18th Century and Earlier Paintings

Attributed to Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo (Castile 1611 - Madrid 1667) pupil and collaborator of Diego Velázquez Portrait of Charles II, King of Spain, as a child (1661 -1700) Spain, c. 1670 Oil on canvas 68 x 49 cm. - In antique frame 96 x 75 cm. The analysis of this portrait, and in particular the style with which its features have been outlined, brings us back to the great tradition of the 17th century Spanish school. The portrait depicts the young King Charles II of Spain, dressed in typical Spanish fashion, the youngest and only son of Philip IV of Spain and his second wife Maria Anna of Austria, as well as the last of the Habsburg dynasty to rule Spain. which portrayed the young ruler in full length at the age of four (dated 1665), dressed in a black suit and cape, and a large feathered...

Francesco Graziani, known as Ciccio Napoletano (active in Naples and Rome in the second half of the 17th century) Battle with clash of horsemen Oil on canvas 95 x 130 cm In period ...

James Shaw (fl.1769-1784) Still life of fruit and nuts Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 13 1/2 x 17 3/4 in Framed Size - 16 1/4 x 20 1/2 in Born in Sedgley in Staffordshire, it is unclea...

Luis de Morales, called 'El Divino' (Badajoz 1509 - 1586) workshop of La Pietà with Saint John Oil on panel (82 x 65 cm /In frame 109 x 92 cm) STATE OF CONSERVATION: The panel is in good condition, with restorations and cracks clearly visible from the pictures. Gilded and lacquered wooden frame, in good condition. We present this intense Pietà executed on wood panel, the work of a painter of the late Spanish Renaissance who drew on the celebrated iconographic model created by Luis de Morales, known as El Divino (Badajoz 1509-1586), a subject reproposed by the artist and then by his flourishing workshop in numerous versions. This is an extraordinary work, in which the author demonstrates incredible realism and emotional depth in his portrayal of the Madonna and Christ, accompanied by Saint John the Evangelist. In an extremely devout Spain, Luis de Morales counts himself as one of the painters most interested in the dramatic aspects of Christ's life, from his painful Passion journey to his death. This devotional subject, the Pieta, so frequent in Christian art, is renewed in Morales' art with enormous expressive force; it is not for nothing that the artist was nicknamed the Divine, and not only for the creation of a devotional iconography in line with the spirituality of the time, but also for the intrinsic intensity of his religious paintings. The depiction, to great dramatic effect, shows Christ, immediately after being deposed from the cross, gently welcomed into the arms of the Virgin. The intense maternal compassion is also evident in the expression on her face, which, always aware of her son's fate, exudes suffering, melancholy but also serene resignation. Christ, abandoned in his mother's embrace, shows an emaciated and sorrowful face, made even more ghostly by his half-open mouth. The tree of the cross looms over the figures, emphasised by an evocative dark, completely monochrome background, to which the three figures are contrasted with strong lighting. Evident in Morales' painting is the devotional slant typical of Counter-Reformation painting, accentuated by a style that recalls both Italian painting for its research and chiaroscuro effects, and Flemish and German painting for its strongly accentuated dramatic tones. The work shows a strong physical and psychological characterisation of the characters, rendered by the marked chiaroscuro effects and the plastic construction of the figures, also using a sfumato technique, which show the primary influence of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo. On the other hand, his Flemish training is evident in the anatomical modelling and treatment of the folds of the Virgin's dress, which retain the sharpness of the Nordic painting tradition. We can mention, among the most beautiful versions similar to our composition: - Fig.1 Luis de Morales (c. 1520-1586), La Piedad, c. 1568, Óleo sobre tabla 72 x 50 cm.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao - Fig.2 Luis de Morales, La Piedad, c. 1560, Óleo sobre tabla 126 x 98 cm.
Real Academia de Bellas - Fig.3 Luis de Morales, La Piedad, 1565 - 1570, Oil on panel 42 x 30 cm.
Museo del Prado - Fig.4 Luis de Morales, Triptych of the Pietà St John and St Mary Magdalene...

This superb Dutch Golden Age portrait is attributed to circle of Dutch artist Wybrand Simonsz de Geest. Painted in 1666 it is a full length portrait of a young William Stonestreet. He is holding the paw of a clipped little white dog with drapes and clouds beyond. (It was common practise to dress young boys in dresses up to the age of about 6 or 7 when they were 'britched' or wore britches). An excellent example of Dutch Golden Age art that wouldn't look out of place in a museum. Wm Stonestreet 1666, Prebend of Selsely is inscribed top left. Provenance. Berkshire estate. Condition. Oil and canvas, 44 inches by 36 inches and in good condition. Frame. Housed in an ornate gilt frame, 52 inches by 44 inches and in good condition. Wybrand Simonsz. de Geest (16 August 1592 – c. 1661) was a Dutch Golden Age portrait painter from Friesland in the Netherlands. Wybrand de Geest was born and died at Leeuwarden. He learned painting from his father, Simon Juckesz, a stained glass worker. He studied later with Abraham Bloemaert. From 1614 to 1618 he travelled in France and Italy on a Grand Tour. In 1616 he met up with Leonard Bramer in Aix-en-Provence. While in Rome he became a member of the painters' circle known as the Bentvueghels. He earned the nickname 'De Friesche Adelaar', or "the Frisian Eagle". De Geest married Hendrickje Fransdr Uylenburgh in 1622, a niece of Saskia van Uylenburgh...

Portrait of an elegant British lady with a white silk dress and a pearl necklace. British School, close to Peter Lely.

This painting, created during Zuccarelli's stay in England, represents the decisive moment when Macbeth, together with Banquo, meets the three witches who announce that he will be Ki...

French painter (18th century) - The Bellows. 80.5 x 112.5 cm. Oil on canvas, unframed (not signed). Condition report: Lined canvas. Good state of conservation of the painted surfa...

Flemish school of the 17th century Oil on canvas 52 x 60 cm (66 x 76 cm with the frame) Very beautiful old frame in gilded wood Good condition (a few repaints and craquelures) The style of our painting reminds the first period of Flemish still life of the 17th century, very descriptive and meticulous. We think of painters such as Osias Beert, Jacob van Es and Clara Peeters...

Marinus van Reymerswaele c.1490 – c.1546 Dutch The Tax Collectors 16th century Oil on wood panel Marinus van Reymerswaele stands among the greatest and most beloved artists of 16th-century Antwerp. Entitled The Tax Collectors, this oil on board original exudes the technical skill and life-like vibrancy for which the artist is renowned. In a quiet interior scene, two men sit at a green table covered in coins, jewels, and empty moneybags. While the man in the red turban...

This charming British Old Master Regency pastel portrait is attributed to John Russell RA. Painted circa 1790 the composition is a blonde woman in pretty mob cap with a blue ribbon. A really lovely image. Provenance. Oxford estate. Condition. Oil pastel on paper, 23 inches by 19 inches unframed and in good condition but has line in paper in middle. Frame. Housed in a fine frame, 30 inches by 26 inches framed and in good condition. John Russell RA (1745-1806) was an English painter renowned for his portrait work in oils and pastels, and as a writer and teacher of painting techniques. Russell was born in Guildford, Surrey, the son of John Russell Snr., book and print seller and five times mayor of the town; his father was something of an artist, and drew and published two views of Guildford. Russell was educated at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford, and soon showed a strong inclination for art. He trained under Francis Cotes RA (of Cavendish Square, London), one of the pioneers of English pastel painting, and, like Cotes, was an admirer of the pastel drawings of Rosalba Carriera whose methods influenced his technique of "sweetening". At the age of 19 he converted to Methodism, which was the cause of tension with his family and with his teacher; he made no secret of his strong evangelical leanings and would attempt to preach and convert at every opportunity. Russell set up his own studio, in London, in 1767. He made the acquaintance of the notorious Dr. William Dodd, whose portrait he painted in 1768. He was introduced to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, who unsuccessfully attempted to persuade him to give up painting and attend her Methodist ministers' training college at Trevecca in Wales. On 5 February 1770, he married Hannah Faden, daughter of a Charing Cross print and map seller...

The composition repeats that of a large altarpiece designed by Annibale Carracci for the church of San Francesco a Ripa, Rome (now in the Louvre, Par...

Moses Striking Water from the Rock; Circle of Pietro Dandini, Italian 1646-1712 Italian School, late 17th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 3...

18th century, antique painting, oil on canvas, old master. Mother with child. Relined canvas. Stretcher frame also renewed. Artist unknown.

A rare pair of three-quarter length 'marriage' portraits by one of the foremost dutch portrait painters of the 17th century, Nicolaes Maes (Dordrecht 1634-1693 Amsterdam). The gentleman signed middle left 'Maes 1679'. Oil on canvas in dutch style ebonised frames. Dimensions 58 x 47.5cms each. The gentleman is shown in a landscape at dusk, leaning against a stone capital, wearing a white chemise decorated with lace, a black coat and a brown silk cloak draped across his body. The lady is elegantly dressed in an ivory silk gown decorated with jewels on the neckline and shoulders, the contrasting sleeves in gold fabric, with a rose pink silk cloak draped over her shoulder and bodice. She wears a pearl necklace and earrings with her fair hair worn up with ringlets falling down onto her chest in the fashionable style of the day. She stands with one hand touching a lock of her hair as she rests her arm on the bowl of a stone water drinking fountain...

JUAN DE ARELLANO Spanish, 1614 - 1676 Cesta de Flores signed Juan de Arellano (lower lright) oil on canvas original period carved, gilt and polychrome...

Up for sale is an unusual unique antique 18-century original oil painting on board depicting a figure of a gentleman wearing a white wig and is dressed in a red jacket and white jab...

Carnival scene in 17th-century Rome (in Piazza Navona) Michelangelo Cerquozzi (Rome 1602 – Rome 1660) workshop Roman school of bamboccianti (mid-17th century) Oil on canvas 74 x 96...

Francesco Tironi (Venice 1745 - Venice 1797) - Venetian landscape with shepherds and herds. 95 x 130 cm without frame, 107 x 140 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a...

This lovely Dutch Old Master oil painting is attributed to noted Dutch artist Nicholaes Berchem. Painted circa 1665 it is a charming pastoral scene of a shepherd and his animals including sheep, goats, donkey and cows and of course his trusty dog. They are all resting beneath trees while he looks on attentively. The light in the sky and the light and shadows on the animals is beautiful. A really superb example of Dutch Old Master art with great detail. Provenance. Surrey estate. Christies stamp verso. Condition. Oil on canvas, 38 inches by 32 inches and in good condition. Frame. Housed in a complementary gilt frame, 46 inches by 30 inches and in good condition. Nicolaes Pieterszoon Berchem (1620-1683) was a highly esteemed and prolific Dutch Golden Age painter of pastoral landscapes, populated with mythological or biblical figures, but also of a number of allegories and genre pieces. He was a member of the second generation of "Dutch Italianate landscape" painters. These were artists who travelled to Italy, or aspired to, in order to soak up the romanticism of the country, bringing home sketchbooks full of drawings of classical ruins and pastoral imagery. His paintings, of which he produced an immense number, (Hofstede de Groot claimed around 850, although many are misattributed), were in great demand, as were his 80 etchings and 500 drawings. His landscapes, painted in the Italian style of idealized rural scenes, with hills, mountains, cliffs and trees in a golden dawn are sought after. Berchem also painted inspired and attractive human and animal figures (staffage) in works of other artists, like Allaert van Everdingen, Jan Hackaert, Gerrit Dou, Meindert Hobbema and Willem Schellinks. Born in Haarlem, he received instruction from his father Pieter Claesz, and from the painters Jan van Goyen, Pieter de Grebber, Jan Baptist Weenix, Jan Wils and Claes Cornelisz. Moeyaert. According to Houbraken, Carel de Moor told him that Berchem got his name from two words "Berg hem" for "Save him!", an expression used by his fellows in Van Goyen's workshop whenever his father chased him there with the intent to beat him. No trip or Grand Tour by Berchem was documented by Houbraken though he mentioned another story about the "Berg hem!" nickname which came from Berchem's conscription as a sailor; the man in charge of impressment knew him and sent him ashore with the words "Save him!". Today his name is assumed to come from his father's hometown of Berchem, Antwerp. According to the RKD he traveled to Italy with Jan Baptist Weenix, whom he called his cousin, in 1642–5. Works by him are signed both as "CBerghem" and "Berchem". In 1645 he became a member of the Dutch reformed church and married the year after. According to Houbraken he married the daughter of the painter Jan Wils, who kept him on a short allowance, but to finance his collection of prints he would borrow money from his pupils and colleagues and pay them back from the proceeds of paintings that he didn't tell her about. Around 1650 he travelled to Westphalia with Jacob van Ruisdael, where a dated piece showing Burg Bentheim is recorded. Maybe Berchem went to Italy after this trip and before he moved to Amsterdam - he is not clearly documented in the Netherlands between 1650 and 1656. Around 1660 he worked for the engraver Jan de Visscher designing an atlas. In 1661-1670 he is registered in Amsterdam and in 1670 he moved back to Haarlem, but was living back in Amsterdam by 1677, where he died in 1683. He was a popular teacher and his pupils were Abraham Begeyn, Johannes van der Bent, his son Nicolaes, Isaack Croonenbergh, Simon Dubois, Karel Dujardin, Johannes Glauber, Pieter de Hooch, Jacob van Huchtenburg, Justus van Huysum...

Artist/ School: Italian School, 17th century, circle of Salvator Rosa (1615-1673) Title: Waterfalls in a Landscape Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed Size: canvas: 20 x 24....

Spanish Colonial School, 18th Century Our Lady of Solitude Oil on canvas In antique gilt frame Dimensions excl. frame: 92 x 72 cm. Dimensions incl. frame: 124 x 103.5 cm. Overall i...

A masterful example of Italian Mannerist painting, this exceptional panel was composed by the renowned Florentine painter Domenico Puligo. Alongside Jacopo Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino, Puligo is remembered as one of the foremost figures of the Mannerist movement that rose to prominence during the 16th century in Florence. This panel of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child and Saint John the Baptist is a characteristic example of his celebrated devotional images, which grace museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Museo del Prado (Madrid), Palazzo Borghese (Rome), and Palazzo Pitti (Florence), among many others. Puligo’s skill with color is fully demonstrated in the beautifully preserved work. Considering its age, the vibrancy and the sheer range of color is remarkable. The Virgin Mary’s crimson dress...

An important & large oil on canvas Baroque painting by the Bohemian Old Master artist, Franz Xaver Karl Palko (1724-1767), an allegory of architecture, circa 1750. The painting depic...

Pair of angels with floral garland and cartouche with family motto 'Pulchriora latent' Workshop of Carlo Maratta (Camerano, 1625 - Rome, 1713) Dated on parchment, right: 1697 oil on the table (94 x 84cm./ in frame 105 x 95 cm.) This magnificent composition, depicting two little fluttering cupids intent on holding up a garland of flowers, can be traced back, both for the stylistic characteristics and for the compositional taste, to a master active in the fervid seventeenth-century Baroque Rome. One of the two cupids is about to grab the bow of the garland with his head facing downwards, while with the other hand he shows a parchment which bears, in addition to the date of execution, the Latin expression "Pulchriora latent" ("The the most beautiful things...

This richly detailed 18th-century still life depicts symbols of royal authority and power, featuring an ornate golden crown alongside armour, a ceremonial key and a cannon ball on a ...

Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 - 1642) Workshop of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (full details LINK) Oil on canvas Measurements (cm): 96 x 73 - with frame 112 x 88 This splendid work dep...

Oil on oak panel Image size: 25 1/2 x 19 inches (37.5 x 27 inches) 18th Century Auricular gilt frame Provenance New York private collection This portrait of the King Edward VI depicts the boy-king standing in a black and gold embroidered doublet, wearing a jewelled cap. King Edward holds a staff with a globus cruciger set on the table beside him. No expense has been spared in the making of this piece, with gold leaf being applied in many areas to give the effect of the costume's gold embroidery, chain of office and other metal accessories. As the precious male heir to the Tudor dynasty...

Antonio Balestra (Verona, Italy, 1666 - 1740) Title: Solomon Sacrificing to the Idols Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 73 x 98 cm Painting without frame. Born in Ver...

Extraordinary in its beauty and rarity, this early 16th-century German painting of an illuminated manuscript showcases a masterful trompe l’oeil effect. Unequivocally among the finest of only 17 known works of its kind, the oil on panel is both rare and captivating. With illusory pages that appear to leap from the panel, this virtuosic painting of a hand-colored book suspended into space is exceptional. Created more than four centuries ago, the composition evokes a strong sense of realism. Executed by a masterful Northern Renaissance artist of the German school, the illuminated manuscript pictured shows the astonishing splendor of the historical books of the period. Sumptuously decorated with scrolling floral motifs in the margins, the manuscript appears before a deep black background, heightening the trompe l’oeil illusion of depth through its strong contrast and the naturalistic shadows falling across the fluttering pages. It has been said that of the 17 known versions of this composition, ours stands alone in its precision in both perspective and the play of light and shadow. The visible folios feature choral arrangements and other texts, indicating the pictured manuscript likely served a role in the celebration of church services. In fact, other examples of manuscript paintings...

Francesco Fedeli (Venice, 1738 - 1805) called “Il Maggiotto “ great Italian painter and physicist. The “𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗵𝗲” ( Craftsman fixing chairs ) is taken from one of...

This beautiful Italian 18th Century old masters oil painting on oval canvas with giltwood frame is attributed to Solimena and features a religious scene. In this splendid oval-shaped painting are depicted Saint Dominic...

After a copper engraving (46 x 34 cm) by Gilles Rousselet after Van Dyck, ca. 1640 Paris. Oil on cardboard, 44 x 35 cm Trompe-l'oeils are pictures whose depicted objects are painte...

This portrait, attributed to the American painter Ralph Earl, captures Benedict Arnold, one of the most controversial figures of the American Revolutionary War. Ralph Earl, known for...

Pair of Religious Scenes are an original pair of old masters' artworks realized in the 18th century by Anonymous Italian artist. Oil on canvas. Pr...

The Death Of Patroclus, 18th Century School of Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) 18th Century French Neo-Classical scene of the Death Of Patroclus, oil on panel. Excellent quality an...

Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1548 - Munich, 1628) - Workshop/School The Annunciation oil on canvas (cm): 79 x 110 - framed 92 x 127 We are delighted to present a fascinating work, dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, inspired by the prototype of the Annunciation created around 1586-1595 by Pieter de Witte, also known as Peter Candid (Bruges, 1540/1548 - Munich, 1628), which has been lost but made famous thanks to an engraving made and published by Jan Sadeler I (1550-1600). A painter of Flemish origin with strong affinities to 16th century Italianising culture, De Witte tackles the theme of the Annunciation numerous times, revealing knowledge of both Roman and Florentine Mannerism, inherited from his Italian sojourn. Some of these works are now housed in various international museums, in addition to autograph or workshop works that can be found in numerous public or private collections; in this regard, we may mention the following: - National Museum in Prague [1] - Carrara Academy of Bergamo, Angelo Annunziante and Vergine Annunziata [2]. - Finnish National Museum, Helsinki  - Private property, religious institution Bergamo (Bergamo area) Observing the composition, we can admire the rather well-established iconographic scheme, with the two figures immersed in an almost dreamlike atmosphere: the Archangel Gabriel on the left, of an ethereal beauty, appears imperious as he delivers the supreme annunciation to the Virgin Mary, who greets him with lowered eyes, composed in her amazement; surprised in the act of reading a book, she receives the white lilies...

Outstanding early 18th century English portrait of James Bellevue. The portrait was always believed to be the work of Sir Godfrey Kneller who was known to have painted James Bellevu...

Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630 - 1680) Signed: 'J. Muller f(ecit).' Pupil of Abraham van Cuylenborch (Utrecht, 1620 - 1658) Diana and the nymphs bathing in a cave Second half of the ...

This stunning 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to Swedish born, England based artist Michael Dahl. Painted circa 1690 it is a sumptuous half length portrai...

15th Century Maestro della Pala Sforzesca Title: Ecce Homo Medium: Tempera on Panel Dimensions: without frame 64.9 x 53.2 – with frame 82 x 70 x 5 cm Beautiful "cassetta" frame in e...

Venetian painter (18th century) - Sketch for Venus and Chronos. 59 x 43 cm without frame, 70 x 54 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame...

In the foreground, we see two conquistadors and three natives accompanying them landing on the shore, presumably on a reconnaissance mission in an unfamiliar bay. Perhaps they are in...

Baroque capriccio with architectural ruins and figures, an early 18th century Italian painting showing an imaginary landscape with Roman ruins and figures, an early Italian oil-on-ca...

18th century Bust portrait of a gentleman in a blue coat with gold buttons (Said to be Edmund Hoyle, inventor of Whist) oil on canvas circle of James Latham. Housed in a gilt frame the size overall is 71 x 84 cm (28 x 33 inches approx) whilst the painting is 56 x 69 cm ( 22 x 27 inches approx) unsigned The overall condition is very good having had some restoration. The painting has been relined, cleaned and re varnished. There has been some strengthening/overpainting. There is a Rectangular patch repair along lower edge, centre, reverse approximately 5 x 7cm with associated retouching to front,all essentially done sympathetically. some fine stable craquelure throughout. Some minor self coloured losses to frame. None of the above detracting from a very attractive portrait. Edmond Hoyle Edmond Hoyle English card game authority, "the Father of whist" Born 1672 England Died 29 August 1769 (aged 96–97) London, England Edmond Hoyle (1672 – 29 August 1769)[1] was a writer best known for his works on the rules and play of card games. The phrase "according to Hoyle" came into the language as a reflection of his generally perceived authority on the subject James Latham James Latham was born in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland and possibly related to the family of Lathams of Meldrum and Ballysheehan. After some practice of his art, Latham studied for an academic year in Antwerp (1724–25) where he became a Master of the Guild of St Luke. He returned to Dublin by 1725, and may have visited England in the 1740s, as the influence of Joseph Highmore, as well as Charles Jervas and William Hogarth, is evident in his work of this period. Anthony Pasquin memorably dubbed Latham "Ireland's Van Dyck". Latham died in Dublin on 26 January 1747. Several of James Latham's portraits are in the National Gallery of Ireland collection in Dublin; one is of the famous MP Charles Tottenham (1694–1758) of New Ross, Co. Wexford, "Tottenham in his Boots" (Cat. No.411) and a second is a portrait of Bishop...

'Mgnaminia' 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...

Inscribed, upper left: “Miss Laura Keppel” Provenance: Commissioned from the artist and by descent in the Keppel family estate, Lexham Hall, Norfolk, to: Major Bertram William Arnol...

Sir Peter Lely (Soest 1618 – 1680 London) Portrait of lady with a crown, possibly Bridget Drury Lady Shaw, formerly Viscountess Kilmorey, later Lady Baber (d.1696) c.1665 Oil on canvas 46 1/2 x 40 3/4 inches, Framed 42 1/4 x 36 1/4 inches, Unframed Inscribed left [……….]Isabella James Mulraine wrote the following for this piece: This portrait dates to the middle of the 1660s, the decade when Lely’s career took off as successor to Sir Anthony van Dyck. At the Restoration Charles II had appointed him Principal Painter to the King and paid a pension £200 per annum ‘as formerly to Sr. Vandyke...’1 Lely had trained in Haarlem and he was in his early twenties when he came to London in 1643. He was an astute businessman and a wise courtier. In 1650 he painted a portrait of Oliver Cromwell (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery) while maintaining links with the Royalist exiles through the 1650s. He had arrived in England as a painter of small-scale portraits and lush scenes of nymphs in landscapes in a Dutch style. His experience of Van Dyck in English collections transformed his painting. His lavish and alluring vision of Arcadia exactly captured the spirit of the Court and as Principal Painter he dominated English portraiture for the next twenty years. Lely ran a highly efficient studio along Netherlandish lines, employing a team of specialists like the drapery painter John Baptist Gaspars and young artists-in-training like Nicolas de Largilliere. He had numerous rivals during that period, and by 1670 he had introduced numbered standard poses to speed up production, while collaborating with printmakers for further revenue and advertising. He died in 1680 of a stroke while painting, working to the last. The portrait, painted at a date when Lely’s poses and execution were still individual and inventive shows a lady sitting at three-quarter length facing away from the viewer. She has begun to turn towards the viewer, a pose with a long pedigree in art, first used by Leonardo da Vinci in the Mona Lisa (Louvre). She steadies her blue drapery where it might slip from her arm with the movement, a flash of realism beautifully captured. Like Van Dyck, Lely painted his female sitters in a timeless costume rather than contemporary fashion, showing a loose gown and floating silk draperies. It presented the sitter as a classical ideal. The portrait would not date. The saffron dress may be the work of a drapery painter but the brown scarf must be by Lely himself, and appears unfinished, broadly sketched in behind the shoulder. The delicate blue glaze and nervous highlights suggest shimmering translucence. Lely was a master of painting hands – his hand studies are marvels of drawing – and the lady’s hands are superb, exactly drawn, delicately modelled and expressive. The fidgety gestures, clutching the gown, fiddling with the edge of the scarf, give the portrait psychological bite, suggesting the personality behind the calm courtier’s expression, adding to the sense shown in the look of the eyes and mouth that the lady is about to speak. The portrait’s language is Vandykian. The inspiration comes directly from Van Dyck’s English portraits of women. Lely owned Van Dyck’s Portrait of Lady Elizabeth Thimbleby and Dorothy Viscountess Andover (National Gallery, London) and the sitter’s costume quotes Lady Andover’s saffron dress and brown scarf. But Lely paints a generation who sat nearer to the ground and through a dialogue of expression and gesture he shows sitters who are more flesh and blood than Van Dyck’s. The background with a column and curtain is different to those shown in most of Lely’s portraits of women. They tend to include trees or fountains, with a glimpse of landscape. But there are other examples. A portrait of the King’s reigning mistress, Barbara Villiers Duchess of Cleveland...

Portrait of Johann Theodor of Bavaria (1703-1763) by Joseph Vivien Johann Theodor of Bavaria (* September 3, 1703 in Munich; † January 27, 1763 in Lièg...

Portrait Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI (1685-1740), 18th Century bv Franz De Backer (1680-1749) Large early 18th Century portrait of Charles VI, ruler of t...

Attributed to Jan Gerritsz. Stockman (1603–1661) "Paesaggio Classico con Figure" (Classical Landscape with Figures) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (Framed): 162 x 146 cm Dimensions...

Oil on Canvas. Lombard school of the seventeenth century. According to classical iconography, the penitent Magdalene is depicted with tears in her eyes, her hair down, unkempt, hold...

This incredibly rare early depiction of an Eastern Mediterranean or North African honey merchant is thought have been painted circa 1620. It predates th...

This painting titled "Mme de Noirmont" is an oil on canvas work from the studio of Nicolas de Largilliere, one of the most prolific and esteemed French portrait painters of the 18th ...

Oil on layered paper Image size: 10 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches (26.5 x 21 cm) Contemporary swept frame This is an eighteenth century portrait of a...

What is so wonderful and unusual about this 18th Century portrait is the relatability of the sitter. There is an openness to the world in his gaze, curiosity, a sense of humour, pass...

VERY IMPORTANT DRAWING BY JACQUES DUMONT called « LE ROMAIN" (Paris 1701-1781) Preparations for the fireworks display held in Piazza Navona in Rome on November 30, 1729, for the bi...

Francesco Solimena (Canale di Serino 1657 - Barra 1747) workshop/circle The Allegory of Europe oil on canvas 102 x 76 cm. - with frame: 119 x 92 cm. The work, which can be placed ...

This superb Dutch Old Master floral still life oil painting is attributed to circle of Simon Pietersz Verelst. Painted circa 1700 the compositio...

Family Devotion with Cherubs French School, 18th century after the earlier work by Sir Peter Paul Rubens oil on canvas, unframed Canvas : 29 x 24 inches Provenance: private collectio...