Old Masters Paintings

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

Portrait of a Country Gentleman English School, circa 1800 oil on canvas, unframed *see below painting: 30 x 25 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound c...

Portrait of a Noble Lady European School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 37.5 inches canvas: 30 x 24.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good ...

Antichità Castelbarco SRLS is proud to present: Paolo Caliari known as Veronese (Verona 1528 - Venice 1588) Workshop/cercle Idyll between Venus and Adonis with Cupid Oil on canvas ...

Venetian painter (19th century) - Padua, Porta Liviana. 37.5 x 48.5 cm without frame, 50.5 x 60 cm with frame. Oil on canvas, in a carved wooden frame. Condition report: Good stat...

Antichità Castelbarco SRLS is proud to present: Painter active in Rome late 16th - early 17th century Andromeda and the monster Oil on canvas 137 x 102 cm. - In frame 152 x 118 cm. The subject of the painting, derived from Ovid's Metamorphoses, is inspired by the myth of the princess Andromeda, daughter of the King of Ethiopia Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. The heroine's misfortune was to have a mother who praised her beauty as superior even to that of the Nereids, the sea nymphs daughters of the god Poseidon. According to mythology, the girl was therefore chained to a cliff and offered as a sacrifice to the terrible monster sent to appease the wrath of the nymphs, offended by Cassiopeia's unforgivable pride. Consider that the depiction of this myth, and in particular its climax with Andromeda offered to the monster, had great fortune in Roman Baroque painting...

This lovely 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of noted portrait artist Enoch Seeman. Seeman came from Poland to England as a youngster with hi...

This superb Dutch 18th century Old Master floral oil painting is ascribed verso to noted female artist Margaretha Haverman, only pupil of Jan van Huysum and has excellent provenance....

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...

An original oil on canvas which is attributed verso to Isaac Mucheron with figure by Vandveldt. The scene depicts a nude in an Arcadia classical landscape with ruins. Fresh colour an...

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

A superb British Old Master oil painting which is attributed to circle of William Hogarth and was painted circa 1760. This fine oil painting is in good clean condition and depicts a ...

This lovely Dutch Old Master oil painting is attributed to artist Pieter Wouwerman. Painted circa 1660 it is figurative landscape with horseback travellers and their dogs in the foreground approaching ruins on their left. Beyond is a river snakes through the landscape, beneath the fading light of approaching dusk. There are some superb details making this an excellent Dutch Golden Age oil painting...

Sebastiano Savorelli (Forlì 1667 - Bologna 1722) Attributable to The Infant Jesus with the Cross Oil on canvas 65 x 48 cm. - with frame 81 x 64 c...

This superb 18th century Old Master floral still life oil painting is attributed to Flemish artist Pieter Casteels III. Painted circa 1730 it is a garland or swag of flowers, somethi...

This charming British early 19th century portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Sir William Etty and is masterfully portrayed with beautiful pre Impressionist impasto. Pain...

The Crucifixion of Christ with the Virgin, Mary Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist, attributable to Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (Florence, 1660 - 1731) Technique/dimensions: oil on canvas (106 x 79 - in frame 118 x 90 cm.) This work, of excellent quality, depicting the intense scene of the Crucifixion of Christ, is set in a nocturnal atmosphere dense with pathos but refined, with a dark background irradiated by a few glimpses of sunset light. The composition is articulated according to a canonical compositional scheme, with the dying Jesus seated on the cross, while at his bedside are the three key figures of the epilogue of his earthly life in an attitude of prayer, namely his Mother, Mary Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist. The Virgin, standing on the left, prays with folded hands, while Mary Magdalene, beautiful, is at the foot of the cross, kneeling with the ampoule of perfumed ointments; finally, the Apostle John, gazes at the Lord and prays for him. The luminosity, which envelops the characters in a skilful chiaroscuro, as well as the use of intense colour, capable of constructing a scene full of energy, are elements of clear Venetian ancestry. The setting is traversed by an intense glow, dominated by an evocative sunset sky, which irradiates the characters, emphasising a particularly vivid colour range. Observing the work and entering into its attributive collocation, the particular features link its origin to the most felicitous production of the late Tuscan Baroque; in particular, the stylistic and pictorial traits allow us to liken it to the hand of Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (1660-1731), one of the most intriguing and charismatic artistic figures in the Tuscan artistic pantheon of the 17th century. The style shows the painter's peculiar effects of light and Venetian chromaticism, influenced by the examples of Luca Giordano, Giuseppe Maria Crespi...

Giovanni Battista Cipriani, RA, Italian 1727-1785 Sketch of a mother with three children; black and red chalk on laid paper with watermark '© TAYLOR', 22.4 x 17.5 cm. Provenanc...

This superb trompe l'oeil painting is in the circle and quality of the Antwerp Jesuit master Daniel Seghers. Painted circa 1650, the central cartouche, most probably the work of ano...

Follower of Enoch Seeman the Younger German, (1694-1744) Portrait of Gilbert Sympkin Oil on canvas Image size: 29.25 inches x 24.5 inches Size including frame: 38 inches x 33.25 inches A fine three quarter length portrait of a gentleman traditionally identified as Gilbert Simpkin (Sympkin), follower of Enoch Seeman the younger, C1720. The portrait is set in a feigned sculptured oval cartouche, a device used to give a sense of depth. The sitter is depicted wearing a fashionable blue jacket and matching waistcoat with a white chemise and lace jabot. He wears a powdered wig in the fashionable style of the day and is posed holding his hat under his left arm with the fingers of his right hand stretched out. At court, long fingers signified wealth, culture and intelligence. The painting has clearly been executed by an artist of great ability who has been influenced by Enoch Seeman the younger. Gilbert Simpkin (Sympkin) was born in London on 24 August 1683, the son of John Simpkin and Susannah Butler. His grandfather was also called Gilbert Simpkin. He entered Oxford University in 1700 where he studied at St John’s College. In 1702, he became a student of Middle Temple, which at the time was one of the world’s most important centres of legal education. He later settled in Plymouth and then Bristol. He died in Bristol on 15 May, 1744 and was buried at Bristol Cathedral. He remained unmarried and the portrait may well have been commissioned to commemorate when he was first Called to the Bar or perhaps had established his own practice. Enoch Seeman or Seemann the younger was born in Danzig, Germany now Gdansk, Poland in 1694. His father was Enoch Seeman Senior, an artist of Flemish origin and his brothers Isaac, Noah and Abraham also became artists. He came to London with his father and brothers around 1704 and established himself as a portrait artist. From 1717 he became painter to the Royal court painting...

Gerard ter Borch The Cards Game Oil on canvas 14 x 15.5 inches unframed 19 3/4 x 21 1/2 inches framed Gerard ter Borch (Dutch; December 1617 – 8 December 1681), also known as Gerard Terburg, was an influential and pioneering Dutch genre painter who lived in the Dutch Golden Age. He influenced fellow Dutch painters Gabriel Metsu...

A delicate oil on canvas landscape capriccio of an Arcadian landscape with figures and sheep and goats in the foreground. A stormy sky and blasted tree populate the landscape and the...

A fantastic British oil painting which is unsigned and is circle of Thomas Lawrence. It depicts a portrait of a lady and dates to circa 1820. This is a super portrait painting which ...

Portrait of a Gentleman English School, late 18th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 23.5 inches canvas: 26 x 19.5 inches provenance: private collection, England condition: ...

Lombard School of the 17th century St. Joseph with Flower Stick Oil on oval canvas 92 x 70 cm. In antique frame 106 x 85 cm. The work shows us an intense image of St. Joseph, portr...

Colonial School, Mexico, XVIII Century "San Francisco Javier" Oil on canvas 18 x 14 in.

A fine Dutch still life Old Master by Leendert de Laeff which is signed and dated 1664. This oil on canvas on panel depicts a still life of fruit with insects and butterflies. A supe...

The Hunting Party Attributed to Dirk Maes (1659-1717) Dutch. Figures in a Classical Landscape, Watercolour and wash on paper, Mounted, unframed image 6.75" x 9.75" (17.1 x 24.7cm)...

Antichità Castelbarco SRLS is proud to present: Claudio Ridolfi (Verona, c. 1570 - Corinaldo, 1644) Workshop/circle The Guardian Angel in Glory Oil on canvas 124 x 84 cm. - With fr...

This stunning French 17th century Old Master oil painting is by Baroque artist Laurent de la Hyre. It was painted circa 1645 and has excellent provenance from Christie's. The painti...

Abraham Begeyn, Dutch Golden Age painter and Prussian court painter painted this wonderful 17th century Old Master oil painting. Painted circa 1690 and signed lower right, the subjec...

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

This stunning Old Master 18th century portrait oil painting has previously been attributed to Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Indeed the sitter, Helena Fourment or Hélène Fourment (11 April 1614 – 15 July 1673) was the second wife of Baroque painter Rubens...

Belgium, 1805 – 1860 Victor-Jules Génissson was born in Sint-Omer (Belgium) on February 24, 1805. He was the son of Jules and Julie Paulmier. And married Reine Marie Van Bree in 183...

Jacob Ochtervelt (Workshop) The Grape Seller oil on canvas unframed: 80.7 x 61 cm.; 31 ¾ x 24 in. framed: 109.5 x 89 cm.; 43 1/8 x 35 in. Essay: This captivating piece, originating from the studio of the revered Dutch artist Jacob Ochtervelt, mirrors the composition of a signed and dated 1669 canvas by Ochtervelt that is presently housed in the Hermitage museum. Its subject, "The Grape Seller" immerses us in a typical 17th-century interior, replete with characters from various strata of society. At the center, a fruit vendor is depicted bending over to weigh grapes for the buyer. A child hands some of the grapes to her mother to taste, their attentive maid standing by. The backdrop showcases typical Ochtervelt details: a hint of the city visible through the doorway, light filtering in through an overhead window, and a playful dog at their side. The exquisite quality of the piece is evident in the minutiae, such as the intricate detailing of the mother's earring, which in reality spans only a few millimeters yet boasts impressive attention to detail. Initially, Sotheby's considered this work to be an autograph piece by Ochtervelt. But due to some uncertainty, it was auctioned as Workshop of Jacob Ochtervelt. On the other hand, the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris leans toward attributing the piece directly to Jacob Ochtervelt himself. The painting is framed in an authentic period frame, which has been delicately restored by Stockholm's Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri. The frame retains its age-old patina and, while in used condition, has minor imperfections adding to its charm. Another interesting thing worth to mention is the painting's provenance. It was once owned by the 1st Viscount Rothermere (1868-1940), the founder of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror...

Classical Still Life of Flowers by Robert Dumont-Smith, British 1908-1994 signed oil on copper, framed inscribed verso framed: 9 x 11 inches board: 6.5 x 8.25 inches provenance: priv...

José de Páez (1727-1790) Colonial Mexican painting from the 18th century. Conserved in excellent condition. "La Sagrada Familia" Oil on Copper 8 x 12 in ...

Anonymous Artist "La Anunciación" from the 18th Century. Oil on Copper 21.5 x 15.7 inches Perfect Condition It represents the moment when Mary accepts the divine designs transmitted by the archangel Saint...

GEORGE WRIGHT Plough Team horses and a Dog in a Landscape, oil on canvas A fine painting from the renowned equine artist George Wright. This oil on canvas depicts the 2 horse plough ...

Mystery Artist Untitled (Young Prince), c. 1800-1900 Oil on canvas 16 x 13 in. Framed: 23 x 19 1/2 x 2 in.

"Friendship" is a visually captivating artwork that immediately evokes a sense of warmth and connection. The piece is created using oil and acrylic on canvas and portrays two figures...

JOHN HOPPNER R.A. (British, 1758–1810), "Countess Margaret Spencer," oil on canvas, canvas (relined): 36" x 28", overall (framed): 35" x 43". John Hoppner, R.A. plaque mounted cente...

This simply stunning German 18th century Old Master oil painting is by noted artist C.L. Braun, signed lower right on the table edge. It was painted circa 1780 and has the look of a...

This lovely Italian Old Master portrait oil painting is by Domenico Maria Sani. Painted circa 1732 the sitter is of Maria Anna Vittoria (1718 - 1788), daughter of Philip V and Elisabetta Farnese, who in 1729 married Joseph prince of Brazil and king of Portugal...

The Close of Day Italian School, early 18th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 17 x 22.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition

Dutch/ Flemish School, early 1800's oil on canvas, framed framed: 19 x 24 inches canvas: 13.5 x 18.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: good and sound condition...

Portrait depicting a Jesuit Priest, Possibly St Ignatius, from a collector of medieval and gothic art. This portrait's estimated date is between 1580 and 1...

Italian painter (early 19th century) - Mater Dolorosa. 37 x 33 cm without frame, 53 x 48 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on canvas, in an ancient carved and gilded wooden frame...

This charming British 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to noted portrait artist Thomas Hudson. Hudson was most prolific between 1740 and 1760 and, from 174...

This charming 17th century Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Swedish born Michael Dahl who lived and work in England for most of his life. Painted circa...

This lovely painting is a British Old Master late 18th century or early 19th-century oil painting by Thomas Barker of Bath. It is stylistically very similar to his other works of the...

This fine French Old Master portrait oil painting on canvas dates to circa 1770 and is attributed to the circle of Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun. The sitter is Madam van Robais. The van R...

Landscape in Holland (titled verso) Dutch School, 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 42 inches canvas: 24 x 36 inches provenance: private collection, Eng...

This simply superb British 18th century landscape portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Constable. Painted circa 1800 it is a fine expansive landscape. There is a shep...

Joy of Twins Mother is an original painting by the late Prince Twins Seven-Seven. About the Artist Twins Seven-Seven was born Taiwo Olaniyi Oyewale Aitoyeje in Ogidi Ikumu, Nigeria,...

Antichità Castelbarco SRLS is proud to present: Antonio Tempesta (Florence 1555 - Rome 1630) Battle scene with castle in the background Oil on canvas 81 x 130 cm Framed 99 x 130 E...

Figurative Sketches Italian School, mid 18th century circle of Pompeo Batoni (1707-1787) charcoal and pencil, heightened with white chalk, unframed...

Circle of Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 - Bologna 1642) - Cupid. 73.5 x 60cm. Antique oil painting on canvas, without frame. - The painting is taken from an original by Guido Reni (Bol...