art.
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Simon Vouet was a French painter who studied and rose to prominence in Italy before being summoned by Louis XIII to serve as Premier peintre du Roi in France. He and his studio of artists created religious and mythological paintings, portraits, frescoes, tapestries, and massive decorative schemes for the king and for wealthy patrons, including Richelieu. During this time, "Vouet was indisputably the leading artist in Paris," and was immensely influential in introducing the Italian Baroque style of painting to France. He was also "without doubt one of the outstanding seventeenth-century draughtsmen, equal to Annibale Carracci and Lanfranco."
Jacob Ferdinand Voet was a Flemish High Baroque portrait painter.
Jacob was born in the family of the painter Elias Voet, in 1663 went to Rome, where he lived until 1680 and worked successfully. Here he became a respected member of the association of Dutch and Flemish artists Bentvueghels. The Roman aristocracy appreciated Voet's skill, he was also eagerly commissioned to paint portraits of English and other Europeans coming to Italy, and he painted a portrait of Queen Christina of Sweden.
Later in Florence, Jacob Voet painted portraits of the Medici family, and around 1685 he was appointed court painter in Paris, where he lived until the end of his days. In Paris he mainly painted portraits of political and military figures.
Luca Giordano, born on October 18, 1634, in Naples, emerged as the most celebrated Neapolitan painter of the late 17th century, known for his quick workmanship, which earned him the nickname "Luca Fa Presto" from his father's frequent admonitions to work quickly. His profound contribution to the development of Italianate landscape painting marked a significant chapter in art history.
Giordano's works are celebrated for their dynamic compositions, vibrant color palette, and the ability to infuse his subjects with vitality and emotion. His prolific career saw him working across Italy and Spain, leaving behind a legacy that includes monumental works such as the frescoes in the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence and the ceiling paintings in Santa Brigida Church in Naples. His late works, lighter and prefiguring the Rococo movement, were particularly influential and admired by later artists such as Fragonard.
Giordano's artistic prowess was not confined to a single genre; his oeuvre includes religious and mythological scenes, landscapes, and portraits. His versatility and ability to adapt his style to suit different subjects and patrons' preferences made him a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Rococo style. Despite criticisms of superficiality due to his rapid execution, Giordano's work was fundamentally rooted in a deep understanding of his predecessors, combining the dramatic intensity of the Baroque with the emerging lighter Rococo aesthetic.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Luca Giordano's paintings represent a significant period in art history, bridging the gap between two major stylistic periods and reflecting the vibrant cultural exchanges of 17th-century Europe. His works, found in esteemed collections worldwide, continue to be studied and admired for their technical brilliance and artistic innovation.
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Jacopo Amigoni, also named Giacomo Amiconi, was an Italian painter of the late-Baroque or Rococo period, who began his career in Venice, but traveled and was prolific throughout Europe, where his sumptuous portraits were much in demand.
