Paintings — Maîtres Anciens : Peintures - Dessins - Sculptures
François Clouet was a major French Renaissance portrait painter.
François was the son of the painter Jean Clouet (1485-1540), from whom he learned painting. He became the favorite court portraitist of Kings Francis I, Henry II, Francis II and Charles IX.
François Clouet became famous for his mastery, accurately conveying the characters of people and meticulously painting their costumes.
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.
Lavinia Fontana was a Bolognese Mannerist painter active in Bologna and Rome. She is best known for her successful portraiture, but also worked in the genres of mythology and religious painting. She was trained by her father Prospero Fontana who was a teacher at the School of Bologna. She is regarded as the first female career artist in Western Europe as she relied on commissions for her income. Her family relied on her career as a painter, and her husband served as her agent and raised their 11 children. She was perhaps the first woman artist to paint female nudes, but this is a topic of controversy among art historians.
Frans Pourbus the Younger was a Flemish artist, renowned for his sophisticated portraiture, who gained prominence for his meticulous depiction of opulent costumes, jewelry, and drapery. Born in Antwerp in 1569 into a family with a rich artistic lineage, Pourbus honed his craft in the vibrant cultural milieu of the time. His grandfather, Pieter Pourbus, was a leading portrait and history painter in Bruges, while his father, Frans Pourbus the Elder, was a significant figure in portrait and genre painting. The younger Pourbus’s artistry was characterized by its attention to detail rather than the exploration of dramatic scenes or landscapes, a style that resonated with the sensibilities of the courts he served.
Pourbus's career flourished as he became a court painter to influential figures such as Archduke Albert and Infanta Isabella in Brussels. His reputation for producing portraits that were aesthetically pleasing to his patrons propelled him to work for Vincenzo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, and subsequently, Marie de' Medici, Queen of France, in Paris. His works are preserved in prestigious collections across Europe, including the Louvre, the Prado, the Rijksmuseum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notable pieces such as the portrait of Eleonora de' Medici Gonzaga and the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain exemplify his skill in capturing the grandeur of the European aristocracy of the 17th century.
Art collectors and antiquities experts who admire the grandiose style of early European court portraiture find in Pourbus's work a quintessential representation of the era's aesthetics. His paintings, replete with detailed costume and adornment, provide a window into the past's lavishness and serve as enduring artifacts of cultural heritage. For updates on new product sales and auction events related to Frans Pourbus the Younger, signing up for our newsletter is a discreet and direct way to stay informed.
Hendrick van Steenwijk the Younger was a Flemish Baroque painter who mainly painted architectural interiors, biblical scenes and still lifes.
Mathieu Le Nain is a French artist, one of the three Le Nain brothers.
With Antoine and Louis, Mathieu worked on the decoration of the famous Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. In 1648, he became one of the first members of the newly founded Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. When both brothers died two days apart in May 1648, Mathieu entered into the remaining inheritance. Later, he devoted less time to painting, taking up public affairs.
The Lenin brothers did not always sign their works, and to this day such works without authorship are difficult to attribute personally to any of them. Among the most famous paintings attributed to Mathieu is the recently discovered Child Jesus kneeling before the instruments of the Passion.
Thomas Hudson was an English portrait painter.
Hudson was most prolific between 1740 and 1760 and, from 1745 until 1755 was the most successful London portraitist.
Many of Hudson's works may be seen in art galleries throughout the United Kingdom. They include the National Portrait Gallery, the National Maritime Museum, Tate, Barnstaple Guildhall, Foundling Museum and the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.
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.
Hubert Robert was a renowned French artist, celebrated for his captivating landscape paintings and architectural fantasies. Born in Paris in 1733, Robert's talent was nurtured early on, thanks to the patronage of the Choiseul family. His journey to Rome in 1754 marked a pivotal phase in his career, where he immersed himself in studying ancient and modern Italian architecture, significantly influencing his artistic style.
Hubert Robert's work is characterized by its romantic depiction of ruins, blending fantasy with historical accuracy, which earned him the nickname "Robert des Ruines." His landscapes and capricci, which are imaginative compositions of architectural elements, resonated with the art collectors and the aristocracy of his time, securing his place as a key figure in French art history.
Noteworthy are Hubert Robert's contributions to the design of picturesque gardens, where he provided atmospheric visions rather than practical layouts. His involvement in the creation of gardens at places like Ermenonville and Méréville showcases his ability to merge art with nature, creating spaces that were both innovative and inspirational.
His artworks, such as "The Port of Rome" and "The Old Bridge," are treasured in prestigious galleries worldwide, reflecting his enduring legacy in the realm of art and culture. For art collectors and experts, Hubert Robert's oeuvre offers a window into the 18th-century artistic landscape, where imagination and historical elements coalesce to form compelling visual narratives.
For updates on exhibitions and auction events related to Hubert Robert's works, sign up to stay informed about new discoveries and opportunities to appreciate the artistry of this exceptional French painter.
Lam Qua (Chinese: 林官) was a Chinese painter from the Canton province in Qing Dynasty China, who specialized in Western-style portraits intended largely for Western clients. Lam Qua was the first Chinese portrait painter to be exhibited in the West. He is known for his medical portraiture, and for his portraits of Western and Chinese merchants in Canton and Macau. He had a workshop in 'New China Street' among the Thirteen Factories in Canton.