Self-portrait 18th century


Filippo Abbiati was an Italian painter, renowned for his contribution to the Baroque period. Born in Milan in 1640, Abbiati's training under Carlo Francesco Nuvolone and Antonio Busca honed his skills, leading him to develop a distinct style characterized by fluid touch and luminous foundations. His work was heavily influenced by early seventeenth-century Lombard painting and later, the Roman Baroque and Venetian painting.
Abbiati's career was predominantly based in Milan, where he produced numerous significant religious and historical paintings. Notable works include the altarpiece of the Preaching of St. John the Baptist for the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli in Saronno and the extensive frescoes in the Milanese church of Sant'Alessandro. His masterpieces are celebrated for their dynamic composition and expressive intensity, marking a transition toward the Rococo movement.
Though details about his later years remain sparse, Abbiati's legacy lives on through his influential frescoes and the mentorship of notable students like Alessandro Magnasco. His works can still be admired in places like the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan and the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.
For collectors and enthusiasts looking to explore the depth of Italian Baroque, Filippo Abbiati's work offers a rich narrative woven through the tapestry of art history. Sign up for updates on auctions and new discoveries related to Filippo Abbiati, ensuring you stay informed about opportunities to own a piece of this illustrious artist's legacy.




Alexei Petrovich Antropov (Russian: Алексей Петрович Антропов), a prominent Russian painter of the Baroque period, is celebrated for his significant contributions to art, particularly in portrait painting and church frescoing. Born into a family connected to the governmental sphere, Antropov's early exposure to the arts came through his work in the Chancellory of Buildings, where he began his career under the guidance of various Russian and foreign artists, including Andrey Matveyev and Ivan Vishnyakov.
Antropov's work is distinguished by his mastery in oil painting, miniatures, and icons, with a career that saw him active mainly in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Kiev. His artistic journey was notably influenced by his studies with the French court painter Louis Caravaque and later with the Italian painter Pietro Rotari, which helped him refine his portrait artistry. The 1760s emerged as his most productive period, where he crafted numerous notable portraits, including those of Elizabeth Petrovna and Peter III of Russia, showcasing his preference for traditional icon and parsuna portrait styles characterized by sharp contrasts and dark backgrounds.
Antropov's legacy extends beyond his artworks; his dedication to art education and the community is evident in his decision to transfer his only house to the Department of Education for the establishment of a Free School. He passed away in 1795, leaving behind a rich collection of works that continue to be celebrated in museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow and the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.
Collectors and art experts value Antropov for his unique contributions to Russian art, his role in the transition of portrait styles, and his influence on future generations of artists, including his apprentice Dmitry Levitzky. His works, including the portraits of Catherine II and Archbishop Gavriil Petrov, are pivotal in understanding the artistic and cultural shifts of 18th-century Russia.
For those interested in exploring the depths of Russian Baroque art and the significant figures who shaped its contours, Alexei Petrovich Antropov's oeuvre offers a fascinating journey. Collectors and aficionados are encouraged to sign up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Antropov's works, ensuring they remain informed about opportunities to own a piece of this illustrious artist's legacy. This subscription is a gateway to the vibrant world of art collection, where the beauty of the past is preserved for the future.


Ivan Petrovich Argunov (Russian: Иван Петрович Аргунов) was a distinguished Russian painter of the 18th century, celebrated for his significant contribution to portrait art. As a serf born into the Argunov family, who were established artists themselves, Ivan's talent was nurtured and supported by his patrons, leading to a unique position within the cultural and artistic hierarchies of his time. His specialization in portraiture allowed him to capture the essence of Russia's social elites, including members of the imperial family, as well as ordinary Russians, thereby providing a wide-ranging visual documentation of the era's societal strata.
Argunov's art is noted for its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant realism, and the emotional depth he brought to his subjects. His portraits are more than mere representations; they are intimate glimpses into the lives and characters of his sitters. Among his most famous works is the portrait of Princess Natalia Petrovna Golitsyna, showcased in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. This particular piece stands out for its intricate portrayal of fabric textures and the detailed rendering of facial expressions, which have been lauded for their lifelike quality and depth.
Argunov's legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements; he played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Russian portraiture. His works are preserved in major museums and galleries across Russia, serving as a testament to his skill and the cultural richness of his time. For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Argunov's paintings are not just historical artifacts but are cherished for their aesthetic value and the insight they offer into 18th-century Russian culture.
We invite enthusiasts and collectors to stay connected with us for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Ivan Petrovich Argunov. By signing up, you will gain exclusive access to the finest pieces of Russian art and antiques, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to enrich your collection with works by one of Russia's most esteemed artists.


George Barret the Younger was a British painter, master watercolorist and landscape painter.
He was the son of the Irish painter George Barret the Elder (1730-1784) and learned painting from his father. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1800 and was one of the first and active members of the Society of Watercolor Painters, which was formed with his own encouragement in 1804. His early works were mainly topographical landscapes in a style similar to his father's watercolors. Later he switched to more romantic compositions with imaginary landscapes.
In 1840, George Barret published The Theory and Practice of Watercolor Painting.




Daniel Caffé was a distinguished German pastel painter of portraits. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and the emotive depth of his portraiture, Caffé initially embarked on a career in architectural decoration before his talents led him to Dresden to become a portrait artist.
Daniel Caffé's journey into the world of fine arts was marked by his study at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts under the guidance of significant figures like Casanova and the influence of neoclassical artist Anton Raphael Mengs. His mastery of pastel made him a favored portraitist among the nobility and notable figures of his time, including Russian patrons like Prince Beloselski and Admiral Fyodor Grigoryevich Orloff.
His works, celebrated for their detailed and expressive nature, capture the essence of his subjects with striking realism and emotional depth. Among his notable works are portraits of prominent individuals such as Johann George Tromlitz and Karl August von Hardenberg, which not only exemplify his skill but also his contribution to the documentation of his era's influential figures.
Daniel Caffé's legacy as a pastel painter is preserved in various art collections and continues to be admired for its historical significance and artistic merit. He passed away on January 16, 1815, in Leipzig, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and revered in the art community.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Daniel Caffé's portraits offer a glimpse into the refined pastel techniques and cultural narratives of the late 18th to early 19th century. His works remain a significant part of German art history, celebrated for their contribution to the development of portrait painting.
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Jean-François de Troy was a French Rococo easel and fresco painter, draughtsman and tapestry designer. One of France's leading history painters in his time, he was equally successful with his decorative paintings, genre scenes and portraits. He was the inventor of the tableaux de modes ('paintings of fashions'), which attempted to provide a spirited portrayal of contemporary fashions, pastimes and manners.
He was the Director of the French Academy in Rome from 1738.


Johannes Dünz was a Swiss painter and representative of the Bernese Baroque.
Johannes Dünz studied in Bern under the painter Albrecht Kau (1616-1682). In the 1670s he was already painting portraits of noble townspeople and young representatives of the von Erlach and von Wattenville families in particular. He soon became the leading portraitist in these circles.
Dünz painted many portraits of Bernese patricians, leads and still lifes, as well as some remarkable group portraits. His work The Library Commission, in which both portraits and interior decoration are meticulously reproduced, is one of the most important group portraits of 17th-century Swiss painting. Johannes Dünz also possessed the skill to transform ordinary city vistas into spacious panoramic landscape paintings, paying particular attention to detail. And in his still lifes, he was sure to emphasize the four seasons, praising the labor of peasants and blessing the harvest.


Willem Jacob Herreyns, the Younger, was a Flemish painter of history subjects and portraits. He is regarded as one of the last painters in the tradition of the Flemish Baroque and the last follower of Peter Paul Rubens. Herreyns’ work was very highly regarded in his time. His religious compositions stand in the Rubens tradition. Herreyns is considered a draughtsman with a precise line, but his work shows a certain coldness and lacks originality.




Maria Anna Angelica Kauffmann was a Swiss Neoclassical painter who had a successful career in London and Rome. Remembered primarily as a history painter, Kauffmann was a skilled portraitist, landscape and decoration painter. She was, along with Mary Moser, one of two female painters among the founding members of the Royal Academy in London in 1768.


Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (Russian: Орест Адамович Кипренский) emerged as a masterful Russian portraitist in the Age of Romanticism. His journey from an illegitimate serf background to a celebrated artist is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. Kiprensky's early exposure to art at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts paved the way for his signature style, marked by emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Orest Kiprensky's works resonate with the spirit of Romanticism, capturing the essence of his subjects with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. His portrait of Alexander Pushkin is among his most famous, celebrated for its vivid portrayal of the poet's character. Kiprensky's life was as dramatic and varied as his art, with significant periods spent in Italy, where he immersed himself in the local culture and art scene, eventually marrying and converting to Roman Catholicism.
His legacy is enshrined in numerous galleries, where his portraits continue to captivate audiences with their expressive intensity and elegance. Orest Kiprensky's ability to capture the soul of his subjects on canvas ensures his enduring status as a pivotal figure in Russian Romantic art.
For those fascinated by Orest Kiprensky's life and work and keen on updates related to his art, including exhibitions and sales, subscribing to relevant updates can provide valuable insights into the world of this distinguished portraitist.


Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1st Baronet (born Gottfried Kniller) was a late seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century German painter and the leading British portrait painter of his era.
Gottfried Kniller was an immensely popular painter among the English nobility, and over the course of his career he produced hundreds of paintings depicting influential European nobles and royalty. His unique masterpieces are preserved in many museums across Europe, and his biography is an example of the successful career of a great master.


Jean-Laurent Mosnier was a French painter and miniaturist, renowned for his detailed and polished portraitures during the Ancien Régime. Born in Paris in 1743, Mosnier quickly ascended to become a court painter, notably serving Marie Antoinette. His mastery in miniature painting earned him significant acclaim, leading to a prosperous career across various European cities, including London, Hamburg, and St. Petersburg, after fleeing France due to the Revolution.
Mosnier's works are recognized for their exquisite attention to texture and fabric, skills likely honed during his early training at the Académie de Saint-Luc. He became a member of the Académie Royale in 1788, where his works, such as portraits of prominent academicians, solidified his reputation. His career spanned various shifts in his geographical and political contexts, adapting his artistic style to suit the tastes of his diverse clientele, including various European aristocrats and members of the Russian imperial family.
Several of Mosnier's significant works are housed in prestigious museums, including the Louvre and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, ensuring his legacy within the annals of European art history. For art collectors and enthusiasts interested in the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of Jean-Laurent Mosnier's works, keeping updated on exhibitions and sales is invaluable. Sign up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Jean-Laurent Mosnier to enhance your collection and appreciation of this distinguished artist.


Bartolomeo Nazari was an Italian painter and printmaker of the academic Venetian Baroque school. He studied painting with Angelo Trevisani and later became assistant to Francesco Trevisani and Benedetto Luti.
Bartolomeo Nadzari was a famous portrait painter of his time. He produced numerous pictorial works depicting prominent figures, among them Canaletto, Francesco Correra, Cardinal Vincenzo Querini, the procurators Alvise Mocenigo, Nicolo Veniera, Zaccaria Canal and Lorenzo Morosini. Particularly famous is the life-size equestrian portrait of Marshal Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg. In 1744 Nadzari was in Frankfurt where he painted a portrait of Emperor Charles VII.


Aleksander Orłowski (Russian: Александр Осипович Орловский), a renowned Polish painter and sketch artist, was born on March 9, 1777, in Warsaw, within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. His journey into the arts began under challenging circumstances; he was the son of a tavern-keeper and his family was not wealthy. His early promise in art was nurtured by noble patron Izabela Czartoryska, who financed his initial education under the guidance of artist Jan Piotr Norblin.
Orłowski's artistic journey intersected with his military service during the Kościuszko Uprising, a major revolt against Imperial Russia and Prussia in 1794. This period of conflict significantly influenced his later works, which often depicted military scenes and the daily life of soldiers. After the partitions of Poland, Orłowski moved to Saint Petersburg in 1802, where he became a seminal figure in the development of lithography in the Russian Empire.
His oeuvre includes a wide array of subjects, from battle scenes to cultural depictions of everyday life in both Poland and Russia. Notable works such as "Battle Scene" and "Cossack Fighting Off A Tiger" showcase his skill in capturing dynamic movement and drama. His works are preserved in esteemed institutions such as The Russian Museum and The Tretyakov Gallery, highlighting their historical and artistic value.
Orłowski's impact extended beyond the canvas; he was also mentioned in literary works by notable authors like Adam Mickiewicz and Alexander Pushkin, which underscores his cultural significance in the 19th century.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Aleksander Orłowski's works represent a crucial segment of Eastern European art history. To stay informed about new discoveries or auction events related to his works, consider subscribing for updates. This subscription ensures you receive timely information tailored to your interests, directly relating to new sales and significant events around Orłowski's art.


Charles Willson Peale was an American painter, soldier, scientist, inventor, politician and naturalist. He is best remembered for his portrait paintings of leading figures of the American Revolution, and for establishing one of the first museums in the United States.


Alexander Roslin was a distinguished Swedish portrait painter, celebrated for his refined depictions of European aristocracy, often highlighting his subjects' luxurious garments with great precision. Born in Malmö on July 15, 1718, Roslin moved to Paris in 1752 after developing his artistic skills in Sweden and traveling through Europe. His stay in Paris marked the peak of his career, where he became a prominent artist noted for his ability to capture the subtle intricacies of satin and skin, earning the admiration of high society.
Throughout his career, Roslin painted notable figures such as Empress Catherine II of Russia and members of the French aristocracy. His works, such as "The Lady with the Veil" (1768), showcase his skill in portraying delicate complexions and rich textiles, attributes that made his paintings highly sought after. This painting, along with others like "King Gustav III of Sweden" (1777), are celebrated for their artistic finesse and are held in prestigious collections, indicating Roslin's lasting legacy in the art world.
For collectors and enthusiasts of classical portraiture, Roslin's work offers a glimpse into the elegance of 18th-century aristocratic life, capturing both the opulence of the era and the personal character of his subjects. To stay updated on exhibitions and sales of Alexander Roslin's works, sign up for our newsletter. This subscription will keep you informed about new acquisitions and notable auction events featuring Roslin's art, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to appreciate or acquire his exquisite portraits.


Jean-Baptiste Santerre was a French painter and draughtsman of the Style Louis XIV, known for his history paintings, portraits, and portrait-like genre subjects. Considerably influenced by Italian masters of the Bolognese school as well as his French contemporaries, Santerre nonetheless made an original contribution in his art, being among the first French painters to bring Netherlandish influences.
After achieving initial success as a portrait painter by the late 1690s, Santerre began to branch out into the fields of genre painting and, in which he combined the fantasy portrait of Northern tradition, as seen in the art of Rembrandt and Gerrit Dou, with the allegorical portrait, then fashionable in France. At the same time, he also painted history paintings and altarpieces of biblical and religious subjects, suffused with a strong erotic character.
Santerre's work brought him a controversial reputation, in light of his association with the French Regency era; it was during the 19th and 20th centuries when it met a broader appreciation. Santerre is regarded as a precursor of the Rococo era painting, as well as of both Neoclassical and Romantic painting, and was said to be an influence on subsequent generations of artists during the said eras.


Stepan Semyonovich Shchukin (Russian: Степан Семёнович Щукин) was a distinguished Russian painter, celebrated for his refined portrait and watercolor artworks. Born in Moscow in 1754, Shchukin's artistic journey began under adverse circumstances, orphaned and admitted to the Orphan House in Moscow where he initially received his education.
Shchukin’s talent led him to the Imperial Academy of Arts, under the guidance of Dmitry Levitzky, one of the era's most esteemed Russian painters. His academic and artistic prowess earned him a scholarship to study further in Paris at the prestigious Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture, where he honed his skills with masters like Alexandre Roslin. Returning to Russia, Shchukin left a significant mark on the Russian art scene as a teacher at the Imperial Academy, influencing the next generation of artists including notable names like Alexander Varnek and Vasily Tropinin.
Among his notable works, Shchukin's portraits of eminent personalities like Emperor Paul I stand out. These portraits are not only masterpieces of art but also vital historical documents that capture the essence of an era. Shchukin's contributions to Russian art were profound, as he was integral in nurturing and shaping the aesthetic values of his time.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Shchukin's works represent a pivotal chapter in the evolution of Russian portraiture. His paintings, many of which are housed in prestigious galleries like the Russian Museum, continue to be studied and revered for their artistic and historical significance.
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Ludovike Simanowiz was a German portrait painter celebrated for her classical style and intimate depictions of her contemporaries. Born into a military family, her artistic talent was nurtured from an early age, despite the challenges women faced in accessing formal artistic education during the late 18th century. Through private lessons with Nicolas Guibal and later studies under Antoine Vestier in Paris, Ludovike Simanowiz honed her skills, enabling her to capture the essence of her subjects with sensitivity and depth. Her journey was marked by resilience; after fleeing Paris due to the revolution, she continued her art while supporting her family through teaching and commissions.
Ludovike Simanowiz's works, primarily portraits, are known for their emotional depth and technical precision, reflecting her experiences and the cultural milieu of her time. Her portraits of Friedrich Schiller and his family, alongside self-portraits and depictions of other notable figures, remain significant contributions to classical portraiture, capturing the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of her era. Despite the personal challenges she faced, including caring for her paralyzed husband, Simanowiz's legacy as a pioneering female artist endures, with many of her works residing in private collections and commemorated in the Municipal Museum of Schorndorf.
Her story is not just one of artistic achievement but also of perseverance in the face of societal constraints, making her an inspiring figure in the history of art. Collectors and art experts continue to value her contributions to the European art scene, recognizing her as a significant figure in late 18th-century art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Ludovike Simanowiz's oeuvre offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and cultural history of her time. Her life's work demonstrates the remarkable ability of art to capture the human spirit, making her portraits highly sought after for both their historical significance and artistic merit.
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Stefano Tofanelli was an Italian painter renowned for his contributions during the Neoclassic period. Tofanelli demonstrated artistic promise from a young age. Apprenticed at just ten years old to Giuseppe Antonio Luchi, he soon moved to Rome to further his training and career. There, he painted frescoes for notable locations such as the Palazzo of Cardinal Dropanni and created drawings for prestigious engravers.
Stefano Tofanelli's work is characterized by its adherence to Neoclassic ideals, blending a strong sense of form with a delicate handling of subjects, ranging from religious iconography to mythological scenes. Notably, his artworks include detailed frescoes, altarpieces, and a variety of commissioned portraits. His talents extended beyond painting as he contributed to the arts as an educator, founding an art school in Rome in 1781 and later becoming a Professor of Drawing at the University of San Frediano.
His pieces are held in high esteem and continue to be celebrated in collections and auctions around the world. Stefano Tofanelli's legacy is preserved through his influential teaching and significant contributions to the Neoclassic style, making him a key figure in Italian art history.
For collectors and art historians, Tofanelli's works represent an important period in art history, reflecting the transition and tastes of late 18th to early 19th-century European art. His works, such as those available through auction houses and depicted in various art galleries, continue to attract interest for their historical value and artistic merit.
For those interested in the evolving market of Neoclassical art and Stefano Tofanelli's timeless works, signing up for updates can enhance your collection and investment insights. Stay informed about the latest auction events and private sales by subscribing today.


Salvatore Tonci was an Italian painter, musician, singer, and poet, renowned for his multifaceted artistic talents and his life largely spent in Russia. Born in January 1756 in Rome, Tonci moved to Russia in 1797, where he significantly contributed to the cultural scenes of St. Petersburg and Moscow until his death in December 1844. He was instrumental in the founding of the Architectural School in Moscow and is celebrated for his portrait paintings, which capture prominent figures of his time in a style that combines Italian finesse with Russian sensibilities.
Throughout his career, Tonci produced a series of notable works, including portraits of Russian Emperor Paul I and the poet Gavrila Derzhavin. His work is characterized by its historical depth and artistic mastery, reflecting the social and political landscapes of 18th and 19th century Russia. His contributions were not limited to painting; he also engaged in poetry and played a vital role in the artistic community as an educator, supervising drawing classes at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture for over two decades.
For those interested in exploring the works of Salvatore Tonci or learning more about his contributions to art and culture, his paintings and other artistic expressions provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural interchange between Italy and Russia during his lifetime. To stay updated on new discoveries and auction events related to Salvatore Tonci, you can sign up for updates, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable insights or opportunities related to this remarkable artist.


Jacob Toorenvliet was a Dutch painter and graphic artist of the Gilded Age, a master of genre painting and printmaking.
Jacob Toorenvliet was a member of the Leiden Guild of Saint Luke. Together with Willem van Mieris and Carel de Moor he founded the Academy of Arts (Tekenacademie).
Jacob Torenvliet's style of painting has its origins in the genre painting of Leiden. Torenvliet's paintings contain elements of fine painting. The artist incorporates all kinds of influences in his work, but mixes them with his own forms of expression.


Vasily Andreevich Tropinin (Russian: Василий Андреевич Тропинин) was a Russian Romantic painter, whose journey from serfdom to artistic freedom is as captivating as his art. Born in 1776, Vasily Tropinin spent a significant part of his life as a serf, only gaining freedom at the age of 47. His talent in painting, particularly in portraying intimate, personal, and "disheveled" portraits, earned him the nickname "a robe portraitist" among Muscovites.
Vasily Tropinin's works are celebrated for their deep analysis of the Russian national character and their reflection of the social types of his era. Notable works include "The Lace Maker," "Portrait of Alexander Pushkin," and portraits of everyday people, capturing the essence of Russian life with authenticity and emotional depth.
His contributions to Russian art did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the title of "appointed academician" and later elected an Academician, reflecting his status as a respected artist of his time. Vasily Tropinin's legacy lives on, with more than 3,000 portraits credited to his name, and the Tropinin Museum in Moscow dedicated to his and his contemporaries' works.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Tropinin's paintings offer a unique window into 19th-century Russian life and culture. To stay informed about updates related to Vasily Andreevich Tropinin, including sales and auction events, consider signing up for updates, ensuring you remain connected to the rich heritage of Russian art.


Alexander Gregoryevich Varnek (Russian: Александр Григорьевич Варнек) was a distinguished Russian painter. Known primarily for his portraits, Alexander Varnek captured the essence of figures in Russian society with a finesse that made him a notable artist of his time. He was a student under the guidance of Dmitry Levitzky and Stepan Shchukin at the Imperial Academy of Arts, where he later returned as a professor and advisor.
Alexander Varnek's artistry was celebrated for its masterful drawing, harmonious coloring, and the ability to capture close resemblances and appropriate lighting in his portraits. His conscientious execution and avoidance of embellishment in his works earned him high regard among contemporaries. Some of his notable works include portraits of Madame Khatova, Count Alexander Stroganov, and Alexey Olenin, along with other subjects like "Head of a Young Turk" and "Boy with Dog".
His life was intrinsically linked to St. Petersburg and the Imperial Academy of Arts, reflecting a career that spanned teaching, creating, and contributing significantly to Russian art. Alexander Varnek's journey included a period spent abroad in Rome, where he further honed his craft, leaving behind a legacy encapsulated in his portraits and other artworks that continue to be celebrated in the world of art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Alexander Grigorievich Varnek's body of work offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Russian portraiture and its evolution during his lifetime. To delve deeper into his life and explore his creations, consider signing up for updates related to Varnek and stay informed about exhibitions, sales, and auctions of his works.




Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun was a celebrated French painter, renowned for her skill in portrait painting during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Paris in 1755, Vigee Le Brun's artistic talent was evident from a young age, leading her to become one of the most successful female artists of her time. Her father, a portraitist himself, was a significant influence on her early artistic development.
Vigee Le Brun is perhaps best known for her association with Queen Marie Antoinette. She painted more than 30 portraits of the queen, capturing her in a light that combined personal intimacy with the regal dignity required of royal portraiture. Her ability to portray her subjects with both elegance and psychological depth won her acclaim and patronage from the highest ranks of society across Europe.
Her career spanned one of Europe's most turbulent periods, including the French Revolution, which forced her into exile. During her years abroad, she lived and worked in major cultural centers such as Rome, Vienna, and St. Petersburg, further cementing her reputation among European aristocracy.
Vigee Le Brun's works are displayed in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre in Paris. Her legacy is not only in her portraits but also in her memoirs, which provide a vivid account of the cultural atmosphere of her time and her encounters with various historical figures.
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Johann Karl Ferdinand von Kügelgen was a German landscape and history painter, known for his work as a Russian court painter and his contributions to both the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin. Born on February 6, 1772, in Bacharach am Rhein, Kügelgen's artistic journey took him across Europe, where he honed his skills in various cities including Frankfurt, Würzburg, and Rome.
Kügelgen's paintings are celebrated for their transparency and ethereal color palette, often reflecting the natural landscapes he was deeply inspired by. His notable works include over 200 landscapes and depictions of ancient monuments, particularly from his travels to Crimea under the commission of Tsar Alexander I. These works are highly valued for their historical and artistic significance, capturing the essence of the regions he explored.
During his career, Kügelgen faced many challenges, including financial difficulties and the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, which forced him and his family to flee to Wolsk. Despite these hardships, he continued to produce art and teach, leaving a lasting legacy through his works and his influence on future generations, including his son Konstantin von Kügelgen, who also became a renowned landscape painter.
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Feodosy Ivanovich Yanenko (Russian: Феодосий Иванович Яненко) was a Russian artist born in 1762 and notable for his contributions to religious and portrait painting. Trained at the Imperial Academy of Arts under Gabriel Ignatievich Kozlov, Yanenko's talent was recognized early in his career. In 1795, he was assigned to the Academy for his studies of the naked human figure, and by 1797, his painting "Travellers in a Storm" earned him the rank of academician.
Yanenko is best known for his religious artworks, including several images for the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. His prowess in portrait painting is exemplified by his work housed in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow—a portrait of Emperor Paul I when he was Crown Prince, painted in 1798.
His works are cherished for their historical significance and artistic quality, making them of great interest to collectors and art historians alike. For those passionate about Russian art from the late 18th century, Yanenko's contributions remain an essential part of the discussion.
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