Paris

Exceptional pair of armchairs, in carved wood, decorated with acanthus leaves and volutes, the armrests ending in lions' heads, the footrests in dolphins' heads. Traces of "a mecca" ...

Quadrangular kobako box decorated with flowers in gold and blue lacquer with aogai inlay. Lid and sides in fundame lacquer, underside and interio...

This vigorous drawing has long been attributed to Polidoro da Caravaggio: The Abduction of the Sabine Women is one of the scenes that Polidoro depicted between 1525 and 1527 on the façade of the Milesi Palazzo in Rome. However, the proximity to another drawing inspired by this same façade, kept at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and to other drawings inspired by Polidoro kept at the Musée du Louvre, leads us to propose an attribution to Biagio Pupini, a Bolognese artist whose life remains barely known, despite the abundant number of drawings attributed to him. 1. Biagio Pupini, a Bolognese artist in the light of the Roman Renaissance The early life of Biagio Pupini, an important figure of the first half of the Cinquecento in Bologna - Vasari mentions him several times - is still poorly known. Neither his date of birth (probably around 1490-1495) nor his training are known. He is said to have been a pupil of Francesco Francia (1450 - 1517) and his name appears for the first time in 1511 in a contract with the painter Bagnacavallo (c. 1484 - 1542) for the frescoes of a church in Faenza. He then collaborated with Girolamo da Carpi, at San Michele in Bosco and at the villa of Belriguardo. He must have gone to Rome for the first time with Bagnacavallo between 1511 and 1519. There he discovered the art of Raphael, with whom he might have worked, and that of Polidoro da Caravaggio. This first visit, and those that followed, were the occasion for an intense study of ancient and modern art, as illustrated by his abundant graphic production. Polidoro da Caravaggio had a particular influence on the technique adopted by Pupini. Executed on coloured paper, his drawings generally combine pen, brown ink and wash with abundant highlights of white gouache, as in the drawing presented here. 2. The Abduction of the Sabine Women Our drawing is an adaptation of a fresco painted between 1525 and 1527 by Polidoro da Caravaggio on the façade of the Milesi Palace in Rome. These painted façades were very famous from the moment they were painted and inspired many artists during their stay in Rome. These frescoes are now very deteriorated and difficult to see, as the palace is in a rather narrow street. The episode of the abduction of the Sabine women (which appears in the centre of the photo above) is a historical theme that goes back to the origins of Rome and is recounted both by Titus Livius (Ab Urbe condita I,13), by Ovid (Fasti III, 199-228) and by Plutarch (II, Romulus 14-19). After killing his twin brother Romus, Romulus populates the city of Rome by opening it up to refugees and brigands and finds himself with an excess of men. Because of their reputation, none of the inhabitants of the neighbouring cities want to give them their daughters in marriage. The Romans then decide to invite their Sabine neighbours to a great feast during which they slaughter the Sabines and kidnap their daughters. The engraving made by Giovanni Battista Gallestruzzi (1618 - 1677) around 1656-1658 gives us a good understanding of the Polidoro fresco, allowing us to see how Biagio Pupini reworked the scene to extract this dynamic group. With a remarkable economy of means, Biagio Pupini takes over the left-hand side of the fresco and depicts in a very dense space two main groups, each consisting of a Roman and a Sabine, completed by a group of three soldiers in the background (which seems to differ quite significantly from Polidoro's composition). The balance of the drawing is based on a very strongly structured composition. The drawing is organised around a median vertical axis, which runs along both the elbow of the kidnapped Sabine on the left and the foot of her captor, and the two main diagonals, reinforced by four secondary diagonals. This diamond-shaped structure creates an extremely dynamic space, in which centripetal movements (the legs of the Sabine on the right, the arm of the soldier on the back at the top right) and centrifugal movements (the arm of the kidnapper on the left and the legs of the Sabine he is carrying away, the arm of the Sabine on the right) oppose each other, giving the drawing the appearance of a whirlpool around a central point of support situated slightly to the left of the navel of the kidnapper on the right. 3. Polidoro da Caravaggio, and the decorations of Roman palaces Polidoro da Caravaggio was a paradoxical artist who entered Raphael's (1483 - 1520) workshop at a very young age, when he oversaw the Lodges in the Vatican. Most of his Roman work, which was the peak of his career, has disappeared, as he specialised in facade painting, and yet these paintings, which are eminently visible in urban spaces, have influenced generations of artists who copied them abundantly during their visits to Rome. Polidoro Caldara was born in Caravaggio around 1495-1500 (the birthplace of Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio, who was born there in 1571), some forty kilometres east of Milan. According to Vasari, he arrived as a mason on the Vatican's construction site and joined Raphael's workshop around 1517 (at the age of eighteen according to Vasari). This integration would have allowed Polidoro to work not only on the frescoes of the Lodges, but also on some of the frescoes of the Chambers, as well as on the flat of Cardinal Bibiena in the Vatican. After Raphael's death in 1520, Polidoro worked first with Perin del Vaga before joining forces with Maturino of Florence (1490 - 1528), whom he had also known in Raphael's workshop. Together they specialised in the painting of palace façades. They were to produce some forty façades decorated with grisaille paintings imitating antique bas-reliefs. The Sack of Rome in 1527, during which his friend Maturino was killed, led Polidoro to flee first to Naples (where he had already stayed in 1523), then to Messina. It was while he was preparing his return to the peninsula that he was murdered by one of his assistants, Tonno Calabrese, in 1543. In his Vite, Vasari celebrated Polidoro as the greatest façade decorator of his time, noting that "there is no flat, palace, garden or villa in Rome that does not contain a work by Polidoro". Polidoro's facade decorations, most of which have disappeared as they were displayed in the open air, constitute the most important lost chapter of Roman art of the Cinquecento. The few surviving drawings of the painter can, however, give an idea of the original appearance of his murals and show that he was an artist of remarkable and highly original genius. 4. The façade of the Milesi Palace Giovanni Antonio Milesi, who commissioned this palace, located not far from the Tiber, north of Piazza Navona, was a native of the Bergamo area, like Polidoro, with whom he maintained close friendly ties. Executed in the last years before the Sack of Rome, around 1526-1527, the decoration of Palazzo Milesi is considered Polidoro's greatest decorative success. An engraving by Ernesto Maccari made at the end of the nineteenth century allows us to understand the general balance of this façade, which was still well preserved at the time. The frescoes were not entirely monochrome, but alternated elements in chiaroscuro simulating marble bas-reliefs and those in ochre simulating bronze and gold vases...

Young Vestal reviving the sacred fire. Oil on canvas, French school of the 1st half of the 18th c., follower of Jean RAOUX 1677-1734. In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins w...

This very large gorgeous lantern (or chandelier too) is Inspired by the great Lantern in the Throne Room in Pavlovsk Palace. Rich Fire gilt and agate polishied bronze. Crystal a...

Small, well-proportioned (95x90) buffet in walnut with oak core, decorated with scrolls, canopies and fantastical animals (dolphins?) on the door fronts. Four eagle-claw feet; sides ...

17th Century French School Saint John the Baptist in a landscape oil on copper 17 x 11.5 cm In good condition except very small loss of painting in the lower left part In a modern f...

Trinity in carved and polychromed wood, in the round, the back partially hollowed out. It is represented here as a "Throne of Grace". In this original formula, which probably origina...

Oil on copper depicting a basket of flowers made up of roses, tulips and irises, with small florets fleshing out the larger buds carefully arranged in the basket. Jan Van KESSEL the ...

VIRGIN AND CHILD IN MAJESTY, ALSO KNOWN AS "SEDES SAPIENTIAE"   ORIGIN : SPAIN, CATALOGNE PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY   Height :  95 cm Width : 32 cm Depth : 28 cm   Softwood No polychromy     In the middle of the 12th century, the Virgin took her place in churches, seated in Majesty, serving as a throne for her son Jesus. She is then called Sedes Sapientiae, meaning the Throne of Wisdom. At that time, she is not represented for herself and only exists because she has been designated as Theotokos, the mother of God, at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where the divine nature of Christ was proclaimed from his birth.   The upright and perfectly hieratic bust of this Virgin and Child in Majesty is seated on a throne-bench. She is dressed in a tunic with a rounded neckline and covered with a fine mantle placed on her narrow shoulders. The supple and natural drapery follows the lines of the body.   Large curls frame her face with delicate and regular features, a long straight nose, almond-shaped eyes, and small lips.   She supports the Infant Jesus with her left hand. Like his mother, he is dressed in a long tunic, and his little feet are visible in the folds. He holds a small sphere in his left hand, while with his right hand, he gestures in blessing. The face of Christ bears a strong resemblance to his mother’s one, and he gives a slight smile.   The position of the Child is no longer as hieratic, nor frontal or central as in the early 12th century, but his face still turns towards the faithful.   The 13th century indeed emerges as a period of transition in the artistic domain. The statuary, while retaining certain characteristics still belonging to the habits of the previous century, also develops new formal solutions.   As a result, Mary maintains a hieratic and frontal position, while her son shifts to place himself well to the left on her knee. Similarly, while the Virgin seems perfectly still, Jesus, on the other hand, appears much more animated, especially in the positioning of his hands. His left hand holds the orb, and judging by the raised right arm directed towards the faithful, one can easily imagine that he was making a gesture of blessing.   The influence of the Sedes Sapientiae from previous centuries still seems particularly prevalent in this work.   These few characteristics allow dating this Spanish Virgin...

Large walnut wood sculpture in the round, depicting Saint John in the position he usually has at the foot of Christ on the Cross. Beautifully expressive face, framed by expertly curl...

Rare Canopy bed in mahogany, richly carved with palm leaves, foliage and plants. The headboard is decorated with a nice painting representing the Virgin sur...

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...

SAINT FLORIAN   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA PERIOD: END OF THE 15th CENTURY   Height : 100,5 cm Width : 34 cm Depth : 17 cm 
Polychromed lime wood Good state of conservation   
Sin...

Italy, Florence Walnut wood Good state of preservation Former Collection Bresset     The "credenza" is a typical piece of furniture from Italy. It evolved during the 15th century from an earlier form, a table with shelves for decorative purposes, which played a role in the ceremonial settings of refined environments. Transformed into a low cabinet with two doors...

ORIGIN : ITALY, VENICE PERIOD : 16th CENTURY   Height: 103 cm Length: 174 cm Depth 45 cm   Walnut Usual restoration     The low sideboard with several doors became more common in the...

SAINT WOMAN IN POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD   ORIGIN : ITALY PERIOD : late 13th century   Height : 103 cm Length : 28  cm Width : 16 cm  Remains of polychromy   ...

Holy family with an angel, workshop Pieter Coecke Van Aelst (Alost, 1502 - Bruxelles, 1550) Faithful to the traditions of the late Gothic and early Renaissance, our painting depicts ...

Adoration of the Shepherds Attributed to Louis de Caullery (1580-1622) 17th century Antwerp School, circa 1620 Oil on copper: h. 54 cm (21.26 in.), w. 72 cm (28.35 in) A 17th century...

Column small petrified wood C in solid petrified wood from Indonesia. Petrified wood has turned into stone. Trees have been buried for many years under sediment they transitioned int...

In 312 AD, the Battle of the Milvian Bridge marked a decisive turning point for the Roman Empire and Christianity. At the gates of Rome, Constantine defeats Maxentius and is crowned ...

Crossing of the Red Sea Workshop of Frans Francken II (1581-1642) 17th century Antwerp School Oil on oak panel Dimensions: h. 49.5 cm, w. 64.5 cm (19.49 in x 25.39 in) Moulded and blackened wooden frame with wide mouldings, with inverted profile from the later period. Framed dimensions: h. 82 cm, w. 97 cm (32.28 x 38.19 in) Our panel illustrates one of the episodes of the Old Testament, recounted in the book of Exodus. After crossing the Red Sea...

William III of England, Prince of Orange, workshop C. Netscher (The Hague, 1668-1723) Late 17th c. Dutch school Oil on canvas, dimensions: h. 31.49 in, w. 24.80 in Giltwood and carve...

Period: 18th century - 1780 Condition: Perfect condition Material: Wool & Silk Width: 185cm Height: 85cm Depth: 1cm

Eight-sided, flared shaped lacquer kobako box, following the decoration on the lid depicting a basket of flowers, composed of peonies and chrysanthemums in gold takamaki-e and hirama...

This marvelous portrait on vellum is the work of a rare Dutch Golden Age artist, Casper Casteleyn, who has also drawn a closely related portrait now at the Fondation Custodia in Pari...

Adriaen van Stalbemt (Antwerp, 1580-1662) Allegory of Peace and War, circa 1620-1630 Oil on oak panel: h. 49.5 cm, l. 73.2cm (19.29 x 28.74 in) Giltwood frame with laurel leaves, Lo...

Workshop of Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601-1678) & Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp, 1575 – 1632) 17th century Antwerp School The Virgin and Child ...

Idyllic landscape with myhological story of Cephalus and Procris Early 17th century Italian school Workshop Of Paul Bril (Antwerp, 1554 - Roma, 1626) Oil on poplar panel: H. 28 cm (1...

Superb Rouen Wyvern platter ("à la Guivre") from 18th century France. Exquisite and rare museum quality piece. Decorations of a parrot carrying a branch, butterflies, an aquatic land...

Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1674 -1723), Regent of France Workshop of Jean Baptiste Santerre (Magny en Vexin, 1658 - Paris, 1717) French school circa 17...

This painting has been the subject of a study by the art historian Fabrizio Dassie (available on request), confirming its inclusion in Jan van Bunnik’s corpus. In this painting, Ja...

Virgin and Child Workshop of Pieter Coecke Van Aelst (Aelst, 1502- Brussels, 1550) 16th century Oil on oak panel Dimensions: panel: h. 71.5cm, W. 48.5 cm (28.15 in x 19.09 in) Later ...

Oil on poplar panel portraying the Holy Family. Tuscany or Umbria, circa 1500-1520. The Holy Family is the name given to the family formed by Jesus of Nazareth...

Large leather and iron bound travel chest, very rare in its dimensions Late 15th century, Northern France Dimensions: h.103 cm, w. 178 cm, d. 77cm ( (H. 40.55 in, w. 70.08 in. d. 30.31 in) Our rectangular-shaped chest opens with a rounded lid. It is entirely covered in leather veneered on a wooden core, and decorated with wrought and crafted iron frames and hinges. It is garnished on all sides with iron hinges cut at the ends of Gothic trefoils. On the facade two lock plates with cut-out cloverleaf borders fitted with a hasp (one missing) attached to the cover. The iron bands serving as reinforcements on all sides as well as the central bands are decorated with plant and floral friezes and geometric patterns. These strips are attached to the wood using daisy-headed nails, typical of the French Renaissance. Given its size and loaded weight, our trunk has four carrying handles: two wrought iron side handles, but also two front handles. The interior has a stretched fabric dating from at least the 17th century, we find on the interior sides of the cover the original raspberry-colored vellum. This is a rare model in leather and iron of very large dimensions. Expensive materials, which were only used on small Gothic boxes (20 cm to 50 cm in length) like those in the public collections of many museums. Large chests exceeding 1 meter in length for the sake of economy and simplicity were generally made of wood sometimes covered with iron cladding. We found a large chest in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, but still smaller than ours (inv. 47.144, dim. H: 22 1/2" W: 50 1/2" D: 21"). There are also two similar large chests (with flat or slightly domed lids) in the collections of the Barcelona Leather...

The Infant St John the Baptist, A first half of 17th century Sevillian School Cercle of Juan de Mesa Velasco (Córdoba, 1583 - Séville, 1627) Polychrome and carved wood Height: 65 cm ...

Large Christ on the Cross carved in the round in walnut wood. With great realism, the sculptor has used the wood grain on the bust and to emphasise the shape of the legs. The right p...

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...

A suite of four Louis XV lacquered woord armchairs circa 1750 Ornated with flowers and leaves, with a red leather upholstery. 18th century, Paris, France Size: height 36.61 inches, ...

A late 16th century Renaissance richly carved walnut center table France, The Loire Valley area Dimensions: h. 33.46 in., w. 59.45 in., d. 36.22 in. Our remarquable table is a fabu...

A 16th Century French Renaissance Cavred Walnut Buffet Loire Valley Dimensions: H. 1m62; L. 1m02; P. 0.52m. (63.78 in. x 40.16 in x 20....

Cartouche at the top edge: Cybele, goddess of the earth, daughter of the sky, steals from Saturn their son Jupiter through Janus, God of peace. Border with double column frame and double cartridge surrounded by garlands of polychrome fruits and flowers. Note: Taken from an episode in the history of the High Gods: Cybele is a divinity of Phrygian origin, adopted first by the Greeks then by the Romans, personifying wild nature. She is presented as “Magna Mater”, Great Goddess, Mother Goddess or even Mother of the Gods. She is the wife of Saturn. Having heard a prophecy from Janus (Roman god of beginnings and endings, choices, passage and doors) predicting that one of his children would dethrone him, Saturn swallowed his children. Cybele notably succeeds in saving Jupiter, by replacing him with large stones...

During his stay in Italy from 1734 to 1752, Joseph Vernet made several trips to Naples between 1737 and 1746, where he painted numerous maritime scenes. The pre...

The Prodigal Son Among Courtesans Attributed to Hieronymus Francken II (Antwerp 1578-1623) Early 17th century Antwerp school Oil on oak panel, Dimensions: H. 52.5 cm (20.67 in), W. 74 cm (29.14 in) Flemish-style moulded wood frame Frame: h. 78 cm (h. 30.70 in.), w. 100 cm (39.37 in.) At first glance, this festive and joyful painting depicts a group of elegantly dressed people dancing to the sound of an orchestra in a richly decorated interior with a wide opening onto a rural exterior. However, the real theme is cleverly concealed by the painter and is only discernible through the artifice of a small scene in the background where we see a half-naked man, in the company of the pigs next to a makeshift shelter. In fact, beyond the pleasant and apparently superficial character of the painting, it is a subject taken from the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel. The illustrated episode is the prodigal son among courtesans. Even if the viewer's attention is drawn to the central couple (prodigal son embracing a pretty courtesan) doing the dance steps, the artist takes care in a narrative approach of all the groups and ancillary scenes in order to create a rich and varied composition. Thus the musicians seated on a raised platform are depicted with great skill, their faces animated, their clothes abundantly varied. The theme of music, which has always been associated with that of sensuality and physical love, helps to exacerbate licentious pleasures. The merry company dances "Spanish pavane", a slow court dance from the sixteenth century, danced close to the ground by couples arranged in a procession, which was probably introduced to the south of the Netherlands around 1600 during the governance of Albrecht VII and the daughter of the King of Spain Isabella Clara Eugenia in Brussels. The interior of the house is also carefully elaborated, the embossed leather dyes on the walls, the middle sideboard (typical in Francken interiors), where the rich gold and silver crockery is placed in front of the painting "Andromeda chained to the rock and Perseus arriving to rescue her". The inclusion of a contemporary and probably extant pictorial work is also one of the characteristics of the Francken family, among them Frans Francken the Younger...

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...

Oakwood Original lock and key   This beautiful and robust chest stands on square feet ending in flattened buns. The base presents plain mouldings. The facade is divided in four panel...

Provenance : Arnold S. Kirkeby (1901-1962) Donated by Arnold S. Kirkeby to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1955, where it remained until its sale at Sotheby's, New York on Ja...

Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist and angels Circle of Joos Van Cleve (1485 – 1541) 16th century Antwerp school Oil on oak panel Dimensions: h. 32 cm (13 in.), w. 28.5 cm...

Ascension Day in Venice 17th century Antwerp School Louis de Caullery (1582-1621) Oil on oak panel Dimensions: h. 12.8 in, w. 23.03 in (h. 32,5 cm, w. 58,5 c...

The trapezoidal armchair is a typically French creation from the second half of the sixteenth century. Although the nineteenth century gave it the name of "caquetoire", it was descri...

An impressive large cartel clock adorned with musicians Gilt bronze Period Louis XV, circa 1760 Mecanism by J. B. Regnauld (1733-1809) clockmaker at Châlons sur Marne Gilt bronze attributed to Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (1719-1791) Excellent original condition Dimensions : h. 47.24 in, w. 22.84 in. Provenance : collection Eduard Palmer (chief executive of Imperial and Royal Austrian Länderbank), Vienna, Austria. His estate sold at Dorotheum auction, Vienna, December 1 to 6, year 1915. This exceptional cartel clock we are offering here is one of the most representative works of Rocaille art during the reign Louis XV. The case is entirely executed in gilt bronze, very finely chiselled and depicts at its top a pastoral scene with a duo of musicians. A standing flute player, accompanied by a singer sitting on a rock holding a sheet music book. The couple are accompanied by a dog sitting quietly next to it and scratching its ear. The whole is embellished with flowery and foliage branches, volutes and large scrolls of acanthus, enclosing reserves lined with crimson velvet fabrics with pierced brass plates with stylized foliage and scrolls. This bucolic scene draws its inspiration from the paintings by Nicolas Lancret and Antoine Watteau. The circular white enamelled dial is signed “Regnauld à Chaalons”, indicates the hours in Roman numerals and the minutes in Arabic numerals by two pierced and gilded brass hands; the movement plate on the back is also signed. It strikes the hours, the half-hours, as well as the quarters, which was quite rare. Our cartel can be compared to an almost identical model whose movement is signed Pierre Le Roy...

specialized in the Purchase, Sale, Traditional Cleaning, Restoration - Conservation, Expertise - Estimation of Old and also Contemporary Tapestries, Carpets, Kilims and Textiles. We ...

Large painted and carved wooden Virgin and Child in the round, representing the Virgin and Child carrying the globe. The theme of the Virgin and Child is the most represented in all ...

This large mirror is admirably carved with leaves and vigorous windings. The inner edge of the frame is highlighted with a frieze of leaves. The sculpture of this frame, created wit...

Large oil on canvas depicting farm animals (sheeps, goat, horse, dog) at the watering trough, against a backdrop of a Roman countryside landscape. Philipp Peter Roos was a German pa...

Alabaster plate in high relief illustrating a forgeron working on a metal object (a helmet?). A young woman is in front of him holding in her left hand an ovoid vase or reliquary tha...

Oil on canvas depicting the sacrifice of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, sister of Orestes, Electra and Chrysothemis, and therefore subject to the curse of the Atreides. When Agamemnon attempts to launch the Greek fleet at Aulis towards the Trojan coast, the winds remain unfavorable. Calchas asserts that only the sacrifice of Iphigenia will appease the wrath of Artemis, and according to legend, raise the winds for the Greek fleet. Anton Kern or Körne (12 December 1709 - 8 June 1747) was a Bohemian-born painter; primarily of religious and historical scenes.Kern was born in Děčín, where his father Johannes was the town clerk. He was brought by his father to Dresden, where his artistic talents first came to the attention of Laurentio di Rossi, an artist of Venetian origin who was serving as a court painter in Saxony, while Kern was attending the Jesuit school in Bohosudov.[1] Rossi was sufficiently impressed to take him to his studio in Dresden and give him lessons. In 1723, Rossi took him to Italy and secured him an apprenticeship with Giambattista Pittoni. He remained with Pittoni for seven years, although he also took lessons at various public and private schools.[1] He returned to Bohemia in 1731, accompanied by Laurentio's brother, Ventura. Four years later, he was officially registered as a "Pictor" at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. Between 1734-1738 he worked in Prague and in the north Bohemia. His most important works of this period are: two altarpieces with Saint Apollonia and Saint Agata for Loretto church in Prague, Saint Norbert for Strahov monastery, Saint John at Pathmos for Cistercian abbey church in Osek (Teplice Disctrict) and an enthroned Virgin...

Portrait of a lady as Flora Robert Le Vrac Tournieres (1667-1752) First half of 18th century French School Oil on oval canvas, Dimensions: h. 27.2 in, w. 21.7 in Magnificent original...

This drawing full of freshness presents us with the profile of an elegant lady, drawn by Augustin de Saint-Aubin on a beautiful summer day in 1776, during the early months of Louis X...