Old Masters Paintings

This previously unpublished painting was first securely attributed to Govert Dircksz Camphuysen in 1944, following an examination at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm during which the ...

Follower of Jacob Savery (1566-1603) Concert of Birds 18th-century oil on panel no signature unframed: 42 × 44 cm (16.5 × 17.3 in) framed: 53 × 54 ...

A fine oil painting on canvas depicting a Portrait of what i believe to be 2 Grand Griffon Vendéen Hunting Dogs. pairs of Grand Griffon Vendéen hunting dogs, as well as single portr...

Attributed to Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691) An Equestrian Portrait of Cornelis (1639–1680) and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort (1638–1653) with Their Tutor and Coachman Signed 'A. Cuyp. fe...

Figures in an Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century follower of Claude Lorrain (French 1600-1682) oil painting on canvas: 28 x 36 inches framed: 39.5 by 47 inches presented...

Harbor Scene Circle of Claude Joseph Vernet (French, 1714-1789) oil painting on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 20.5 x 25.5 canvas: 19 x 23.5 inches condition: very good...

Portrait of a woman with red jacket trimmed with fur and braid German School, late 18th - early 19th century Oil on canvas, 64 × 48 cm Gilded wooden frame, not original Dressed in a...

A rare and most attractive still life by William Jones of Bath. The sumptuous textures of the peaches, grapes and strawberries contrasting with the dark background. A really handsome...

French School 17th Century, Portrait of a young man, oil on canvas 45 x 32 cm of course the work is unsigned, which is normal for this type of work. But even if it remains anonymou...

The Jewish Bridge antique Dutch School, after the 1660's oil painting by Rembrandt (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam) oil painting on canvas, framed in its antique gilt frame with ornate mould...

18th century Architectural Capriccio's of Roman temples with hunters This pair of paintings portrays hunters gathered before the imposing remnants of Roman temple ruins, each canvas...

George Smith of Chichester (Chichester 1714-1776) Landscape with figures resting by a river; River landscape with figures outside a thatched cottag...

Madonna and Christ Child French Old Master, 17th century circle of Simon Vouet (French 1590-164 oil on copper, unframed Copper : 9 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection, Lyon, Fr...

Bouquet of Flowers French School, early 1700's period, unsigned oil painting on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 37 x 54.4 inches canvas: 30 x 47 inches Provenance: priva...

This compelling portrait, recently studied by Stéphane Pinta of the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris, has been confidently attributed to the Austrian painter Matthäus (Matthias) Lod...

Classical Landscape oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 37 inches canvas : 19 x 27 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: the frame is exceptionally fragile and vulnerab...

Elegant Floral Still Life Flemish School, 19th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 33 x 25 inches Canvas: 28 x 20 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: very go...

A Superb pair of oval portraits with full provenance .Portrait of John Wood Esq of Hollin Hall, Yorkshire; Portrait of Francis Wood. Circa 1710. Oils on canvas:29 x 24 in. Frame: 37...

This historic mid-16th-century, half-length, South German School oil on panel depicts a gentleman wearing a fur-trimmed coat and black cap, while holding a small glass and, what appe...

A highly important Flemish Old Master oil painting by Peter Van Lint (1609-1690), titled "Preparing for the Hunt", the painting is dated & signed by the artist, 1620. The painting wa...

Travellers in Landscape Flemish Old Master, 18th century oil on on canvas, unframed canvas : 29 x 39 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condition For...

The Fortified Harbour French School, circa 1700's oil on canvas, framed in antique carved gilt wood frame Framed: 21.5 x 28.5 inches Canvas : 15 x 22 inches Provenance: private colle...

The Madonna and Christ Child English School, 19th century after the earlier painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck oil on canvas, framed in fine elaborate gilt frame. Framed: 49 x 39.5 in...

This finely executed oil painting, attributed to the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, captures the contemplative expression of an elderly man, his gaze lowered in quiet re...

Madonna and Child English Old Master, c. 1800 oil on canvas, unframed (relined canvas) Canvas: 14.5 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition De...

Johann Georg de Hamilton (1672-1737) A saddled officer's Arabian horse with a hound and gun, in a landscape Oil on canvas Canvas size - 21 x 23 in Framed size - 27 x 29 in Provenanc...

The Flagellation of Christ Italian, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 15 x 14 inches Canvas : 12 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good conditio...

Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767-1849) An Arabian stallion in a wooded landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size 12 x 14 in Framed Size 21 x 22 in Provenance Believed to have passed by descen...

This superb large British Old Master oil painting is attributed to John Inigo Richards. Painted circa 1770 the composition is a view from before the water's edge across a lake to cas...

The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...

The Nativity Dutch Old Master, early 1700's period oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 27.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound condition, some scuf...

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 ...

The Annunciation Florentine painter, 17th/18th century Follower of Alessandro Allori (Florence, 1535 – Florence, 1607) Oil on canvas 45 x 58 cm  - Framed 55 x 68 cm A sp...

David Morier (c.1705–1770 London) An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier (1680–1770) Oil on canvas Canvas size - 40 x 50 in Framed size - 48 ...

Large 17th Century Italian Old Master, The Garden - Noli me tangere, Pier Francesco Cittadini (attr.) Description In the stillness of a garden in bloom, Noli me tangere captures a p...

The Young Shepherd English School, 18th century circle of Sir Joshua Reynolds oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 30 x 25 inches Provenance: Private collection Condition: very good condi...

Scipione Pulzone, called Il Gaetano (Gaeta 1544 - Rome 1598) Holy Family with the Young St John The Baptist and St Elizabeth Oil on canvas A Royal Coat of Arms lower left Canvas size...

Unknown French Art and Workshop, Middle 15th century Roundel depicting St. Catherine (?) Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum Book of Hours folio attributed to the C...

Peter Monamy (London 1681-1749) Colliers lying in the Thames at Deptford and unloading their cargoes for the London market signed 'P: Monamy: Pinx' lower left Oil on canvas Canvas Si...

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...

King Charles I British artist, early 20th century signed with initials oil on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 29 inches canvas: 32 x 26 inches provenance: p...

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...

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...

After Hendrick MOMMERS (1623-1693) Haarlem Vegetable Market c1750 An early copy c1750, of an entertaining Dutch vegetable market scene in an Italianate landscape. The original was p...

This striking devotional image, painted by a follower of Jan Gossaert, represents one of the most influential compositions of the Northern Renaissance: Christ on the Cold Stone, or C...

Artist/ School: Italian Old Master, 18th century Title: Angel and Saints appearing to figures, one dressed in a white ruff collar. Medium: oil on canvas...

Portrait of a Gentleman French School, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 25 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: the painting is in sound conditi...

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

Pastoral Landscape Dutch Old Master, 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 12 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: good a...

James Seymour (1702-1752) & Thomas Spencer (1700-1753) An elegant lady and gentleman hare coursing in an extensive landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 33 x 50 in Framed Size - 41 x...

The Winter Landscape Dutch School, 19th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 22 x 28 inches canvas: 16.5 x 23 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...

The Arcadian Landscape Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 32 x 40 inches condition: excellent condition for its age, fully restored. provenance: from a private collection in Paris, France. Large scale classical 18th century Italian Old Master...

John Nost Sartorius (London 1759-1828) A Huntsman with Dogs and Pony Signed 'JN Sartorius pin.' lower right Oil on canvas Canvas Size 26 3/4 x 37 in Framed Size - 31 x 41 in John No...

Artist/ School: French School, 19th century Title: Classical Landscape with figures amongst ancient ruins. Medium: oil painting on canvas, unframed. canvas: 24.5 x 36 inches P...

'Providenza' 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 inche...

Hyacinthe Rigaud (Perpignan 1659 - Paris 1743) School of Portrait of a gentleman in armour: Joseph Jean Raymond de Lasbordes, Officer of the “Régiment des Landes” (infantry regime...

17th century French School circle of Nicolas Poussin (French 1594-1665) "Figures in Arcadia" oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: very good and sound condition Nicolas Poussin was a renowned French painter of the 17th century. He is considered one of the greatest figures of classical French Baroque art...

French painter of the late 18th-early 19th century Leda and the Swan (Literary source: Metamorphoses by Ovid, Book VI) Oil on canvas 95 x 126 cm Framed 109 x 142 cm This c...

Shipping in Calm Waters Dutch School, 18th century oil painting on wood panel panel: 10 x 12.75 inches framed: 14 x 17 inches condition: very good, minor evidenc...

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...