18th Century and Earlier Art

The Madonna & Christ Child Italian, 17th century oil on wood panel, unframed board: 9.5 x 7.5 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good and sound condition fo...

"Boats of the Friendly Isles" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by William Hodges (1744-1797), who was the artist who accompanies Captain Cook on his second voyage...

Court Portrait Of A 17th Century Girl, oil on canvas English School Large antique court portrait of a young girl holding berries & flowers, oil on canvas. Excellent quality and con...

Ornamental Flowers in a Classical Still Life Composition Italian School, circa 1780's period oil painting on canvas: 32 x 42 inches antique gilt frame: 38 x 48 inches condition: over...

17th Century Italian School Christ and the Canaanite Woman oil on canvas, framed Framed: 30.5 x 35 inches in an antique gilt 'hollow' fra...

Unidentified Artist 17th-Century Tavern Scene Oil on canvas Framed: 113 x 103 cm Canvas: 96 x 91 cm This 17th-century oil painting captures a lively tavern scene, a popular subject in Dutch and Flemish genre painting of the Golden Age. The composition is rich in character and storytelling, depicting a group of men engaged in a card game, with coins, letters, and drinks scattered across the table. A standing woman, possibly a barmaid or concerned onlooker, leans in, while a man enters from the left, holding his hat and appearing amused by the game. In the foreground, a small child tends to a jug and tankard, adding a touch of humor and domestic realism. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting showcases earthy, warm tones and rich chiaroscuro, emphasizing the candlelit glow of the scene. The artist masterfully captures the textures of fabrics, wood, and metal, giving depth and dimension to the environment. The expressive faces and animated gestures highlight the social interactions typical of Dutch and Flemish tavern paintings...

The Military Encampment Circle of Carel van Falens (1683-1733, Flemish) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 8 x 10.5 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and so...

Circle of Thomas Hudson (1701-1779) British. 18th Century Bust Portrait of a Lady, Oil on Canvas, Inscribed on a label verso, canvas: 30" x 25" (76.2 x 63.5cm). frame: 30 x 25 in...

Oil on Canvas. The scene corresponds to a Stations of the Cross, during which Jesus falls under the weight of the heavy cross, which he carries on his shoulders as he ascends to Golg...

Fighting Dogs French Provincial School, 18th century, unsigned oil on canvas, framed in period antique wooden frame (walnut?) Framed: 26 x 51 inches Canv...

This large framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi entitled "Veduta del Mausoleo d'Elio Adriana ora chiamato Castello S. Angelo nella parte opposta alla Facciata de...

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...

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...

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

Bretherton, James (After Rembrandt van Rijn). Christ and the Woman of Samaria Among Ruins. London: c 1775. Etching on light cream laid paper, 4 3/4...

A fine, large 18th century veduta capriccio scene with temple ruins after Gennaro Greco from the circle of Pietro Cappelli. The painting is presented in a more modern carved gilt woo...

The Resurrection of Lazarus Flemish Old Master, 17th century (unsigned as is typical for the period) oil on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 38 inches canvas: 19 x 27 inches Provenance: ...

John Michael Wright (London, 1617 – London, 1694) Portrait of a gentleman in ceremonial dress Oil on canvas 127 x 94 cm. In a gilded frame 140 x 106 cm. This charming port...

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...

Work on canvas

Attributed to Francis Swaine (British, 1725–1782) Naval Engagement at Sea, 18th century Oil on panel In this evocative seascape, a cluster of ships—flags raised, cannons fired—conve...

The Trial of Christ Dutch Old Master, 17th century oil on panel, unframed panel: 11 x 7.5 inches provenance: private collection, England, Christies auction stencil marks verso condi...

Watercolor and ink French town buildings over a River by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original watercolor and ink on card image size: 7.5 x 6 inches card overall: 9.4 x 8....

Alessandro Maffei, After Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, Italian - Portrait of Marie Gabrielle de Gramont, Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed lower right, Size: 39.25 x 27.25 in. (99.7 ...

Ciro Ferri (Rome, 1634 – Rome, 1689) Attributed to Annunciation (probably a preparatory sketch) Oil on canvas 61 x 41 cm - In frame 79 x 49 cm The work, certainly commission...

Antique Birds - 17th Century Hand Watercolored Etching Antique Birds, from a collection of the Most Rare Birds Drawn and Engraved From Life, A Natural and Rational History of the Di...

Anton Raphael Mengs (Aussig, 1728 - Rome, 1779) Workshop Portrait of a young girl with a book Oil on canvas 64 x 49 cm - Framed 77 x 63 cm , Unsigned The work, depicting a cha...

St. Francis of Assisi Italian School, circa 1500 oil paint on copper, unframed copper: 6.75 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, Loire Valley, France condition: for a work tha...

A man leads a donkey and a dog along a track in this attractive landscape scene. Well presented in a distressed gilt-effect frame. Unsigned. Framer's label to verso. On canvas on str...

Tobias & The Angel Flemish Baroque Old Master, circa 1600 circle of Paul Brill (Flemish 1554-1626) oil painting on canvas, 43.5 x 59.25 inches condition: very good, restored and read...

Seventeenth Century Old Master Biblical themed Oil Painting on Panel of Joseph recounting his Dream. A Follower of Rembrandt Harmensz Van Rijn 1606 - 1669. This painting follows a ...

Emperor Jahangir in his harem surrounded by lotus blossoms; symbols of paradise itself. Circa 1690. Gouache and ink with gold heightening on cream laid paper, 8 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches (...

Netherlandish School XVIII Century Monogrammed Old Master Oil Painting An intriguing oil painting of early extraction depicting the crucifixion at Calvary outside Jerusalem. I am s...

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...

A Rare and Significant Discovery. We are pleased to offer this newly discovered vanitas still life by the enigmatic German artist Johann Andreas von Düwens (?-1716). Titled "Vanitas...

A charming watercolor Baroque architectural study. Unsigned. Presented in a gilt frame and wash line mount. On Laid paper.

Francesco Zuccarelli (Pitigliano 1702 - Florence 1788), circle of Landscape with river and resting shepherds First half of the 18th century   oil painting on canvas cm. 60 x 93, wit...

The Tax Collectors Italian School, early 18th century oil on copper panel, framed framed: 14 x 11.5 inches copper panel : 11.5 x 9 inches provenance: private collection, UK conditio...

An important & large Italian Baroque period oil painting on panel attributed to Daniele Crespi (1598-1630), "The Entombment of Christ", Milan circa 1620. See artist biography below. ...

The Madonna, Christ Child and St. John Italian School, 18th century oil on wood, framed in period gilt antique frame framed: 16 x 14.5 inches wood: 9 x 6.5 inches provenance: private...

Saint Michael the Archangel Victorious Roman painter, 17th-18th century Oil on canvas 112 x 74 cm In frame 128 x 91 cm This interesting Saint Michael the Archangel subduing ...

European Painter (17th-18th century) - The Flood of Deucalion and Pyrrha. 63 x 135 cm unframed, 72 x 143.5 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on panel, in an integrated wooden fra...

'Mary with Jesus and St. John the Baptist', 17th Century Milanese School Oil ----- A late 17th century, devotional oil showing the Virgin Mary with Jesus and St. John the Baptist. ...

French school early 18th Century Portrait of a cleric, oil on canvas 68 x 54 cm, oval I recently had this painting cleaned and restored by a professional restorer. It is in good co...

Hiroshi Sugimoto The Necklace of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's Third Wife, 2000 Limited Edition Signed pendant of silver-plated brass, imitation pearls, Swarovski glass stones, handmade...

"View of A Morai or Burial Place of Atooi, One of the Sandwich Islands (Kauai, Hawaii)" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by John Webber (1751-1793), who was the a...

Giacomo Ceruti, known as Il Pitocchetto (1698-1767) – “Turnip” Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 204 x 124 cm (unframed) Provenance: Private collection This remarkable painting, “T...

Portrait Of Eitel Friedrich II, Count of Hohenzollern (1452-1512), 16th Century German School Court Portrait Large 16th Century German Old Master portrait identified as Eitel Frede...

This large early 18th-century full-length portrait depicts a seated young lady before a classical column and distant country house. It was formerly in the collection of Dalham Hall i...

A charming 18th-century engraving depicting the religious scene of Rebecca at The Well. Inscribed in plate. Presented in a gilt frame. On paper.

Heinrich Vogtherr, alias Heinricus Satrapitanus, alias "The Master H.S with the Cross" (attributed to), Adoration of the Magi, 1518, oil on wood panel painted on both sides, 110 x 82...

Florentine painter, 16th-17th century Saint John the Baptist Oil on canvas 67 x 56 cm - In frame 98 x 83 cm In bringing out the sculptural figure of this young Saint John the...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving entitled "Ptarmica Vulgaris (Sneezewort), Papaver Spinosum (Mexican Poppy), Chrysocame Peregrina (Seaside Strawflower)", depicting flowering Sneezewort, Mexican Poppy and Seaside Strawberry plants respectively from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thin laid chain-linked paper. The left margin is thinner than the others and the left edge is somewhat irregular where the engraving was previously bound in the original publication. The print is otherwise in excellent condition with striking hand-coloring. The sheet measures 20" high and 16.38" wide. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...

'George II' Copper-line engraving by Pierre Francois Basan (1723-1797) after Founan. Basan (1723-1797) was a French engraver and publisher. George II (1683-1760) was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Leneburg (Hanover) and Archtreasurer and Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire from 11 June 1727 until his death. He was the last British monarch to have been born outside Great Britain, and was famous for his numerous conflicts with his father and, subsequently, with his son. As king, he exercised little control over policy in his early reign, the government instead being controlled by Great Britain's de facto first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole...

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...

The Tooth-Puller is a superb original oil painting on canvas, realized by an anonymous artist, a follower of Caravaggio, in the first half of the X...

Antonio Bellucci (Venice 1654 - Soligo 1726) - Diana and Endymion. 122 x 152 cm unframed, 142 x 172 cm framed. Oil on canvas, in a carved and lacque...

Portrait of Barbara Herbert, Countess of Pembroke c.1708 Charles d’Agar (1669-1723) This magnificent large-scale portrait, presented by Titan Fine Art, depicts the British court of...

Isaac van Duynen was a 17th century painter, specialized in fish still lifes. Born in Dordrecht, he settled in The Hague around 1650. We know from 17th century sources that his paint...

Orpheus is an original artwork realized in the first decades of the XVII century and attributed to the Italian master Tommaso Salini. Oil painting on canvas. A golden wood frame is...