Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Shipping on Rough Seas by Jacob Adriaensz Bellevois (1621-1675, Dutch) oil painting on wood panel, framed panel: 23.25 x 32.75 inches framed: 29 x 38 inches. condition: small areas ...

Early 18th-Century Italian Venetian Portrait Painting on Glass This wonderful early 18th-century portrait of a lady holding a small dog is a classic example of reverse glass painting...

'Insubria' Italian School, 18th century ink and wash drawing on paper, framed within a light oak wood frame (behind glass) image size: 10.5 x 7 inches overall framed: 17 x 13 inches ...

la obra no va firmada, es de autor anónimo La obra se presenta enmarcada con un marco posterior a la pintura Medidas obra: 94 cm. de altura x 75 cm. de ancho Medidas marco: 108 cm...

This wonderful 17th-century French School vanitas painting is a meditation on mortality and the transience of earthly pleasures. The composition centers on a finely rendered human sk...

‘The River Thames at Leigh by Moonlight’ by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1851 and is presented in a bespoke gold metal leaf frame. We o...

French school, circa 1840, Portrait of a Gentleman, monogrammed D.L. on the lower right oil on wood panel 28.8 x 24,8 In a beautiful antique frame : 48 x 43.5 cm This gentleman’s...

The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheeba British School, early 19th century, apparently unsigned though the previous owner insisted it was. after the earlier painting by Claude Lorrai...

Portrait of Mary Magdalene with an Ointment Jar Spanish School, early 20th century, unsigned after the earlier 16th century painting by Jan van Scorel oil on panel, framed framed: 4...

Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan 1609 – Milan 1662), attributed The Suicide of Queen Sofonisba Oil on canvas 76 x 60 cm. - In frame 100 x 85 cm. This painting captures the tr...

‘Westminster from the Thames by Moonlight’ by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting - one of the artist’s finest views of London in the 1860s - depicts the Houses of Parliament, t...

Provenance: The Raeburn Gallery, as by Maerten de Vos; Bukowskis, Stockholm, 15–18 April 1970, lot 133, as in the manner of Anthony van Dyck; Private collection, Sweden Essay: This ...

Figures in Classical Landscape Dutch School, 17th century unsigned, as is typical of the period oil on canvas, framed inscribed verso to label framed: 23 x 27 inches canvas : 20 x 24...

Christ Healing the Sick French School, 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 15 x 20.5 inches Provenance: private collection, Europe Condition: some craquelure throughout, mo...

Figures in Landscape Dutch School, 17th century oil on wood panel, framed in antique wooden frame framed: 14.5 x 17 inches panel : 10 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, Engl...

Unknown artist (Naples), 19th century View of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius oil on metal plate unframed: 7.8 cm (3.1 in) diameter framed: 20.5 × 20.5 cm (8.1 × 8.1 in) Thi...

Portrait of the Lady with a Fan English School, second half 20th century after Diego Velazquez's (1599-1660) original painting oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas : 36 x 28 inche...

The Rape of Europa Circle of Paolo De Matteis (Piano Vetrale, 1662 - Naples, 1728) oil on canvas (cm.) 57 x 98 - with gilded wooden frame 77 x 118 cm. FULL DETAILS OF THE PAIN...

Unknown Italo-Flemish Artist (active circa 1600) Adoration of the Shepherds oil on copper unframed: 32 × 25.5 cm (12.6 × 10 in) framed: 43 × 37 cm (16.9 × 14.6 in) Provenance: Acq...

Figures & Animals in Classical Landscape circle of Jans Frans Van Bloemen (Orizzonte 1662 - 1749), unsigned oil on canvas, framed framed: 28.5 x 42.5 inches canvas: 19 x 34 inches P...

Andrea Lanzani (Milan 1641–1712) attributed to The Holy Family with Angels (Probably a preparatory sketch) Oil on canvas 43 x 33 cm. - Framed 62 x 52 cm. The charming paint...

A beautiful oil painting on canvas from the second half of the 19th century. It depicts a church interior with rare intensity. The attention to detail, the quality of the brushwork, ...

The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian Old Master, circa 1700's period oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas: 28.5 x 24 inches conditon: overall very good for its age, a fe...

The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...

Christ on the Cross attributed to Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649–1712) inscribed 1674 upper corner pencil drawing, watercolor and ink wash on paper over oard, framed framed: 12 x 11 inches ...

Saint Sebastian Attributed to Astolfo Petrazzi (Siena, 1583–1665) Oil on canvas 88 x 64 cm. Framed 98 x 76 cm. The painting in question depicts an intense portrait of Sain...

Monastic Ruins by a Stream French School, early 1800's oil on canvas, framed Framed 15 x 19 inches Canvas : 12.5 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very go...

Portrait of the Madonna in Prayer 17th Century Italian School oil on board, framed framed: 6.75 x 6 inches board: 5 x 4 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: ver...

Follower of Gerard Seghers (1591-1651) Christ at the Column oil on wood panel c. 1700s unframed 19.5 × 14 cm Provenance: Originally in the collection of Dr. Axel Munthe (1857–1949), the renowned Swedish physician and author celebrated for his philanthropic work and for founding Villa San Michele...

Archangel Michael Guido Reni (Bologna 1575–1642) Follower of 17th–18th century Oil on canvas 134 x 96 cm. - Framed 147 x 108 cm. The work in question, of excellent qual...

French 18th century old master portrait of a majestic lady dressed "à la Turque" The sitter at the viewer with a kind and enigmatic smile and twinkling eyes. She looks elegant and kind, yet also has an intelligent and determined aura, reflecting the character of someone who is in charge of her own life and destiny. De Silvestre paid great attention to her spectacular outfit, which is striking in its portrayal of the sumptuous fabrics and their decorative richness. She is wearing a luxurious royal blue robe à la...

Two Terrier Puppies in the Kitchen w/Carrots Vincent De Vos (Belgium 1829-1875) Oil on wood panel Signed and date "10 12 62" lower right 13 x 17 1/2 (18 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches A charming study of a Dutch...

Late 17th Century Italian School. The Return of the Ark on the Covenant, Oil on Canvas, in a Fine 17th Century Italian Frame, canvas: 40.25" x 49.75" (102.3 x 126cm) Fine quality and rare 17th century Italian Old Master...

The Merchants Port Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 58 inches canvas: 32 x 52 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good a...

Artist/ School: 18th/ 19th century Continental School, after Murillo Title: Figures eating Grapes Medium: signed oil painting on metal, framed. Size:...

Old religious themed oil painting on canvas representing Saint Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian Order, recognizable by his white habit and the characteristic gesture of si...

Workshop of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, Il Guercino (1591–1666) Attributed to Ercole Gennari (Cento, 1597–Bologna, 1658) Victorious Hercules oil on canvas 136 x 112 cm. In ...

Tavern Interior Dutch School, 17th century oil on metal, framed framed: 8 x 6.75 inches painting: 6 x 4.25 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condit...

A contemporary cowboy is rendered with the gravity of a classical male nude. Surdo treats the body with the care of an Old Master while layering in the mythology of American masculin...

17th century English/Dutch School, from the Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens A very interesting and well-painted 17th-century oil on canvas of two men seated on horseback in a landsc...

Pier Francesco Mola ‘il Ticinese’ (Coldrerio, 1612 – Rome, 1666) workshop The Temptations of Saint Anthony Oil on canvas 75 x 62 cm. - Framed (with defects) 82 x 71 cm. The the...

Land Battle - Antonio Savisio Italia 2006 - Oil on canvas diam. cm. 30 Gold leaf gilded and laquered wooden frame cm. 47x47 Maestro Antonio Savisio drew inspiration from the master...

Portrait of a Young English Aristocratic Lady English, circa 1670's period, unsigned oil on canvas laid on board, unframed canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: private collection, UK C...

Neptune on the Waves of the Ocean Workshop of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Il Guercino (Cento, 1591 – Bologna, 1666) Attributed to Ercole Gennari (Cento, 1597 – Bologna...

Artist/ School: Manner of Guido Reni (1575-1642) Italian Title: The Prophecy of Simeon Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Painting: 21.5 ...

Portrait of a young British Girl, in her white dress with Pink Sash. Choosing to acquire an 18th-century portrait of a young girl by English artist John Russell is an opportunity to...

The Angelic Visitation Dutch School, mid 17th century circle of Rembrandt (Dutch 1606-1669) oil on wooden panel, framed in faux tortoiseshell style frame. framed: 25 x 28.75 painting...

The Card Players Flemish Old Master, 17th century based on a version (in reverse) of a painting by Cornelis de Vos (Flemish 1584-1651) oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 39 x 62 inches ...

Saint Michael the Archangel Workshop of Guido Reni (1575–1642) First half of the 17th century Oil on canvas Dimensions: 132 x 90 cm. With frame: 143 x 102 cm. The Saint...

The Finding of Baby Moses Fontainebleau School, circa 1580's period oil painting on thick wood (walnut wood) panel, framed framed: 32.5 x 27 inches wood: 25 x 30 inches provenance: p...

Giusto (or Justus) Sustermans (Antwerp, 1597 – Florence, 1681) Workshop of Portrait of Ferdinando II de' Medici (1610–1670), Grand Duke of Tuscany Oil on canvas 133 x 97 cm Fram...

Willem Wissing (Amsterdam, 1656 – Stamford, 1687) attributed Portrait of the Duchess of Marlborough as Minerva Oil on canvas 128 x 103 cm – in a gilt frame 149 x 125 cm. Prov...

Spanish School, early 20th century Portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582). after the 16th century painting by Anthonis Mors oil on panel, framed f...

Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655-1704) attributable Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist Oil on copper (24 x 20 cm - In frame 36 x 31 cm) This exquisite copper paint...

The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the most prominent ports of the Mediterranean, but indeed a city literally submerged in the ocean from time to time. Curiously however, the famous Venetian school of painting showed little interest in maritime motifs, favouring scenes from the iconic architecture of the city rather than seascapes. That is why this painting is a particularly interesting window into not only the painter Francesco Guardi himself – but to the significance of the element of water in art history, in absence as well as in the centre of attention. Whether it be calm, sunny days with stunning views of the palaces alongside the canals of Venice or – more rarely – stormy shipwrecking tragedies at sea, water as a unifying element is integral to the works of painter Francesco Guardi (1712–1793). During his lifetime, Venetian art saw many of its greatest triumphs with names like Tiepolo or Canaletto gaining international recognition and firmly establishing Venice as one of the most vibrant artistic communities of Europe. While the city itself already in the 18th century was something of an early tourist spot where aristocrats and high society visited on their grand tour or travels, the artists too contributed to the fame and their work spread the image of Venice as the city of romance and leisure to an international audience, many of whom could never visit in person. Still today, the iconic image of Venice with its whimsical array of palaces, churches and other historic buildings is much influenced by these artists, many of whom have stood the test of time like very well and remain some of the most beloved in all of art history. It was not primarily subtility, intellectual meanings or moral ideals that the Venetian art tried to capture; instead it was the sheer vibrancy of life and the fast-paced city with crumbling palaces and festive people that made this atmosphere so special. Of course, Venice could count painters in most genres among its residents, from portraiture to religious motifs, history painting and much else. Still, it is the Vedutas and views of the city that seems to have etched itself into our memory more than anything else, not least in the tradition of Canaletto who was perhaps the undisputed master of all Venetian painters. Born into his profession, Francesco lived and breathed painting all his life. His father, the painter Domenico Guardi (1678–1716) died when Francesco was just a small child, yet both he and his brothers Niccolò and Gian Antonio continued in their fathers’ footsteps. The Guardi family belonged to the nobility and originated from the mountainous area of Trentino, not far from the Alps. The brothers worked together on more challenging commissions and supported each other in the manner typical of family workshops or networks of artists. Their sister Maria Cecilia married no other than the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo himself, linking the family to the most renowned Venetian name of the time. During almost a decade, Guardi worked in the studio of Michele Giovanni Marieschi, sometimes simply known as Michiel, a painted similar in both style and motif. Canaletto is, however, the artist Guardi is most often compared to since they shared a mutual fascination for depicting the architecture and cityscape of Venice. During the course of his career, Guardi tried his hand in many different genres. He was as swift in painting landscapes, Vedutas of Venice, sacred motifs, interiors and architectural compositions as he was in a number of other motifs. His style is typical of the Venetian school but also distinct and personal once we look a little closer. There is an absolute certainty in the composition, the choice of which sometimes feels like that of a carefully calculated photograph – yet it is also very painterly, in the best sense of the word: fluid, bold, sensitive and full of character. The brushwork is rapid, intense, seemingly careless and extraordinarily minute at the same time; fresh and planned in a very enjoyable mixture. His interiors often capture the breath-taking spacious glamour of the palaces and all their exquisite decor. He usually constructed the motif through remarkably simple, almost spontaneous yet intuitively precise strokes and shapes. The result was a festive, high-spirited atmospheric quality, far away from the sterile and exact likeness that other painters fell victim to when trying to copy Canaletto. The painting here has nothing of the city of Venice in it. On the contrary, we seem to be transported far away into the solitary ocean, with no architecture, nothing to hold on to – only the roaring sea and the dangerous cliffs upon which the ships are just moments away from being crushed upon. It is a maritime composition evoking both Flemish and Italian precursors, in the proud tradition of maritime painting that for centuries formed a crucial part of our visual culture. This genre of painting is today curiously overlooked, compared to how esteemed and meaningful it was when our relationship to the sea was far more natural than it is today. When both people and goods travelled by water, and many nations and cities – Venice among them – depended entirely on sea fare, the existential connection to the ocean was much more natural and integrated into the imagination. The schools and traditions of maritime art are as manifold as there are countries connected to the sea, and all reflect the need to process the dangers and wonders of the ocean. It could symbolize opportunity, the exciting prospects of a new countries and adventures, prospering trade, beautiful scenery as well as war and tragedy, loss of life, danger and doom. To say that water is ambivalent in nature is an understatement, and these many layers were something that artists explored in the most wondrous ways. Perhaps it takes a bit more time for the modern eye to identify the different nuances and qualities of historic maritime paintings, they may on first impression seem hard to differentiate from each other. But when allowing these motifs to unfold and tell stories of the sea in both fiction and reality – or somewhere in between – we are awarded with an understanding of how the oceans truly built our world. In Guardi’s interpretation, we see an almost theatrically arranged shipwrecking scene. No less than five ships are depicted right in the moment of utter disaster. Caught in a violent storm, the waves have driven them to a shore of sharp cliffs and if not swallowed by the waves, crushing against the cliffs seems to be the only outcome. The large wooden ships are impressively decorated with elaborate sculpture, and in fact relics already during Guardi’s lifetime. They are in fact typical of Dutch and Flemish 17th century ships, giving us a clue to where he got the inspiration from. Guardi must have seen examples of Flemish maritime art, that made him curious about these particular motifs. One is reminded of Flemish painters like Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, and this very painting has indeed been mistakenly attributed to Matthieu van Plattenberg...

La obra se presenta enmarcada con su marco original de la época (el marco presenta faltas y desgastes) El estado de la obra se puede ver, tiene algunas faltas de pintura y faltas en...

Circle of Jean Baptiste Vanmour (French, 1671–1737) Portraits of a Moorish Prince and Princess c. 1700 Pair of oil paintings on canvas, unsigned framed in carved gilt wood frames D...

The Italian Landscape English artist, early 19th century circle/ follower of Joseph Mallord William Turner (British 1775-1851) oil on wood panel, framed in a delightful antique walnu...

La obra se presenta enmarcada con su marco original de la época (el marco presenta faltas y desgastes) El estado de la obra se puede ver, tiene algunas faltas de pintura y faltas en...

After Joshua Reynolds Girl leaning on a pedestal Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 26 x 33 in Framed Size - 39 x 32 in Sir Joshua Reynolds was the leading portrait painter of 18th-century...