18th Century and Earlier Portrait Paintings

Antique Italian painting from the 17th century. Oil painting on canvas depicting a lively popular genre scene of great charm, typical of the Bamboccianti school. Many Flemish and Ita...

The Angel Gabriel Jesus & Satan 18th Century afterf Domenichino (1581-1641) Large 18th Century Italian Bolognese School Old Master depiction of the Guardian Angel Gabriel, Jesus an...

Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823) James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness (1766-1823) Oil on Canvas 30 X 25 inches Unframed 37 X 32 inches framed Sir Henry Raeburn FRSE RA RSA (4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter and Scotland's first significant portrait painter since the Union to remain based in Scotland. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland. Raeburn was born the son of a manufacturer in Stockbridge, on the Water of Leith: a former village now within the city of Edinburgh. He had an older brother, born in 1744, called William Raeburn. His ancestors were believed to have been soldiers, and may have taken the name "Raeburn" from a hill farm in Annandale, held by Sir Walter Scott's family. Orphaned, he was supported by William and placed in Heriot's Hospital, where he received an education. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the goldsmith James Gilliland of Edinburgh, and various pieces of jewellery, mourning rings and the like, adorned with minute drawings on ivory by his hand, still exist. Soon he took to the production of carefully finished portrait miniatures; meeting with success and patronage, he extended his practice to oil painting, at which he was self-taught. Gilliland watched the progress of his pupil with interest, and introduced him to David Martin, who had been the favourite assistant of Allan Ramsay the Latter, and was now the leading portrait painter in Edinburgh. Raeburn was especially aided by the loan of portraits to copy. Soon he had gained sufficient skill to make him decide to devote himself exclusively to painting. George Chalmers (1776; Dunfermline Town Hall) is his earliest known portrait. In his early twenties, Raeburn was asked to paint the portrait of a young lady he had noticed when he was sketching from nature in the fields. Ann was the daughter of Peter Edgar of Bridgelands, and widow of Count James Leslie of Deanhaugh. Fascinated by the handsome and intellectual young artist, she became his wife within a month, bringing him an ample fortune. The acquisition of wealth did not affect his enthusiasm or his industry, but spurred him on to acquire a thorough knowledge of his craft. It was usual for artists to visit Italy, and Raeburn set off with his wife. In London he was kindly received by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the president of the Royal Academy, who advised him on what to study in Rome, especially recommending the works of Michelangelo, and gave Raeburn letters of introduction for Italy. In Rome he met his fellow Scot Gavin Hamilton, Pompeo Girolamo Batoni and Byers, an antique dealer whose advice proved particularly useful, especially the recommendation that "he should never copy an object from memory, but, from the principal figure to the minutest accessory, have it placed before him." After two years of study in Italy he returned to Edinburgh in 1787, and began a successful career as a portrait painter. In that year he executed a seated portrait of the second Lord President Dundas. Examples of his earlier portraiture include a bust of Mrs Johnstone of Baldovie and a three-quarter-length of Dr James Hutton: works which, if somewhat timid and tentative in handling and not as confident as his later work, nevertheless have delicacy and character. The portraits of John Clerk, Lord Eldin, and of Principal Hill of St Andrews belong to a later period. Raeburn was fortunate in the time in which he practised portraiture. Sir Walter Scott, Hugh Blair, Henry Mackenzie, Lord Woodhouselee, William Robertson, John Home, Robert Fergusson, and Dugald Stewart were resident in Edinburgh, and were all painted by Raeburn. Mature works include his own portrait and that of the Rev. Sir Henry Moncrieff Wellwood, a bust of Dr Wardrop of Torbane Hill, two full-lengths of Adam Rolland of Gask, the remarkable paintings of Lord Newton and Dr Alexander Adam in the National Gallery of Scotland, and that of William Macdonald of St Martin's. Apart from himself, Raeburn painted only two artists, one of whom was Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey, the most important and famous British sculptor of the first half of the 19th century. It has recently been revealed that Raeburn and Chantrey were close friends and that Raeburn took exceptional care over the execution of his portrait of the sculptor, one of the painter's mature bust-length masterpieces. It was commonly believed that Raeburn was less successful in painting female portraits, but the exquisite full-length of his wife, the smaller likeness of Mrs R. Scott Moncrieff in the National Gallery of Scotland, and that of Mrs Robert Bell, and others, argue against this. Raeburn spent his life in Edinburgh, rarely visiting London, and then only for brief periods, thus preserving his individuality. Although he, personally, may have lost advantages resulting from closer association with the leaders of English art, and from contact with a wider public, Scottish art gained much from his disinclination to leave his native land. He became the acknowledged chief of the school which was growing up in Scotland during the early 19th century, and his example and influence at a critical period were of major importance. So varied were his other interests that sitters used to say of him, "You would never take him for a painter till he seizes the brush and palette." In 1812 he was elected president of the Society of Artists in Edinburgh; and in 1814 associate, and in the following year full member, of the Royal Scottish Academy. On 29 August 1822 he was knighted by George IV and appointed His Majesty's limner for Scotland at the Earl of Hopetoun house. He died in Edinburgh. Raeburn had all the essential qualities of a popular and successful portrait painter. He was able to produce a telling and forcible likeness; his work is distinguished by powerful characterisation, stark realism, dramatic and unusual lighting effects, and swift and broad handling of the most resolute sort. David Wilkie recorded that, while travelling in Spain and studying the works of Diego Velázquez, the brushwork reminded him constantly of the "square touch" of Raeburn. Scottish physician and writer John Brown wrote that Raeburn "never fails in giving a likeness at once vivid, unmistakable and pleasing. He paints the truth, and he paints it with love". Raeburn has been described as a "famously intuitive"portrait painter. He was unusual amongst many of his contemporaries, such as Reynolds, in the extent of his philosophy of painting directly from life; he made no preliminary sketches. This attitude partly explains the often coarse modelling and clashing colour combinations he employed, in contrast to the more refined style of Thomas Gainsborough and Reynolds. However these qualities and those mentioned above anticipate many of the later developments in painting of the 19th century from romanticism to Impressionism. Sir Henry Raeburn died in St Bernard's House (17 St Bernards Crescent), Stockbridge, Edinburgh. He is buried in St. Cuthbert's churchyard against the east wall (the monument erected by Raeburn in advance) but also has a secondary memorial in the Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh. James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness was born at Barrogill Castle (Castle of Mey) on 31 May 1766. He was the son of Sir John Sinclair of Mey, Baronet who he succeeded in the baronetcy in 1774. He succeeded as 12th earl of Caithness in 1789. He was lord-lieutenant of the county of Caithness and lieutenant-colonel of the Ross-shire militia. He married at Thurso Castle on 2 January 1784 Jane, second daughter of Alexander Campbell...

Extremely decorative and large oil painting from the 17th century. Restored in places.   Signed and dated Simon Peter Tileman 1658 fecit 'lower right Dimensions without frame. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Simon Peter Tilemann (1601, Lemgo – 1668, Vienna), was a German Baroque painter who was active Bremen, Kassel and Italy. According to Houbraken he first learned to paint flowers and he had a daughter who could paint flowers in watercolors. He was a good landscape painter who spent many years in Italy, but later switched to portrait painting and who painted the portrait of Ferdinand...

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...

Ferrara school of the late sixteenth century - circle of Giuseppe Mazzuoli known as Bastarolo (Ferrara 1536 - 1589) St. Jerome penitent in the cave ...

Provenance By descent through the sitter's family to The Collection of R. W. Vivian-Neal of Poundisford Park, Somerset, from whom acquired by With Lane Fine Art, UK, where purchased by the present owners in 1996 Literature 'Poundisford Park, Somerset' in Country Life, 22 December 1934, ill. A.W. and C.M. Vivian-Neal, Poundisford Park, Somerset: A catalogue of pictures and furniture, Taunton 1939, cat. nos. 11 and 13 This is a three-quarter-length portrait of Ralph William Grey in a mole-coloured velvet coat and a long waistcoat of green satin, heavily embroidered in gold. Under his left right hand is a black chapeau bras. He has white doe-skin gauntlet gloves. Son of William and Ann Grey of Backworth: born 19 December 1707. He married Mary the daughter of William Rawstorne of Newall in 1741 and died 5 November 1786. He was educated at Eaton and Trinity College, Oxford. Within a year of his birth Mrs Grey died and, according to the Country Life article 'From that time forward all Mr Grey's faculties were concentrated on the well-being of his son. The possession of an heir gave zest to his efforts to build up the family fortune: he was successful in most of his ventures. Years later his interest in life was centred in the home of his daughter-in-law and grandchildren'. Grey's right hand is depicted in the present portrait resting on Locke's Essays and the Country Life article also records that there are constant references to John Locke...

Portrait Of Charles I Of England (1600-1649) Wearing The Order Of The Garter, 17th Century circle of Sir Antony VAN DYCK (1599-1641) Large 17th Century English portrait of King Cha...

King Solomon Worshipping The Idols, 17th Century FRANS FRANCKEN II (1581-1642) - signed sales to $6,000,000 Large 17th Century biblical account of King Solomon worshipping the Idols, oil on panel Frans Francken. Excellent quality and condition Old Testament biblical scene on a cradled panel depicting the Idolatry of Solomon, son and successor of King David. Exceptional detail and would be enhanced with a light clean. Presented in an antique period frame. Signed. Measurements: 47" x 34" framed approx Artist Biography Frans Francken II or the Younger is the third in order of descent in the Francken family tree. Born in 1581, the son of Frans Francken I or the Elder, he was the brother of Thomas, born in 1574, of Hieronymous II, born in 1578 and died in 1623, and of Ambrosius II, the last in line, who died in 1632. Hieronymous II, who died at the age of 56, is only known for his painting Horatius Cocles at Sublicius Bridge. Frans the Younger was initially a pupil of his father, who was then at the height of his career. In his father's studio he imbibed all the teaching of the tradition of Frans Floris. He also spent long periods in Italy, where he familiarised himself in particular with the masters of the Venetian school. Such study in situ enabled him to break away from the well-worn methods of Flemish Italianism, as practised by his father and uncles. It is conceivable that the young artist met Rubens, who was in Italy at the time. In 1605, at the age of 24, on his return to Antwerp, Frans the Younger became a master in the Antwerp Guild of St Luke. In 1607 he married Elisabeth Placquet in Antwerp. Three sons and eight daughters resulted from this marriage. His children made up the fourth generation in the dynasty. Better known are Frans III (1607-1667) and Hieronymus, born in 1611. The latter had a son, Constantinus (1661-1717), who marks the end of the line. The family of Francken painters runs from 1520 to 1717. As one of the most active masters in Antwerp, Frans II was appointed dean of the guild in 1614. He was also a member of the Violette, a major literary association, for which he painted an award-winning symbolic coat of arms. He was intimate with the most celebrated artists, in particular van Dyck, who executed a very fine portrait of him, judging by the engraving by Willem Hondius and Pieter de Jode. It is also likely that he was on familiar terms with Rubens who was his near contemporary. He died in Antwerp on 6 May 1642 at the age of 61, outlived by both Rubens and van Dyck. The first securely dated work of Frans the Younger is Christ on the Cross from the gallery in Vienna, painted in 1606. Witches' Sabbath (Vienna) and The Works of Mercy (Antwerp) are dated 1607 and 1608 respectively. In these two latter works the painter proves himself adept at painting figures and allegorical scenes. The Works of Mercy represents various groups of figures, symbolising the different activities inspired by Christian charity. Paupers and beggars occupy the foreground, the ensemble being dominated by the figure of the glorious Christ. While Frans the Younger cannot be compared with the masters of this great first generation of Antwerp, which was illuminated and steered by the genius of Rubens, he does nevertheless merit attention. He succeeded in developing and bringing into fashion an anecdotal genre on a more modest scale, elements of which were to inform the last representatives of the Francken family for over a century. Frans the Younger was undoubtedly the most talented draughtsman in the family. While his art may be criticised for its lack of grandeur and solemnity, the execution shows great talent. His brush stroke was vigorous and his imagination, albeit restrained, was brilliant. His interest in tonal values was highlighted by his study and appreciation of his remarkable contemporaries. This enabled him to carry out landscapes and also fleshy figures, which made him altogether worthy of the brilliant period to which he belonged. While detail certainly preoccupied him, he treated it with intelligence and even esprit, as witnessed in The Parable of the Prodigal Son and A Prince's Visit to the Treasury of a Church(both in the Louvre). The scenes painted in grisaille, which surround the principal motif of the Prodigal Son, are characteristic of his style. He excelled in painting jewellery, ornaments, and textiles with shot silk effects. A large number of his figures inhabit the neutral backgrounds of the interiors of apartments and galleries. He carried out such work not only under his own auspices, but also for other artists, such as Peeter Neeffs, van Bassen, Josse de Momper...

Portrait of William Wellesley-Pole, 3rd Earl Of Mornington, circa 1800 Circle of Sir Thomas LAWRENCE (1769-1830) Large circa 1800 English Regency portrait traditionally identified ...

Portrait Of Isabella Blackett, Countess Of Buchan, 18th Century English School Large 18th Century English portrait of Lady Isabella Blackett, Duchess of Buchan oil on canvas. Excel...

The Flagellation of Christ, 17th Century Italian School Fine huge 17th Century Italian Old Master depiction of the Flagellation of Christ, oil on canvas. Excellent quality full len...

Painting oil on panel measuring 40 x 30 cm without frame and 48 x 38 with frame representing a great bishop of the Venetian school from the first half of the 18th century. Very curi...

Portrait of a lady wearing a white gown with a red cloak, pearls in her hair and draped over one shoullder, standing beside a classical urn with a basket of flowers, c.1765. The portrait is believed to be a companion portrait of a John (1741-1816) or James (1751-1807) Durno which is housed in an identical frame. The sitter is possibly either the wife of John who was Janes Byres of Stonywood or John and James's sister Elizabeth. (James never married). The Durno family were based around the Aberdeen area of Scotland and John was an advocate in the area and then later a customs official in Jamaica. James was a successful timber merchant, spending time in the Baltic before being made His Majesty's Consul in Memel, Prussia. The portrait is likely to have been painted before Tilly travelled to India in 1768, when John, Jane and Elizabeth would have been in their twenties. We are gtrateful to Mark Beattie for sharing his family knowlege and research on the portrait. Provenance: With W. C. Beattie in the mid 19th century, and by descent through the family Private collection, Kent With thanks to Hugh Belsey who has confirmed this to be the work of Tilly Kettle from photographs. Tilly Kettle (1735-1786) was born in London, the third of six children by Henry Kettle (c.1704-c.1773), a coach painter, and his wife Ann. He attended William Shipley...

Circle of Pieter Harmensz Verelst 1618 - 1678 Portrait of a Young Man Oil on oak panel Image size: 7 ½ x 5 ¾ inches Dutch ripple frame

Portrait of a Privateer Francis Hayman 1708 - 1776 Oil on canvas Image size: 20 x 14 inches (51 x 36 cm) Contemporary style frame Provenance Charles Fleischmann Esq Here, a small ...

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...

Lucas de la Haye, called Luca Fiammingo (Nivelles, 1612-Rome, 1682) Saint Cecilia and two cherubs Oil on canvas 118 x 91 cm. -Framed 129 x 102 cm. Expertise of Prof. Emilio Negro (Bologna) This evocative painting, which we are delighted to exhibit to you, has Saint Cecilia, the Roman noblewoman who later converted to Christianity and a very popular figure in the Baroque period as the patron saint of music, instrumentalists and singers, at the centre of the composition. She is depicted here as a splendid maiden dressed in regal robes...

Portrait Of A Man With A Crucifix, 16th Century circle of Agostino Carracci (1557-1602) Huge 16th century Italian Old Master portrait of a gentleman holding a crucifix, oil on canvas. Exceptional early three quarter length portrait of the gentleman in black robes...

Saint James The Greater, 17th Century after ALBRECHT DÜRER (1471-1528) Large 16th 17th Century Old Master portrait of Saint JamesT...

Portrait painting of a young woman dressed in black with a bonnet. The woman has a rose in her right hand and presents her left hand with a r...

Oil on canvas Image size: 30 x 25 inches (76 x 63.5 cm) Contemporary hand-carved frame This is a charming 18th century portrait of a young boy, sporting a golden child's two-piece w...

Portrait of Mary Anne Ward (1725-1754) In Riding Attire, 18th Century School of Henry Pickering (1720-1770) Large 18th English portrait of Mary Anne Ward ...

Portrait of General Henry Ireton (1611-1651) Son In Law to Oliver Cromwell, 17th Century attributed Robert WALKER (1607-1658) Large 17th Century portrait of General Henry Ireton, oil on canvas. Excellent quality and condition Civil War portrait...

Oil on gattice wood in octagon. Il gruppo di otto dipinti in oggetto (figg. 1-8) rappresenta, nel classico formato fiorentino dell’ottagono, una serie di effigi femminili a mezza figura. Più precisamente, si tratta di giovani fanciulle elegantemente vestite, disposte in varie attitudini ma accomunate, ad eccezione di due esemplari sui quali ci soffermeremo in seguito, dall’accento sulla ricchezza, evidenziata sia da particolari di fastose console e drappeggi, sia da collane di perle o tessuti preziosi che le donne talvolta maneggiano, ponendovi così l’accento. Una delle figure porta in testa una corona reale, altre dei turbanti o inconsueti copricapi. Questi dettagli conferiscono ai personaggi un aspetto principesco, talvolta abbinato a richiami orientaleggianti. Una formula che riporta alla mente il caso di un dipinto da poco riscoperto nella sua vera identità, il “Ritratto fino a mezzo busto di Regina Armena” di Mario Balassi, seducente connubio di recuperi alloriani ed elementi di fantasia conservato alle Gallerie degli Uffizi (vedi F. Berti, Da ritratto mediceo di Jacopo Ligozzi...

Dutch School, Elegant Couple, Tavern Interior Scene, Cabinet Piece, A PAIR

Portrait Of Miss Jones of Fonman Castle, Wales, circa 1730 by ENOCH SEEMAN (1689-1744) Large 18th century three quarter length portrait of Miss Jones of Fonmon Castle, Wales, oil on canvas by Enoch Seeman. Excellent quality and condition portrait of a young Miss Jones wearing a gold satin dress...

Portrait Of CLAUDE-LOUISE DE LORY (1706-1742), 18th Century French School Large 18th Century French portrait of a lady identified as Claude-Louise De Lory. Excellent quality and c...

Portrait of the Hon. James Thynne (c. 1680-1704), full-length, in the gardens of Longleat House, seated beside a fountain, holding a shell beneath water spouting from a horn blown by a cherub on a dolphin. A glimpse of part of Longleat House can be seen upper left. Oil on canvas in a period giltwood frame, decorated with leaves and acorns. C. 1682. Dimensions: 145 x 123cm (57 x 48in) in frame Provenance: Ex Longleat House, Wiltshire Private collection, Bath James Thynne was the youngest son of Thomas Thynne, 1st Viscount Weymouth and Frances Finch of Longleat House, Wiltshire. He died in his youth and his Aunt, Anne Kingsmill Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661-1720), wrote a moving poem on his death. He was buried in the family vault at Longbridge Deverill, Wiltshire. A mezzotint of this painting by William Faithorne the Younger is held in the Royal Collection. Johann Kerseboom (d.1708) was the nephew of Frederick Kerseboom and first worked in Germany before coming to England in the 1680's where his sitters included the 'Electress Sophia Dorothea' (known from a mezzotint by William Faithorne). His early works were influenced by William Wissing...

Half Length Portrait of Mr. Robertson Sir. Henry Raeburn ( Scottish 1756 - 1823 ) Half Length Portrait of Mr. Robertson 29x 24 Purchased, J Leger & Son,...

Portrait Of Gertrude Durnford, Lady Alston (1731-1807), 18th Century Studio of Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) Large 18th Century English portrait ...

John Riley 1646 – 1691 Portrait of William Chiffinch (c.1602-88) Oil on canvas Image size: 30 x 25 inches Original frame Another version of this can be found in the Dulwich Pictur...

Flemish Mannerism, early 17th century Portrait of the alchemist Morieno Romano (Christian alchemist who lived in the 7th century) Oil on panel 41 x 33 cm - In antique frame 51 x...

Portrait Of A Piedmont Nobleman & Military Officer, House Of Savoy, early 18th century Italian School Fine large 18th Century portrait of a Piedmont ...

Portrait Of A Gentleman & His Estate, 18th Century attributed to Arthur DEVIS (1712-1787) One of a matching pair - the other is believed to be the brother Large 18th century Eng...

Pieter Symonsz Potter Dutch 1600 - 1652 Soldier in an Interior Oil on oak panel, red seal to reverse Image size: 15 x 10 3/4 inches Dutch Ebonised frame Bathed in a well lit roo...

Portrait Of Maria Walpole Duchess of Gloucester & Edinburgh (1736-1805), 18th Century attributed to Richard COSWAY (1742-1821) 18th Century English portrait of Maria Walpole, Duch...

Antique Flemish painting from the 18th century. Framework oil on canvas depicting religious subject Holy family of good pictorial quality. Nice sized and pleasantly decorated framewo...

This fantastic Italian Baroque 17th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Carlo Dolci. Painted circa 1685, the composition is a waist length portrait of...

An Allegory Of Motherhood & Charity, 17th Century Huge Italian Old Master Huge circa 1600 Italian Old Master scene of a mother and infants as an al...

Italian School, 18th century Depicted are the Madonna and Child Jesus, the virgin Mary is holding the Child Jesus lovingly in her arms. The child, lying on a bundle of cloth and with...

Anonymous, 18th century Inspired by a painting by Petrus Staverenus (1610/1612 – 1654-07-28/1664-07-28) from a series of Five Senses 'Taste: A laughing man...

Portrait Of Carlota de Hesse-Kassel, 17th Century Dutch School Large 17th Century Dutch old Master portrait of Carlota de Hesse-Kassel. Exc...

Portrait Of Lady Francklin of Bedfordshire, 17th Century Studio of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) Fine 17th Century English portrait of Lady Fr...

Christian Schildbach was a very talented artist with his own style. Art painter in Plauen, then court painter in Dresden; around 1706 art painter in Vienna, also active in Bamberg (...

Portrait Of Julia Copley, 18th Century circle of Sir William Beechey (1753-1859) Large 18th century English School portrait of Julia Copley in her wedding dress, oil on canvas. Exc...

18th Century European Portrait of a Child Saint John the Baptist Oil on Canvas 19 x 14 1/4 inches This lovely and sensitively painting has been examined by a professional restorer w...

George Knapton 1698-1778 Portrait of a Girl Oil on canvas Image size: 20 x 18 inches Original giltwood frame This beautiful half length portrait  of a young woman, turned to left, gazing at the spectator, wearing a pink, white lace-embroidered, dress, in her hair a pink bonnet trimmed with lace to match her dress. The depiction of a young girl epitomises child portraiture of the late eighteenth century, in which painters such as William Beechey, Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough had begun to discover and express the true character of children, in contrast to the stiff, miniature-adults of previous generations. The Artist Knapton was born in Lymington, one of four sons of James Knapton. He was apprenticed to Jonathan Richardson from 1715 to 1722, and in 1720 was a founding subscriber to the academy of St. Martin's Lane established by Louis Chéron...

Unknown artist Prague School Portrait of Emperor Ferdinand I. (1503-1564) 17th century Oil on copper, 21,3 x 16,8 cm Provenance: Private collection, Pennsylvania, until 2016 This work by an unknown artist is a semi-portrait in predominantly brown-green tones. brown-green tones of the emperor Ferdinand I, who was crowned emperor in 1558. Ferdinand I of the Habsburg dynasty, who was crowned emperor in 1558. in a suit of armour lavishly decorated with gold ornaments. The portrait of Ferdinand...

The Penitent Magdalene, 18th Century Studio of Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (1708-1787) Huge 18th Century Italian Old Master depiction of the Penit...

Signed and dated "N MAE / 1691" (lower right) Oil on canvas A masterful example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, this magnificent oil on canvas comes alive with luminous color, dramatic contrast and extraordinary detail. The work was composed by Nicolaes Maes, an artist widely regarded as the most prominent portrait painter of his era in Amsterdam. Fashionably styled, Portrait of a Noble Lady exemplifies the mature style of Maes, executed with the same artistry and attention to detail he imparted on his most important private commissions. This work by Maes comes from the second half of his career and follows in the rich tradition of the great Flemish Baroque painters Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. Like these artists, Maes excels at not only capturing his subjects with a technical perfection but also their inherent elegance and grace. The sitter is draped in luxurious white and red silks and pearls, underscoring the importance and prosperity of his wealthy clientele. She is placed against a dark backdrop, enabling a striking chiaroscuro effect characteristic of the artist’s portraits. Maes’s immense talent for detail and composition is clearly evident. In both palette and proportion, it embodies the somewhat austere style preferred by the artist, which emphasized a painstaking study of the costumes, hairstyles and accessories of his subjects. Such elaborate and highly detailed costuming in portraiture was a fashionable way to show one's wealth in the 17th century, particularly among the emerging class of wealthy merchants. Similar works by the painter can be found in the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), National Gallery (London), National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and Philadelphia Museum of Art, among others. Nicolaes Maes was born in Dordrecht in 1634 to a prosperous cloth merchant. Around 1848, he moved to Amsterdam to study under Rembrandt for several years before returning to his native Dordrecht, where he established himself as a painter of genre scenes and portraits. In the 1650s, Maes traveled to Antwerp where he studied the work of Flemish artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens...

Provenance: Possibly Antonio Amici Moretti, Rome, 1690 Roy Clyde Gardner, Union, Mississippi, 1970s until 2004; by whom given to: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, 2004-2010 Lit...

Portrait of Arab Man in Turban French artist, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 21 x 16.5 inches Canvas : 18.5 x 14 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: ...

Pedro Nuñez de Villavicendio (Seville, Spain, 1644 - 1700) Title: Portrait of a child Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 41.5 x 33.5 cm - with frame 52 x 43.5 cm 19th century shaped and gilded wooden frame Expertise by Didier Bodart, art historian A Seville painter of noble origins, Pedro Nuñez de Villavicendio (1644-1700), the author of this pretty child portrait, was a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. He was a pupil of Murillo and, as a Knight of the Order of Malta, worked with Mattia Preti...

Portrait Of A Lady In A Lace Cap & Ruff, 17th Century 1640 Dutch School 17th Century Dutch School portrait of a young lady wearing a lace cap and ruff, oil on panel. Excellent qual...

Portrait Of Palatine Matthew III Csák of Trencin (1260-1321) Italian School - Circle of TITIAN Large 16th Century Italian School portrait of a Matthew III Csak Of Trencin, oil on c...

English School, circa 1780’s Circle of George Romney (1734-1802) oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 30 inches canvas: 30 x 25 inches private collectio...

Juan Alfonso Abril (active in the 17th century in Valladolid, Spain) Title: Head of Saint Paul Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 48.5 x 62 ...

The Battle Of The Peasants, 17th Century by M D HOUT (1627-1680) Large 17th Century Dutch Old Master scene of peasants fighting, oil on panel by M ...

PORTRAIT OF COURT MUSICIAN JOSEF LEMBERGER (1667-1740) Hungarian School Large 18th Century Hungarian Portrait of court musician Josef Lemberger, oil on canvas. Superb quality and early important...