Maîtres Anciens, Peinture - Sculpture
Lucas Cranach the Younger was a German painter of the mid-16th century. He is known as a Renaissance painter and portraitist, one of the sons of the painter and graphic artist Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Cranach the Younger painted portraits and paintings of the mythological genre. Despite his lack of courtly status, he worked for the social elite, including princes and nobles. After the artist's death, his works were distributed to various churches, schools, castles and homes. As a member of the new generation, he favored rich and flamboyant images. Cranach the Younger is believed to have created a new artistic program for the Protestants.
Francesco Francia, also known as Francesco Raibolini, was an Italian painter, goldsmith, and medallist from Bologna. He began his career in the late 15th century and collaborated with artists like Lorenzo Costa, drawing inspiration from the styles of Ercole de' Roberti, Perugino, and Raphael.
Francia ran a successful workshop and trained notable artists such as Marcantonio Raimondi and Ludovico Marmitta. While it was once rumored that Raphael's work caused him to die of depression, their friendship has since debunked this claim.
Francesco Francia passed away in Bologna, and his sons, Giacomo Francia and Giulio Francia, also became artists.
Roelant Savery was a Flanders-born Dutch Golden Age painter.
Savery primarily painted landscapes in the Flemish tradition of Gillis van Coninxloo, often embellished with many meticulously painted animals and plants, regularly with a mythological or biblical theme as background. He also painted multiple flower still lifes; bouquets in stone niches, sometimes with lizards such as Flowers with Two Lizards, insects or fallen petals and regarded as his best work.
His unique style of painting, related to the then reigning Mannerism, has been highly popular with collectors and can be found in many museums in Europe and North America. His preparatory drawings are also valued highly.
Jan Weenix was a Dutch painter of the Golden Age and a member of the Guild of St. Luke in Utrecht.
He received his first painting lessons from his father Jan Baptist Weenix and later perfected his art. Jan Weenix is known for still lifes with game, hunting scenes, he painted landscapes and portraits, genre paintings, and created decorative panels. Among the customers of his works was also Tsar Peter I.
Philips Wouwerman was a distinguished Dutch painter. Renowned for his equestrian scenes, landscapes, and battle depictions, Wouwerman's work embodies the richness of the Dutch Golden Age of painting. He initially trained under his father, Paulus Wouwerman, and possibly with the celebrated artist Frans Hals, showcasing a deep engagement with the artistic milieu of Haarlem.
Wouwerman's career is marked by a prolific output, with about 570 of his works confidently attributed to him today. His oeuvre was once thought to include up to 1200 pieces, a testament to his influence and the extensive body of followers and imitators he inspired across Europe. His brothers, Jan and Pieter Wouwerman, were also painters who are sometimes confused with Philips due to their stylistic similarities.
Philips Wouwerman's paintings are celebrated for their dynamic composition and intricate detail, particularly his treatment of horses which has been a subject of admiration across centuries. His landscapes often feature Italianate settings, despite no concrete evidence suggesting he ever visited Italy. His style was notably influenced by Pieter van Laer, another Haarlem artist with a significant Italian experience, from whom Wouwerman might have acquired sketches and studies.
For art collectors and experts, Wouwerman's work provides a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century Dutch culture, offering scenes filled with vibrancy and life that capture the viewer's imagination. His paintings can be found in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, The National Gallery in London, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, showcasing his widespread acclaim and the enduring legacy of his art.
For those interested in exploring the captivating world of Philips Wouwerman and staying informed about new discoveries, sales, and auction events related to his work, signing up for updates is highly recommended. This ensures access to the latest information and opportunities related to one of the Dutch Golden Age's most versatile and prolific artists.
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.
Franz Anton Maulbertsch was an Austrian painter of the second half of the 18th century. He is known as a painter and printmaker, master of frescoes and altarpieces in oil.
Maulbertsch became famous for his unique style, characterized by expressiveness and expressiveness. Working in Vienna, Hungary, Bohemia, Moravia and Italy, he was able, according to critics, to overcome the provincialism of the style of the South German and Austrian artists who had preceded him. Rembrandt's influence also made an imprint on his work.
Claude Joseph Vernet was a French painter.
Vernet's work draws on natural themes, but in a way that is neither sentimental or emotive. The overall effect of his style is wholly decorative.
François-André Vincent was a French neoclassical painter.
In 1790, Vincent was appointed master of drawings to Louis XVI of France, and in 1792 he became a professor at the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in Paris.
He was a leader of the neoclassical and historical movement in French art, along with his rival Jacques-Louis David, another pupil of Vien. He was influenced by the art of classical antiquity, by the masters of the Italian High Renaissance, especially Raphael. François-André Vincent was one of the principal innovators of the subjects and themes in French art of Neoclassical style and his works were of a high standard.
Jean-Marc Nattier was a French painter. He is noted for his portraits of the ladies of King Louis XV's court in classical mythological attire.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a prominent French Rococo painter, left an indelible mark on the art world with his vivacious and hedonistic approach to painting. Born in Grasse, France, in 1732, Fragonard's journey into the art world was marked by his early apprenticeship under François Boucher, whose influence is evident in the young artist's work. Fragonard's talent and skill were recognized early on when he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1752, which allowed him to study at the French Academy in Rome.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard's work is characterized by a remarkable facility, exuberance, and a penchant for themes of love and voluptuousness that resonated with the opulent and pleasure-seeking milieu of Louis XV's court. His paintings, such as "The Swing" (Wallace Collection), "Blind Man's Bluff," and "The Bolt," are celebrated for their tender beauty, vibrant color, and the virtuosity of his brushwork. These works encapsulate the essence of Rococo art with their playful themes, intricate compositions, and luminous palette.
Despite the initial success and the king's patronage, which saw his piece "Coresus et Callirhoe" being bought and reproduced at the Gobelins factory, Jean-Honoré Fragonard's career took a turn as the French Revolution upended the social order and the artist's private patrons were guillotined or exiled. This period forced Fragonard to leave Paris, seeking refuge in Grasse. He returned to the capital in the early 19th century, where he died in 1806, almost forgotten. It wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Fragonard's work was re-evaluated, cementing his position among the masters of French painting. His influence on the Impressionists, particularly Renoir and his grandniece Berthe Morisot, is undeniable, showcasing his lasting impact on the trajectory of art history.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Jean-Honoré Fragonard's oeuvre represents the pinnacle of Rococo art, offering a glimpse into the opulent and sensuous world of 18th-century France. His paintings are not just artistic achievements but are also historical documents that reflect the cultural and social dynamics of his time.
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