Landscape with figures, workshop of Paul Bril, Italian school 17th Century

Rest during the Flight into Egypt - The Virgin and Child with St. John the Baptist and the angels in a Landscape. Attributed to Pieter Van Avont (1600-1652) 17th century Antwerp School, circa 1630 Oil on oak panel, Dimensions: h. 38 cm, w. 50 cm (14.96 in x 19.68 in) Flemish style frame in ebonized and moulded wood Framed: h. 56 cm, w. 68.5 cm (22.04 in. x 26.97 in.) In the heart of a lush wooded landscape, the Virgin with Jesus rests in a green clearing accompanied by Saint John the Baptist and the cherubs. Seated to the left of the composition, the Virgin Mary holds the Child on her lap; the little Saint John the Baptist wearing the camel-skin tunic (his attribute) stands before Jesus to exchange a few caresses. On the right, the couple of cherubs are playing with the lamb of Saint John the Baptist, bringing a jovial character to the scene. A pair of gardening putti on the left pick flowers to bring bouquets to the Virgin and Jesus. Spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils and anemones that grow abundantly around them and enrich the composition with their shimmering colors. A lush rose bush blooms to the left of the figures offering delicate roses. (The rose is the flower associated with the Virgin Mary, who is the "mystical rose," the one that does not bear the "thorn of sin") At the feet of the Virgin are bunches of grapes (symbol of the future passion of Christ) as well as apples (symbol of the original fall of Man but also of the Redemption in Christ) In the foreground we find a wicker basket filled in profusion with beautiful flowers and guinea pigs nibbling on the blades of grass. In a cleverly arranged disorder, these elements of the still life with their strong symbolic power accentuate the religious theme, but are also an opportunity for the artist to demonstrate his know-how in the still life genre that is gaining momentum in Antwerp. The landscape behind the figures consists of a large tree with a twisted trunk and a luminous opening to the horizon placed on the right. We see Saint Joseph arriving with a donkey, a small reminder from the artist that the composition is associated with the episode of Rest during the flight into Egypt. The calm expanse of this bucolic forest opening onto the luminous distance, with its profusion of symbolic flowers and fruits, is particularly suited to this sacred scene. The theme of Jesus' sacrifice and his tragic fate is mitigated by cherubs who play with innocence and carelessness in the face of the fragility of life symbolized by cut flowers. The great mastery of the painter is manifested by the finesse of the drawing enhanced by the delicacy in the application of the brushstrokes bringing a multitude of details. The richness of the whole is exacerbated thanks to the choice of colours, this varied palette is an undeniable asset of our work. The virtuosity of our artist lies in his versatility, as much concerned with the success of the landscape and flowers as with the modelling of his figures. The cherubs with their naked bodies are gracefully illuminated by warm colours with subtle shadows, while the still life is rendered with astonishing realism, both in the precision of the drawing and in the countless shades of the flowers. There are several compositions similar to ours, of which below are the closest versions: • Sale, Jean-Claude Anaf et Associés, Lyon, 08/02/1998, attributed to Pieter Van Avont, oil on panel, h. 48 cm, l. 71 cm (recorded on RKD n° 31451). Comment: identical composition, only St Joseph with the donkey is different) • Christie's New York sale, 29/01/1998, Pieter Van Avont, oil on copper, h. 23.8 cm, w. 24.8 cm • Dorotheum sale, Vienna, 25/04/2017, Pieter Van Avont and Jan Breughel II, oil on copper, h .26 cm, w. 39 cm • Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Pieter Van Avont, oil on panel, h. 50.5 cm, w. 71.7 cm Peter van Avont, Flemish painter (Mechelen, 1600 - Antwerp. 1652) Born in Mechelen, he is mentioned in 1620 as a member of the painters' guild of his hometown. He left in 1 622 for Antwerp, where he was also a member of the guild. He collaborated with many painters, including Jan Brueguel the Younger, David Vinckboons, Lucas van Uden...

The Triumph of the Infant Bacchus, Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) Antwerp, c.1630 Oil on copper, h. 28 cm (11.02 in), w. 35 cm (13.78 in) A large Roman 17th century golden painted frame Framed: h. 52 cm (20.47 in.), w. 58 cm (22.83 in) Our finely painted work depicts The Triumph of the Bacchus as a young boy and is one of the most popular mythological subjects in Antwerp at the beginning of the 17th century. Feasting, wine and fun are the themes that constantly appeal to the public. Thus unfolds before our eyes on our painting the procession composed of nymphs, baccantes, fauns, satyrs and children, their bodies naked, partially covered with brightly coloured draperies that help to brighten up the parade. Playing various instruments, dancing and drinking, while carrying vases and poles adorned with grapevines, participants to the rhythm of a noisy brass band make their way to an ancient temple standing on the right. The exaggerated gestures convey to us the frenzy of the excited crowd. The Child Bacchus follows the joyous procession, carried by satyrs and nymphs, crowned with ivy and joyfully raising a cup of wine. In the foreground, the drunken participants leave the procession, the children on the left and the group of bacchantes and satyrs on the right are resting among various objects scattered at their feet: cups, vases, ewers bear witness to the festivities in progress. In the background, a hilly landscape stretches out on the horizon, a semblance of calm that contrasts with the bustle of the foreground. The artist strives to multiply the many details, whether it be figures, costumes, flowers or vegetation, in order to demonstrate his know-how and the perfection of his execution. The acidulous palette with fresh and varied colours is characteristic of Hendrick Van Balen's works. There are several versions identical to ours with similar dimensions painted by Hendrick Van Balen and his workshop. Related works: • Koller Auction, Zurich, 21/09/2007, oil on copper, 28,5 x 37,4 cm. • Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Inv. N° 809 (oil on copper, 40 x 53,5 cm) • Auktionshaus für Altertümer Glückselig, Vienne, 10/05/1932, ( oil on copper, 34 x 42 cm) • Gemäldegalerie of Pommersfelden, Schloss Weissenstein, oil on panel, 47 x 64 cm Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A pupil of Adam Van Noort, he entered the Guild of St. Luke in 1593, later trained in Italy and was Van Dyck's first teacher. He often painted small figures taken from scenes from the Bible or classical mythology, on paintings whose backgrounds and landscapes were painted by Josse de Momper...

A capriccio with the Colosseum in Roma 17th century Italian school Circle of Viviano Codazzi (1604-1670) Oil on canvas Dimensions: h. 35.43 in, w. 51.18 in Modern 17th century style ...

LANDSCAPE WITH FLIGHT TO EGYPT, JASPER VAN DER LANEN (ANTWERP, 1585 - 1634) 17TH CENTURY FLEMISH SCHOOL ANTWERP CIRCA 1630 Oil on copper, dimensions: h. 10.23 in, w. 14.96 in Flemish style frame in ebonized wood adorned with wavy moldings and wood veneer. Framed dimensions: h. 17.32 in, w. 21.65 in Provenance: Philips auction...

Ascension Day in Venice 17th century Antwerp School Attributed to Louis de Caullery (1582-1621) Oil on oak panel Dimensions: h. 19.68 in, w. 34.25 in Flemish style frame in ebonized ...

Allegory of summer, personified by Ceres Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen Antwerp School, early 17th century. Oil on copper, Dimensions: h. 52 cm, l. 40cm Antic giltwood frame Framed dimensions: h. 74 cm, l. 60cm Very good condition Our delicately painted work is part of the pictorial tradition that is both allegorical and mythological in vogue in Antwerp, whose leaders are Jan Brueghel the Younger and Hendrick Van Balen. Numerous works emerging from their workshops illustrate mythological subjects, the seasons, the elements, the senses or intertwining the lush landscapes, animals and gods of Olympus. At the heart of a green landscape dominated in its center by a generous apple tree, the beautiful Ceres, partially dressed in a large blue drape, is wearing a crown of ears of wheat, her symbol of the goddess of the earth and harvests. She holds the sickle in her right hand and carries sheaves of wheat. To her right a nymph holds the cornucopia while puttis pick and offer flowers. In the foreground are the summer fruits: figs, cherries, apples and lemons. A squirrel munching on cherries symbolizes toil and foresight, themes that are echoed in the work of the harvesters on the wheat fields in the background. The background is composed of vegetation, on the right a wild rose bush with its branches erect against a tree trunk, in the center of the trees with silvery green foliage. Our painter, a student of Hendrick Van Balen, finds his inspiration in the works of the master such as this nymph in yellow drapery seen from behind, one of the figures which accompanies many of the master's paintings. The elegant gestures, the flesh...The indisputable influence of Jan Brueghel the Younger is revealed in the treatment of trees and flowers, wild roses, tulips as well as in the still life with the squirrel in the foreground. The craze for this type of virtuoso painting where the mythological figures are only a pretext to better illustrate the landscape and plant species surrounding them, then generated orders from all over Europe. Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A student of Adam Van Noort, he entered the guild of Saint-Luc in 1593, later trained in Italy and was Van Dyck's first master. He often painted small characters taken from scenes from the Bible or classical mythology, on paintings in which Josse de Momper...

We are delighted to present a significant piece from the Dutch School, most likely dating back to the late 17th century. This captivating painting showcases the dynamic force of nature with three ships vigorously navigating through stormy waters. The foreground is a scene of nautical struggle, as figures are depicted working intensely with the sails, steering, and bracing against the tumultuous sea. In the serene background, the silhouette of a quaint town emerges, with spires from churches and the outlines of various buildings is visible. This juxtaposition of the calm town against the chaotic foreground serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and nature. Dominating the canvas, the sky occupies two-thirds of the painting, filled with brooding clouds that occasionally break to reveal patches of blue. The presence of birds adds a dynamic element to the otherwise ominous atmosphere. While the artist remains unknown, the work is quintessentially Dutch in its execution, with meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of maritime life. The painting's oval shape is quite distinctive and is complemented by a suitably antique octagonal black frame, which adds to its historical charm. This piece is a testament to the mastery of Dutch maritime painting...

Workshop / Circle of Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668) Landscape with Gentleman on Horseback and Peasant Woman Receiving Alms oil on oak panel 12.40 x 14.17 inches (31.5 x 36 cm) wit...

Here Gaspard Dughet offers us an idyllic vision of the Roman countryside. The stages follow one another in a perfectly structured composition, revealing here a lake, there travellers walking along, gradually leading our eye to the blue horizon. But behind its classical composition, this landscape is particularly interesting because of three anthropomorphic details that the artist has hidden, opening the way to a radically different interpretation... 1. Gaspard Dughet, a landscape artist in the light of Poussin Gaspard Dughet was born on June 4th, 1615 in Rome where his father, of French origin, was a pastry cook. He was probably named Gaspard in honour of his godfather Baron Gaspard de Morant, who was, or may have been, his father's employer. His older sister Jeanne married the painter Nicolas Poussin (1594 - 1655) on September 1st, 1630. The young Gaspard was apprenticed with his brother-in-law at the beginning of 1631, which led his entourage to name him Gaspard Poussin. The first preserved works of the painter date from the years 1633-1634 and were painted in Poussin’s studio. Around 1635, Gaspard Dughet became emancipated and began to frequent the Bamboccianti circle. In 1636, he became friends with the painter Jean Miel (1599 - 1656), but also with Pier Francesco Mola (1612 - 1666) and Pietro da Cortona (1596 - 1669). This was also the time of his first trips throughout Italy. The painter, although of French origin, appears never to have visited France. In 1646 he settled permanently in Rome. A recognized painter with a solid book of orders, he remained faithful to landscape painting throughout his life, alternating between cabinet paintings and large decorative commissions, using both oil and fresco. Nailed to his bed by rheumatic fever at the age of 58, he died on May 25, 1675. 2. Discovering an idealized landscape Beyond a relatively dark foreground that takes us into the landscape, we discover a vast bluish horizon: a plateau surrounded by deep ravines advances to the right, overhanging an expanse of water that sparkles below. A road winds through a mountainous mass as if leading us to the fortress that crowns it; another town appears in the distance at the foot of three conical mountains. The composition is rigorous, mineral, and structured by geometric volumes. The various stages in the landscape lead one to the next attracting the eye towards the horizon located in the middle of the canvas. The general impression is that of a welcoming and serene nature. In many places the paint layer has shrunk, or become transparent, revealing the dark red preparation with which the canvas was covered and accentuating the contrasts. Human presence is limited to three jack players, leaning against a mound in the foreground. Their long garments, which may evoke Roman togas, contribute to the timelessness of the scene. Close examination of the canvas reveals two other travellers on the path winding between the rocks. Made tiny by the distance, their introduction in the middle register, typical of Dughet's art, lengthens the perspective. While it is difficult to date the work of a painter who devoted his entire life to the representation of landscapes, it is certain that this painting is a work from his later years. The trees that occupied the foreground of his youthful compositions have been relegated to the sides, a stretch of water separates us from the arid mountains counterbalanced by two trees represented on the opposite bank. The introduction of this stretch of water in the middle of the landscape betrays the influence of the Bolognese and in particular of the Dominiquin (1581 - 1641) A number of similarities with a drawing in the British Museum might suggest a date around 1656-1657, since, according to Marie-Nicole Boisclair , it has been compared with the Prado's Landscape with the Repentant Magdalene, painted at that period. 3. Three amazing anthropomorphic details While some late Renaissance landscapes offer a radical double reading, allowing one to see both a face or a human body behind the representation of a landscape, it seems interesting to us to hypothesize that Gaspard Dughet had fun here by slipping in a few details that, taken in isolation, evoke human or animal figures. We will give three examples, looking closely at a cloud, the trunk of a broken tree and the top of a cliff. The main cloud could thus evoke a Christ-like face or that of an antique god...

Simone Cantarini (Pesaro 1612 - Verona 1648) Adoration of the Magi Oil on paper applied to canvas, cm. 16,5 x 24 – with frame cm. 22 x 29 Antique sh...

This small Flemish painting, measuring only 24.5 x 18.5 cm and executed on a copper plate, depicts Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Created in the 17th century, the artist remains unknow...

Pieter Gysels, also known as Peeter Gijsels, was a renowned Flemish painter who lived from 1621 to 1690/91. He was known for his landscapes, which often depicted idyllic scenes from nature, and his works are highly sought after by Old Master collectors. We are proud to offer a newly discovered pair of landscapes attributed to him; this one called "A Wooded Landscape With Riders" This stunning painting captures the beauty of a serene summer day in the countryside. In the foreground, we see a couple riding on horsebacks, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The horses seems to be trotting gently, and the riders are relaxed, taking in the natural splendour around them. In the distance, we see several other figures, perhaps farmers or peasants, doing their daily tasks. We also see a small stream flowing through the landscape, with several small houses. And in the background, we see a beautiful wooded area with tall trees reaching up towards the sky. The attention to detail in this painting is truly remarkable. Gysels use of vibrant colours evoke the warmth and beauty and he skillfully captured the play of light on the landscape, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The detailing of the cottages, the colors, the use of big-leafed plants in the foreground, and the figure types are typical of his signature style. "A Wooded Landscape With Riders" is painted on copper, which gives the painting a unique luminosity and depth. The use of copper as a support for paintings was popular in the seventeenth century. We also have one more painting called "Wooded Landscape With an Elegant Company...