Paintings 15th -18th century — Ancient art
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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Hans von Aachen was a German painter, renowned for his role as a leading representative of Northern Mannerism. His journey into the art world took him from Rome, where he studied antique sculptures and the works of Italian masters, to Florence and then Venice, securing commissions that would define his early career. Notably, his work caught the attention of the Medici family, leading to significant commissions.
By 1592, von Aachen had become the official painter for Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. This position didn't require him to stay at court, allowing him to work from his residence. His relationship with Rudolf II was pivotal, marking a period where his art flourished under the emperor's patronage, celebrated for mythological paintings and complex allegories. The emperor's appreciation for painting and the arts transformed Prague into a significant art center, fostering a style full of elegance and sensuality known as Mannerism.
Hans von Aachen's style, influenced by Italian Mannerism and northern realism, showcased his versatility through portraits, historical, religious subjects, and allegories. His significant works include the "Allegory of Peace, Art and Abundance," depicting personifications of Peace, Science and the Liberal Arts, and Abundance, celebrated for illustrating the flourishing of these ideals under Rudolf II's reign. This piece, among others, found its home in prestigious collections like the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.
His contribution to the art world was acknowledged by the European courts, merchants, and the nobility. Even after Rudolf II's death, Hans von Aachen continued his work for Matthias, focusing on imperial portraits until his death in Prague in 1615. His legacy, momentarily overshadowed by the nationalistic perspectives of the 19th century, has been reevaluated, recognizing him as a key figure in European cultural exchange and Mannerism.
For art collectors and experts interested in Mannerism and Hans von Aachen's work, his journey from an admired artist at European courts to a celebrated figure in art history underscores the lasting impact of his work. His ability to navigate the cultural and artistic demands of his time, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated, makes him a fascinating subject of study.
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Hans Rottenhammer or Johannes Rottenhammer was a German painter and master of cabinet genre paintings.
After completing his studies as court painter to the Munich royal court, Rottenhammer spent nearly a decade in Venice, and his art bears the influence of Venetian masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese. Rottenhammer opened a studio in the city and attracted patrons and collectors as well as students and followers. In the early 1600s he joined the guild of Venetian artists. It was in Venice that Rottenhammer became famous for his cabinet paintings. These were small works, executed on copper and usually dealing with religious or mythological themes popular at the time.
Paolo Veronese, born Paolo Caliari, was a distinguished painter of the 16th-century Venetian school. Renowned for his vibrant use of color and majestic compositions, Veronese's artworks often depicted allegorical, biblical, or historical subjects set within grandiose settings of Renaissance architecture. His mastery in color and illusionary compositions that expand beyond the canvas' confines made him a pivotal figure in the Venetian Renaissance.
His early years were marked by an apprenticeship with Antonio Badile, leading to a significant influence from Mannerist artists and a development of his unique style, characterized by radiant palettes and elegant figures. Paolo Veronese's works, including major altarpieces and large-scale feast scenes, were celebrated for their elaborate detail and classical harmony, reflecting influences from artists like Titian, Raphael, and Parmigianino.
One of Paolo Veronese's specialties was grand scenes of feasts, such as "The Wedding at Cana" and "The Feast in the House of Levi," which showcased his ability to blend narrative with ornate details, often sparking controversy and admiration alike. His significant contributions to the art world, from the full-scale decoration of the Venetian church of S. Sebastiano to the splendid ceiling and wall paintings for the library of S. Marco, left an indelible mark on the Renaissance art scene.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Paolo Veronese's works represent a blend of classical beauty, innovative use of color, and narrative depth, making his paintings a significant focus for art historical study and appreciation.
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Guido Reni was an Italian Baroque painter, celebrated for his refined and classical approach to art. Born in Bologna, Italy, Reni's career spanned the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, where he became known for his religious and mythological scenes. His style, characterized by elegance and grace, set him apart from his contemporaries, making his works highly sought after by both religious and secular patrons.
Reni's training under Denys Calvaert, followed by his time in the Carracci workshop, laid the foundation for his distinctive blend of classical idealism and Baroque dynamism. This education, coupled with his interactions and reported rivalry with Caravaggio in Rome, influenced his development as an artist who could balance the dramatic intensity of the Baroque with a serene classicism.
One of Reni's most famous works, the fresco "Aurora" in the Casino dell'Aurora of Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi, showcases his mastery of classical forms and his ability to convey narrative through expressive composition and vibrant color. This masterpiece, depicting Apollo's chariot led by Dawn, is celebrated for its simplicity and restraint, contrasting the more elaborate compositions typical of his era.
Reni's contributions to religious art are also significant, with works such as "The Archangel Michael Defeating Satan" and "Saint Joseph and the Christ Child" reflecting his capacity to imbue traditional Christian subjects with a profound sense of divinity and humanity. His paintings are distinguished by their delicate treatment of light and shadow, a hallmark of his refined aesthetic.
Collectors and art experts continue to admire Reni's works for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. His paintings, such as "The Massacre of the Innocents" and "Saint Sebastian," are preserved in major museums worldwide, testament to his enduring influence on Western art. Reni's legacy as a bridge between the Renaissance's ideal beauty and the Baroque's emotive power remains unparalleled, securing his place among the pantheon of great artists.
For collectors and experts in the field of art and antiques, Guido Reni's oeuvre represents not just the pinnacle of Baroque painting but also a connection to the cultural and aesthetic shifts of his time. To stay updated on sales, auctions, and exhibitions related to Guido Reni's works, signing up for updates can provide exclusive insights and opportunities to engage with the legacy of this exceptional artist.
Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as Sassoferrato, was an Italian Baroque painter born in 1609 in Sassoferrato, from which he derived his name. He is celebrated for his deeply devotional images, particularly of the Virgin Mary, rendered with an elegance that echoes the works of Renaissance masters like Raphael and Perugino. Salvi's commitment to these older styles, amidst the 17th-century Roman art scene, marked his work as consciously anachronistic, emphasizing traditional religious themes and the serene beauty of his subjects.
Sassoferrato's training under his father and possibly under Domenichino in Rome, as well as influences from Guido Reni and Francesco Albani, equipped him with a unique blend of styles. He concentrated on creating multiple copies of devotional images, catering to the private market's demand during the Counter-Reformation. Despite a few public commissions, his legacy includes works in major collections such as the National Gallery in London and the British Royal Collection. Sassoferrato's art, particularly noted for its immaculate execution and spiritual aura, was highly regarded until the mid-19th century and has seen a revival in interest since the late 20th century.
One of his most revered works, "The Virgin in Prayer," showcases Sassoferrato's mastery in portraying the Virgin Mary with a life-like presence, using minimal but vibrant colors to highlight her contemplative grace. This piece, along with others, reflects the Catholic Church's 16th-century reforms advocating for personal devotion, a theme Sassoferrato adeptly captures through his intimate and contemplative religious scenes.
Despite the breadth of his work, Sassoferrato remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, with his art often overshadowing the details of his life and career. Yet, his paintings continue to be a source of admiration for their serene beauty and spiritual depth, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
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David Teniers the Younger was a Flemish Baroque painter, printmaker, draughtsman, miniaturist painter, staffage painter, copyist and art curator. He was an extremely versatile artist known for his prolific output. He was an innovator in a wide range of genres such as history painting, genre painting, landscape painting, portrait and still life. He is now best remembered as the leading Flemish genre painter of his day. Teniers is particularly known for developing the peasant genre, the tavern scene, pictures of collections and scenes with alchemists and physicians.
He was court painter and the curator of the collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, the art-loving Governor General of the Habsburg Netherlands. He created a printed catalogue of the collections of the Archduke. He was the founder of the Antwerp Academy, where young artists were trained to draw and sculpt in the hope of reviving Flemish art after its decline following the death of the leading Flemish artists Rubens and Anthony van Dyck in the early 1640s. He influenced the next generation of Northern genre painters as well as French Rococo painters such as Antoine Watteau.
David Teniers the Younger was a Flemish Baroque painter, printmaker, draughtsman, miniaturist painter, staffage painter, copyist and art curator. He was an extremely versatile artist known for his prolific output. He was an innovator in a wide range of genres such as history painting, genre painting, landscape painting, portrait and still life. He is now best remembered as the leading Flemish genre painter of his day. Teniers is particularly known for developing the peasant genre, the tavern scene, pictures of collections and scenes with alchemists and physicians.
He was court painter and the curator of the collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, the art-loving Governor General of the Habsburg Netherlands. He created a printed catalogue of the collections of the Archduke. He was the founder of the Antwerp Academy, where young artists were trained to draw and sculpt in the hope of reviving Flemish art after its decline following the death of the leading Flemish artists Rubens and Anthony van Dyck in the early 1640s. He influenced the next generation of Northern genre painters as well as French Rococo painters such as Antoine Watteau.
Adam Frans van der Meulen was a Flemish painter and draughtsman who was particularly known for his scenes of military campaigns and conquests. Van der Meulen also painted portraits, hunting scenes, paintings of chateaux and landscapes. He created designs for prints and cartoons for tapestries.
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.
Daniël Seghers or Daniel Seghers was a Flemish Jesuit brother and painter who specialized in flower still lifes. He is particularly well known for his contributions to the genre of flower garland painting. His paintings were collected enthusiastically by aristocratic patrons and he had numerous followers and imitators.
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.
Gaspar Peeter Verbruggen was a Flemish still life painter who is principally known for his decorative still lifes with flowers and fruit. He collaborated with figure artists on compositions which combined figures with a still life element. He was active in Antwerp and The Hague.