Drawings — Dessins Anciens et du XIXe siècle incluant une sélection de terres cuites
Domenico Passignano, born Domenico Cresti or Crespi, was an Italian painter of a late-Renaissance or Counter-Maniera (Counter-Mannerism) style that emerged in Florence towards the end of the 16th century.
Francesco Albani was a renowned Italian painter and fresco artist. He is celebrated for his contributions to the academic Bolognese school, which was profoundly influenced by the Carracci family, under whom Albani trained. Albani's artistic journey began at the young age of 12, marking the start of a career that would see him become one of the 17th-century's most esteemed Bolognese masters.
Francesco Albani's style is characterized by its lyricism and often features cherubic figures, a trait that became his signature. Despite not embracing the monumentality or tenebrism prevalent in the works of his contemporaries, his thematic appeal and mannerist elegance have earned him a place in art history. His works often comprise mythological and religious scenes, executed with a refined and lyrical view of nature. This approach helped disseminate the classical ideals prominent in Carracci's landscapes.
Among Francesco Albani's notable works are his frescoes in the Hall of Aeneas at Palazzo Fava in Bologna and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj in Rome, and his paintings "The Judgment of Paris" and "The Toilet of Venus". His works can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museo del Prado, Galleria Borghese in Rome, and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
Francesco Albani's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with his classicising and idealised scenes finding favor with 18th-century French painters and collectors. However, his popularity waned during the 19th century. Despite this, his work remains an integral part of the study of Baroque art, particularly in understanding the transition from Mannerism to Baroque styles.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, the legacy of Francesco Albani presents an opportunity to explore a pivotal moment in the history of Italian painting. His works not only provide aesthetic pleasure but also serve as important cultural artifacts, offering insights into the artistic trends and societal values of the 17th century.
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Jacopo da Empoli, real name Jacopo Chimenti, was a prominent Italian painter, a representative of Counter-Mannerism in Italian art. This movement borrowed some features of Mannerism, but resolutely returned to the realism, harmony and poise of the High Renaissance.
Jacopo da Empoli received his artistic training in the workshop of Maso da San Friano and was inspired by the works of Pontormo and Santi di Tito. He created in Florence, small towns in Tuscany and even visited Genoa.
Jacopo da Empoli created religious paintings and portraits, but an interesting feature of his work was his unique still life paintings, completely different from those of the Dutch masters of the time.
Jacopo Palma the Elder, born in 1480, was an illustrious Italian painter whose work left an indelible mark on the Venetian Renaissance. Renowned for his vibrant colors, dramatic compositions, and adept storytelling, Palma the Elder was a master of both religious and secular themes, embodying the splendor of Venice in his canvases.
Known for his profound influence on the development of Venetian painting, Palma's art is celebrated for its dynamic use of light and shadow, a characteristic that would come to define the Venetian style. His ability to infuse scenes with emotional depth and realism drew viewers into his narratives, making his works compelling for both contemporary audiences and modern viewers.
Among his most notable works are his altarpieces, which grace many of Venice's storied churches, showcasing his skill in depicting sacred subjects with reverence and majesty. His portraits and mythological scenes are equally esteemed, housed in some of the world's most prestigious museums and galleries. These pieces not only highlight his technical prowess but also his versatility as an artist.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Jacopo Palma the Elder represents a pivotal figure whose contributions to the Renaissance continue to captivate and inspire. His paintings offer a window into the rich cultural and artistic milieu of early 16th-century Venice, making them highly sought after for their beauty and historical significance.
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Carlo Maratta, an Italian painter, was a prominent figure in the Roman school of art during the late 17th century. Known for his classical approach to Baroque painting, Carlo Maratta's works were deeply influenced by the styles of Raphael and Andrea Sacchi, blending classical grandeur with Baroque expressivity. His training under Sacchi and subsequent exposure to Pietro da Cortona's coloristic style significantly shaped his artistic development.
Carlo Maratta's career flourished with a series of public and official commissions, making him a leading painter in Rome, especially after Bernini's death in 1682. His portfolio includes religious paintings, altarpieces, portraits, and fresco cycles, with a notable emphasis on paintings of the Madonna and Child, which reinterpreted High Renaissance motifs. His work was highly esteemed across Europe, influencing not only Italian art but also attracting the attention of English visitors on the Grand Tour.
One of Carlo Maratta's significant contributions to the art world was his involvement in painting restoration towards the end of his career, including works by Raphael and Carracci. This phase underscored his deep connection to the classical art tradition. Maratta passed away in Rome in 1713, leaving behind a legacy that continued to be celebrated in art history.
For art enthusiasts, collectors, and experts, Carlo Maratta's work offers a window into the transition between the Baroque and the emerging Rococo style, embodying a blend of dynamism and classical restraint. His paintings, many of which remain in situ in Roman churches, offer a testament to his enduring influence on Baroque classicism.
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Giovanni Battista Piazzetta was an influential Italian painter known for his mastery in the Rococo style, characterized by its subtle coloring and elegant forms in religious and genre subjects. Born in Venice to a sculptor, Piazzetta initially trained in woodcarving before venturing into painting, where he was influenced by the Venetian Baroque painter Antonio Molinari and possibly by Giuseppe Crespi and Caravaggio's dramatic use of light and shadow.
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta's work is renowned for its emotional depth and complex characters, often imbued with a layering of meanings. His notable works include "The Sacrifice of Isaac," "The Annunciation," and "Susanna and the Elders," which showcase his ability to blend religious themes with a strong sense of humanity. Despite not receiving numerous commissions, he made significant contributions through his book illustrations and was a respected teacher, becoming the first director of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia in 1750.
For art collectors and experts, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta's works offer a unique perspective on 18th-century Venetian painting, highlighting his distinctive style and contribution to the Rococo movement. His paintings, which can be found in various museums and galleries, continue to captivate audiences with their intricate details and emotional resonance.
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Pieter Aertsen, a Dutch painter born in 1508 in Amsterdam and known as ‘Lange Pier’ for his height, was a significant figure in the Northern Mannerism style. His artistic journey began with religious paintings, but he became renowned in the 1550s for his pioneering work in domestic scenes, where he vividly portrayed everyday objects like furniture, cooking utensils, and food.
Pieter Aertsen is credited with inventing the monumental genre scene, a novel concept in painting that combined still life and genre painting, often incorporating a biblical scene in the background. This style is exemplified in his work "Butcher's Shop" (1551), which is considered the earliest example of Mannerist inversion of still life in Northern painting. In this work, the everyday subject matter of a butcher's stall is given more prominence than the historical or religious scene depicted in the background.
Pieter Aertsen's work reflected the rich mercantile culture of Antwerp, where he lived for many years before returning to Amsterdam in 1556. His paintings often included a wide range of subjects, from market scenes to kitchen tableaux, filled with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food items. His unique approach to painting, which combined the teachings of classical art with the ideas of contemporary artists, made a lasting impact on the genre.
In addition to his genre scenes, Pieter Aertsen continued to create religious works throughout his life, although many were lost during the waves of iconoclasm that swept across northern Europe during the Protestant Reformation. A surviving religious work of his is the "Crucifixion" in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
Pieter Aertsen's legacy continued through his pupils, including Stradanus and his nephews, Joachim Beuckelaer and Huybrecht Beuckeleer. His influence on the development of still life and genre painting was profound, and his works remain a fascinating study for collectors and experts in art and antiques.
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Hans Bol was a Flemish artist renowned for his miniature paintings and prints. Born in Mechelen, Bol was a pivotal figure in the transition from the world landscape tradition to a more realistic portrayal of nature. His early works as a 'water-verwer' offered affordable wall decorations but were susceptible to copying. This led him to create intricate miniatures on parchment, a medium less easily replicated.
Bol's influence on landscape art in the Low Countries is significant. His realistic landscapes, often featuring biblical scenes or daily life, showed a departure from imaginary landscapes, which was common at the time. This shift was partly due to the influence of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Bol's completion of the Four Seasons series, initially started by Bruegel, established him as a master of landscape art, blending detailed observation with imaginative elements.
Notably, Bol's works are present in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where pieces like "The Prodigal Son" and various landscapes reflect his mastery of pen, ink, and wash. His artworks, like the "Landscape with a View of Antwerp," stand testament to his skill in capturing the essence of the Dutch landscape, influencing a generation of Dutch painters.
For collectors, auctioneers, and art connoisseurs, Hans Bol's legacy offers a glimpse into the evolution of landscape painting. His works not only adorned the homes of the affluent during his time but continue to be celebrated for their historical and artistic value.
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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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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.
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Jan Brueghel the Elder, a Flemish painter born in 1568 in Brussels, was a pivotal figure in the Baroque period known for his intricate landscapes, detailed still lifes, and genre scenes. The son of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Jan was distinguished by his delicate brushwork, earning him the nicknames "Velvet" Brueghel, "Flower" Brueghel, and "Paradise" Brueghel, each reflecting a different aspect of his versatile artistic output. His monikers refer to his skill in rendering fabrics, his specialization in flower still lifes, and his creation of the paradise landscape genre, respectively.
After early training in Brussels, possibly under the guidance of his grandmother Mayken Verhulst, and further studies in Antwerp, Brueghel ventured to Italy, where he worked in Rome under the patronage of Cardinal Ascanio Colonna and met influential artists like Paul Bril. His Italian sojourn greatly influenced his style, especially in landscape painting. Upon returning to Antwerp, he established a flourishing workshop and became a master in the Guild of St. Luke. Brueghel's collaborations with Peter Paul Rubens are among the most celebrated in art history, showcasing a harmonious blend of landscape and figure painting.
Jan Brueghel the Elder's works are prized for their vibrant depiction of nature and meticulous attention to detail. His landscapes are not just backdrops but are lively settings filled with rich narratives and a variety of creatures, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural world. His flower pieces are equally renowned for their variety and realism, often serving as allegorical or symbolic representations.
Brueghel's legacy extends beyond his paintings; he was a pivotal figure in the Antwerp artistic community, serving as dean of the Guild of St. Luke and court painter to the Archduke Albert of Austria and the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain. His influence continued through his children, with his son Jan Brueghel the Younger continuing his workshop and maintaining the family's artistic traditions.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Jan Brueghel the Elder's works represent a high point in Flemish Baroque art, offering a glimpse into the era's aesthetic values and the artist's profound observation of the world around him. His paintings, found in museums and galleries worldwide, continue to captivate audiences with their beauty and depth.
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Thomas Wyck was a Dutch painter of port views and genre paintings.
He excelled in Italianate paintings of shipping and seaports, populated with many figures, very frequently odd characters such as alchemists and misers. His style resembles that of the loose group of Dutch and Flemish genre painters working in Rome who are called the 'Bamboccianti' and were influenced by the genre paintings of Pieter van Laar. He also painted fairs, public markets, and the interiors of chemists’ laboratories.
