Old Masters Evening Sale
Hieronymus Bosch, a Netherlandish painter born around 1450 in 's-Hertogenbosch, remains one of the art world's most enigmatic figures. Bosch's work is renowned for its intricate, symbolic, and often unsettling imagery, depicting fantastical creatures, earthly pleasures, and human folly with a depth that continues to fascinate scholars and art lovers alike. Despite the scarcity of biographical details—owing to the lack of personal letters or diaries—Bosch's legacy as a pivotal figure in the transition from the medieval to the modern worldview is undisputed.
Bosch spent virtually his entire life in his birthplace, where his family had deep roots in the artistic community. His grandfather and father were both painters, suggesting that Bosch likely received his initial training within his family. By the late 15th century, Bosch had become a respected member of the local Brotherhood of Our Lady, contributing significantly to the cultural and religious life of his community through his artworks. Notably, Bosch's oeuvre includes around thirty paintings, with "The Garden of Earthly Delights," a triptych full of intricate, allegorical imagery, standing out as one of his masterpieces. This work, alongside others such as "The Temptation of St. Anthony" and "The Haywain Triptych," showcases Bosch's unique ability to blend religious themes with his vivid imagination, offering commentary on human sin and redemption.
Bosch's art, characterized by its detailed landscapes populated with a myriad of creatures both heavenly and demonic, reflects a deep moral concern with the fate of humanity, yet leaves much to interpretation. His works are preserved in some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where "The Garden of Earthly Delights" is housed, underscoring his lasting impact on the cultural and artistic heritage of the Renaissance period.
Despite the challenges in attributing some works definitively to Bosch due to the absence of signatures on many of his paintings, about 25 paintings and eight drawings are confidently ascribed to him, with others attributed to his workshop. Bosch's influence extended beyond his lifetime, notably inspiring Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and continues to captivate contemporary audiences with his complex iconography and detailed panoramic scenes.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Bosch's work represents a fascinating intersection of culture, art, and the human condition, offering endless avenues for exploration and appreciation. To stay updated on new discoveries, sales, and auction events related to Hieronymus Bosch, signing up for updates can provide exclusive insights and opportunities to deepen one's understanding and collection of this remarkable artist's work.
Pieter Brueghel the Younger was a Flemish artist celebrated for his detailed landscapes, religious themes, proverbs, and vibrant village scenes. Despite being the son of the illustrious Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Brueghel the Younger carved out his own niche in the art world, earning the moniker 'Hell Brueghel' for his dynamic scenes of fires and energetic copies of his father's peasant life portrayals.
Brueghel the Younger's original creations, such as "The Village Lawyer," showcase his keen observation of village life, merging the energy and boldness of 17th-century style with his father's idiom. His work is characterized by its lively, picturesque depiction of peasants, albeit some critics argue they lack the subtlety and humanism of his father's creations. Despite this, Brueghel the Younger's legacy includes a significant number of original works and copies that were rediscovered in the 20th century, highlighting his contribution to the Flemish painting tradition.
His workshop was known for its prolific output, especially in producing copies of Bruegel the Elder's compositions, a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the Bruegel family's artistic legacy. However, Brueghel the Younger also impressed with his unique compositions, contributing to the genre of still life and village scenes with a distinct style that resonated well into modern times.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Pieter Brueghel the Younger's works represent an important period in Flemish art, offering insights into the evolution of genre painting and the detailed portrayal of rural life. His paintings, held in esteemed collections worldwide, continue to be studied and admired for their vibrancy, narrative quality, and historical value.
To explore more about Pieter Brueghel the Younger and to stay updated on sales and auction events related to his work, signing up for specialized updates can offer exclusive insights into the world of this influential Flemish painter. This subscription ensures enthusiasts and collectors are well-informed about developments related to Brueghel the Younger's oeuvre, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of his artistic legacy.
Marcus Gerards the Younger was a Flemish portrait painter of the Renaissance.
Marcus Gerards the Younger was considered one of the most talented portraitists of Britain at the end of the XVI century, was under the patronage of Princess Anne of Denmark (1574-1619), wife of King James I Stuart of England and Scotland. In 1610 he became a court painter, whose work was highly paid. He painted portraits of King James I, Queen Anne and their children.
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a pivotal figure in German Renaissance art. As a leading painter of Saxony, his influence spanned across the 16th century, making significant contributions through his paintings, woodcuts, and engravings. His artistic journey began under the tutelage of his father, Hans Maler, and saw him becoming court painter to the Elector of Saxony, where he produced a vast array of works including altarpieces, court portraits, and notably, portraits of Protestant Reformers.
Cranach's artistry was not confined to any single genre. He was renowned for his portraits of the aristocracy, deeply symbolic religious paintings, and engaging mythological scenes. His ability to capture the essence of the Protestant Reformation, notably through his portraits of Martin Luther, showcases his close connection to the movement and his role as a key figure in conveying its ideals through art.
A significant part of Cranach's legacy is his workshop in Wittenberg, which was a hub of artistic production. This workshop produced numerous works that bore his distinctive winged serpent signature, a mark of quality and innovation in the art of the period. Cranach's workshop was known for its efficient operation, enabling the production of a large volume of works that catered to the high demand of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Lucas Cranach the Elder's work represents an intriguing intersection of art, culture, and history. His contributions to Renaissance art and his unique portrayal of religious and mythological themes continue to captivate audiences, making his work highly sought after in the world of art collection.
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Albrecht Dürer, born on May 21, 1471 in Nuremberg, Germany, is widely regarded as the greatest German Renaissance painter. His contribution to painting and engraving is quite significant and has left a notable mark on the art world. Dürer's early life was spent in Nuremberg, a city that played a crucial role in his development as an artist and was also the site of his death on April 6, 1528. He was the son of the goldsmith Albrecht Dürer the Elder, from whom he initially learned the basics of drawing and metalworking.
Dürer's work is characterized by a combination of Gothic elements with the emerging Renaissance style, which is evident in his woodcuts and engravings. His oeuvre encompasses many themes, including religious works, altarpieces, portraits, and self-portraits. His outstanding prints, such as The Knight, Death and the Devil (1513), St. Jerome in his Study (1514) and Melencolia I (1514), are known for their intricate detail and artistic skill. Dürer was also one of the earliest European landscape painters, as evidenced by his watercolor paintings.
Equally significant are his theoretical writings on mathematics, perspective, and ideal proportions in art. Dürer was not only an artist but also a keen intellectual, his interests encompassing various aspects of culture and science. He served as court painter to Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I and Charles V, completing several significant art projects for them. Dürer's keen mind and versatile interests brought him into contact with the most prominent figures of his time, including theologians and scientists of the Reformation era.
Dürer's self-portraits are particularly famous, demonstrating not only his artistic skill but also his self-awareness and personal style. These portraits attest to his growing success and confidence as an artist. Dürer's legacy is immense; he influenced not only the art of his time, but also left an indelible mark on the history of European art.
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Antonio Canova was an Italian sculptor of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is known as a bright representative of neoclassicism in European fine art. Canova was a follower of traditions of artists of antiquity and Renaissance. Among admirers of his creativity there were many representatives of ruling dynasties of Europe.
Antonio Canova himself created more than 50 statues, and together with his assistants - about 180 works. He gained influential patrons and had a reputation as the most important European sculptor of his time. Among his customers was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose statue Canova carved from marble, depicting the emperor as Mars.
Most of Canova's works today decorate the expositions of the world's leading museums, such as the halls of the Louvre and the Hermitage.
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.
Balthasar van der Ast was a Dutch Golden Age painter who specialized in still lifes of flowers and fruit, as well as painting a number of remarkable shell still lifes; he is considered to be a pioneer in the genre of shell painting. His still lifes often contain insects and lizards.
Willem van de Velde the Elder was a Dutch Golden Age seascape painter, who produced many precise drawings of ships and ink paintings of fleets, but later learned to use oil paints like his son.
Jan Jansz. den Uyl was a painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He very much specialized in the form of still life known as the breakfast piece, or, in the elaborate style of painters like den Uyl, banquet pieces (banketjestukken). He also painted landscapes and animal paintings.
Gerard ter Borch was one of the leading masters of Dutch genre painting of the Golden Age. His realistic aesthetic was developed by the Delft masters Pieter de Hooch and Jan Vermeer.
Pieter Claesz was a Dutch Golden Age painter of still lifes.
He and Willem Claeszoon Heda, who also worked in Haarlem, were the most important exponents of the "ontbijt" or dinner piece. They painted with subdued, virtually monochromatic palettes, the subtle handling of light and texture being the prime means of expression. Claesz generally chose objects of a more hospitable kind than Heda, although his later work became more colourful and decorative. Claesz's still lifes often suggest allegorical purpose, with skulls serving as reminders of human mortality. The two men founded a distinguished tradition of still life painting in Haarlem. Pieter Claesz was influenced by the artist movement 'Vanitas'.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a Dutch Baroque painter and printmaker, was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, Netherlands, and died on October 4, 1669, in Amsterdam. He is celebrated as one of the greatest storytellers in art history, acclaimed for his adept portrayal of human emotions and dramatic narratives. Rembrandt's extensive oeuvre includes portraits, self-portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical, historical, and biblical themes, as well as animal studies. His artistry shined during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by cultural and scientific achievements in the Netherlands.
Rembrandt's education in art began around the age of 10 when he left the Latin School in Leiden to train as an artist. He apprenticed with artists like Jacob van Swanenburg and Pieter Lastman, mastering various aspects of painting. He opened his own studio in Leiden around 1624 or 1625, sharing it with his colleague Jan Lievens. By 1631, he had moved to Amsterdam, where he achieved significant success and trained many important Dutch painters.
Among Rembrandt's notable works are "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" (1632), "The Night Watch" (1642), and "The Syndics of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild" (1662). He was also renowned for his self-portraits, creating around 80 over his lifetime, more than any other artist until the 20th century. These self-portraits were not just artistic endeavors but also experiments with facial expressions and lighting effects. Additionally, Rembrandt was a master etcher, transforming etching from a reproductive technique into an art form.
Rembrandt's painting style is characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro. His ability to depict materials realistically was unparalleled; his portrayal of metals and fabrics was so lifelike that they appeared to glow and be tangible. He was also known for his impasto technique, applying paint thickly to the canvas, adding a three-dimensional quality to his works.
Despite his artistic prowess, Rembrandt faced financial difficulties and personal tragedies throughout his life. He declared bankruptcy in 1656, a downfall attributed partly to his extensive collection of art objects and curiosities. His masterpieces, however, continued to garner appreciation and influence generations of artists that followed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Rembrandt's works represent a pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Dutch Golden Age. His mastery in portraying the human condition and his innovative techniques in painting and etching make his works highly prized and influential in the art world.
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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.
Domenico Zampieri, known as Domenichino, was an Italian Baroque painter who worked in Rome. He was a pupil of the Accademia Carracci in Bologna and was subsequently influenced by the works of Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio.
Domenichino was known for his use of vivid colours, dramatic lighting and his ability to convey emotion in his paintings. He was particularly adept at painting religious subjects and his works often depicted scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints. He also participated in the fresco decoration of churches and several papal residences, and worked on the decoration of the Palazzo Barberini in Rome.
Artemisia Gentileschi was a pioneering Italian painter of the Baroque era, celebrated for her vivid portrayals of dramatic scenes and strong female figures drawn from mythology, allegory, and the Bible. Born in Rome in 1593, Gentileschi broke through the gender barriers of her time to become one of the first women to achieve fame as an artist. Her early exposure to painting came through her father, Orazio Gentileschi, a follower of Caravaggio, whose influence is evident in Artemisia's use of chiaroscuro and realistic, emotional expression.
Gentileschi's artistry is particularly noted for its naturalism and the dynamic use of color, which she employed to convey depth and drama. Among her most renowned works are "Susanna and the Elders" (1610), showcasing her skill in portraying the vulnerability and dignity of its subject, and "Judith Slaying Holofernes" (c. 1614–1620), a vivid depiction of strength and determination, housed in the Uffizi Gallery. These works, along with others like "Judith and Her Maidservant" (1625) in the Detroit Institute of Arts, highlight her unique ability to present female subjects not just as objects of beauty, but as agents of power and action.
The complexity of Gentileschi's life, including her survival of rape by Agostino Tassi and the subsequent trial, has often overshadowed her artistic achievements. However, modern scholarship and exhibitions, such as those at the National Gallery in London, have reevaluated her contributions, positioning her as a significant figure in art history for both her mastery of Baroque painting techniques and her role in challenging the era's gender norms.
For art collectors and experts, Gentileschi's works are emblematic of the Baroque spirit and a testament to the resilience and talent of women artists in a male-dominated field. Her paintings are not only valuable for their aesthetic and historical significance but also for their inspirational narrative of overcoming personal and societal challenges.
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Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was a Spanish painter, renowned for his contributions to the world of art and culture. Born in Seville, Spain, in the 17th century, Murillo specialized in religious and genre painting, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
Murillo is known for his remarkable ability to infuse his paintings with deep emotion and realism. His works often depicted scenes from everyday life, as well as religious subjects. One of his notable specialties was his exceptional skill in capturing the innocence of children in his artwork. His use of soft colors and delicate brushwork gave his paintings a unique and timeless quality.
One of Murillo's most famous works is the series of paintings known as the "Immaculate Conception." These paintings, which depict the Virgin Mary as a young girl, have been praised for their beauty and devotion. Many of his works are housed in museums and galleries around the world, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors.
For collectors and art experts, Murillo's works hold a special place in the art world, with their ability to evoke powerful emotions and capture the essence of the human experience. To stay updated on the latest news and events related to Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's paintings and exhibitions, consider subscribing to our newsletter. We'll keep you informed about new product sales and auction events featuring this exceptional artist's works. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and his invaluable contributions to the world of art.
Canaletto, born Giovanni Antonio Canal, was an illustrious Italian painter celebrated for his masterful cityscapes, particularly of Venice and London. Emerging as a topographical painter after 1719, Canaletto became renowned for his detailed and atmospheric views, known as vedute, which captured the essence of Venice and London with a unique blend of accuracy and artistic embellishment. Despite using a camera obscura to achieve precision in his architectural details, Canaletto often infused his paintings with creative adjustments to enhance their appeal.
His early works, such as "The Stonemason's Yard," are particularly prized for their vivid portrayal of Venice's daily life and architectural beauty. Canaletto's paintings were highly sought after by English aristocrats during their Grand Tours, leading him to spend a significant period in England, where he continued to produce esteemed works capturing the English landscape and urban scenes.
Despite his international success, Canaletto's work was less appreciated in his native Venice during his lifetime, only gaining broader recognition and appreciation in later years. His legacy, however, has had a lasting impact on landscape painting, influencing future generations of artists.
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Sebastiano Ricci, an Italian painter, was a significant figure in the late Baroque school of Venice. He moved to Venice at age 12 and was apprenticed to Federico Cervelli. His work took him across Italy and abroad to England and France, where he left his mark with grand decorative paintings and altarpieces that bridged the late Baroque and emerging Rococo styles.
Sebastiano Ricci's style evolved over the years, showing influences from various regions and artists. In Bologna, he was drawn to the Carracci tradition, while in Parma, he absorbed the color sensibilities of Correggio and Parmigianino. His Roman period allowed him to study the works of Baroque decorators, further refining his decorative and coloristic skills. By the time he returned to Venice, Ricci had developed a mature style that incorporated lessons from his travels, particularly from Paolo Veronese.
His works often depicted mythological and religious themes, filled with dynamic compositions and rich color schemes. Notably, his international commissions included decorative schemes for the Royal House of Savoy and significant works in England, where he collaborated with his nephew Marco Ricci. These contributions solidified his reputation across Europe.
Sebastiano Ricci's legacy is seen in his influence on later Venetian painters and his role in transitioning Venetian art from the Baroque to the Rococo. His works remain celebrated for their vibrancy, expressive light, and inventive compositions, holding a prominent place in the collections of major museums worldwide.
For collectors and art enthusiasts, Sebastiano Ricci's works offer a glimpse into a pivotal moment in art history, where the grandeur of the Baroque began to blend with the lighter, more playful elements of the Rococo. His paintings are not only visually stunning but also rich in historical context, reflecting the cross-currents of European art in the early 18th century.
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Francesco Lazzaro Guardi was an Italian painter, nobleman, and a member of the Venetian School. He is considered to be among the last practitioners, along with his brothers, of the classic Venetian school of painting.
In the early part of his career he collaborated with his older brother Gian Antonio in the production of religious paintings. After Gian Antonio's death in 1760, Francesco concentrated on vedute. The earliest of these show the influence of Canaletto, but he gradually adopted a looser style characterized by spirited brush-strokes and freely imagined architecture.
