18th Century and Earlier Art

Artist/ School: 17th Century Italian School Title: The Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed Size: canvas: 21” x 16” (53.3 x 40.8cm) Pro...

'Henley-bridge, Oxon' Aquatint published by Samuel Ireland. From his 'Picturesque Views on the River Thames'. Ireland was an author and engraver who published several series of aqua...

(MADE TO ORDER) (Sabbath, Kiddush, Ceremonial Vessel) *Lead Time may vary between 1-3 weeks Melanie Sherman "Yunomi" Year: 2021 Porcelain, Glaze, ChinaPaint, 24k German Gold Luster,...

‘Florals with Urn’ is in a classical Dutch style that dates to the 17th century. The canvas alone is 50” high by 30” wide; good-sized vertical painting, The bright flowers drape the...

Italian School, circa 1700's Classical figures in landscape oil on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 32 inches canvas: 30 x 25 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...

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...

Title: The Italian City Artist/ School: English/ Italian School, late 18th century; a Grand Tour work. Medium: pencil drawing. Size: 6.75 x 9.75 inches Provenance: from a priva...

"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...

This large framed 18th century etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi entitled "Veduta dell'interno dell'Anfiteatro Flavio detto il Colosseo" (View of the interior of the Flavian Amph...

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...

Artist/ School: Italian School, 17th century. Title: A King and Queen before court figures, amidst a classical landscape with Roman columns. Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed ...

Attributed to Ludolf Backhuysen Dutch Coastal Vessels and a Merchantman Off a Harbour Mouth Oil on canvas Canvas Size 22 1/4 x 30 in Framed Size 29 x...

Portrait of Thomas Collard (rector of Withycombe, Somerset 1670-1691) the city depicted in the distance is thought to be Antwerp. the portrait historically has been thought to be fr...

This is a second state impression from three states.

French school of the second half of the 18th century Oil on canvas 46 x 38 cm (57 x 49 cm with the frame) Very beautiful frame in gilded wood from the Louix XVI period with decoratio...

Military Camp Scene and Battle. Pietro Graziani (XVII/XVIII century), entourage. A pair ( two) of small paintings. Antique XIX century frames in gilt wood.  In good condition. Oi...

This painting depicts a pastoral scene that is attributed to the artist Jan Frans Soolmaker, an artist known for his Italianate landscapes and scenes that often feature equestrian and Arcadian elements. The painting is not signed but is attributed to Soolmaker, relating it to a known signed work by the artist that was sold at Sotheby’s London in 1999. The scene is suffused with the warm glow of a setting or rising sun, casting a soft light that is characteristic of Soolmaker’s landscapes. It shows a shepherd guiding a group of cattle across a shallow stream, with the animals taking center stage in the composition. The animals are rendered with careful attention to their forms and the play of light on their bodies, which is a hallmark of Soolmaker's work. The landscape is composed of a rocky terrain with trees and shrubbery, creating a sense of depth and natural beauty that invites the viewer to explore the scene further. The background suggests a vast, open landscape with distant mountains, which adds to the Italianate feel of the painting. The sky is dramatic, with clouds catching the light of the sun, contributing to the overall serene yet dynamic atmosphere of the work. The provenance of the painting is notable, having been in the possession of significant historical figures such as Swedish Prince Fredrik Adolf, and later The collection of Pär Ulmgren, The collection of Gösta Stenman, and Engineer and politician Gustaf Henry Hansson. Potential buyers have the option of choosing between a newly made gold frame or an older brown frame, which allows for personalization in how the work is presented. Soolmaker’s work is often compared to that of Dutch painter Nicolaes Berchem, whose style he emulated. Soolmaker's landscapes reflect a similar sensitivity to light and composition, making his works sought after for their beauty and historical significance. Despite the smaller body of work left by Soolmaker, due to his short career, his paintings are valued for their craftsmanship and the legacy of the artist’s brief but impactful contribution to the Dutch Italianate landscape genre. Information: Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685) Shepherd with Sheep...

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...

Johann Rudolf Feyerabend, called Lelong (1749-1814) – Still Life Medium: Reverse painting on glass Dimensions: 16 x 23 cm Signature: Lower right corner Provenance: Private collection...

Antique Chinese Four-Panel Lacquer Screen with Scenic Landscape Description: This exquisite antique Chinese four-panel lacquer screen is a remarkable example of traditional craftsma...

Appearance is a black and white etching on cream-colored paper, realized by Charles-Nicolas Cochin the Elder (1688-1754) in 1750s. Good condition.

View of St. Mark Square is an original old master artwork realized in the late 18th century by artist of the School of Giovanni Antonio Canal (C...

Portrait of a Noble Lady French School, early 1700's period oil painting on copper, unframed copper: 5 x 3 inches condition: very good, minor paint fading and deteriation. provenanc...

A Man of Mangea is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (1752-1793) was the official a...

An important 18th century Italian Old Master tempera on copper panel Baroque painting, "The Road to Emmaus", circa 1700. The painting represents the early resurrection biblical story...

Singer in the Role of Chained Andromeda, Possibly from Persée by Lully (1682) Marie Aubry (c. 1650 – after 1684), renowned soprano of the Académie Royale de Musique and the original...

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...

Old Master, French School red chalk drawing on paper is not signed . Done in Sanguine on paper the nude appear like Hercule . The feel and look of the works while academic studies a...

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....

This 15th century bishop - sculpted ca AD1460 - has a smile on his lips and a benevolent presence. He is also something of an Adonis - one tends to forget that in the medieval churc...

Florentine School, early 16th century Studies of the Galli Statue and of an Ignudo Pen and brown ink on laid paper 19.1 × 13 cm Executed c. 1510–1520 Unsigned This remarkable doub...

The four plates in this "Four Times of the Day" set were created utilizing both engraving and etching techniques by William Hogarth in 1738. Hogarth's original copper plates were refurbished where needed by James Heath and these engravings were republished in London in 1822 by Braddock, Cradock & Joy. This was the last time Hogarth's original copper plates were used for printing. Most were melted down during World War I for the construction of bombs. Printed upon early nineteenth century wove paper and with large, full margins as published by William Heath in 1822. The inscription below each print reads "Invented Painted & Engraved by Wm. Hogarth & Publish'd March 25. 1738 according to Act of Parliament". These large folio sized "Four Times of the Day" engravings/etchings are presented in complex gold-colored wood frames with black bands and scalloped gold inner trim. A majority of each thick impressive frame is covered with glass applied near the outer edge. Each frame measures 25.75" high, 22.25" wide and 1.88" deep. There are a few small dents in the edge of these frames, which are otherwise in very good condition. "Morning" has two focal areas of discoloration in the upper margin and some discoloration in the right margin, a short tear in the left margin and a short tear or crease in the right margin. "Noon" has a spot in the upper margin that extends into the upper image, but it is otherwise in very good condition. "Evening" has a faint spot in the upper margin, but it is otherwise in very good condition. "Night" is in excellent condition. The "Four Times of the Day" series is in the collection of many major museums, including: The British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Tate Museum, The Chicago Art Institute and The Victoria and Albert Museum. Through this series Hogarth is portraying early 18th century London street life at "Four Times of the Day". His characters are exhibiting their personalities, quircks, strange activities, but he also wants to draw attention the disparities between the wealthy aristocracy and the common working class. Plate 1, "Morning" depicts morning in Covent Garden in the winter in front of Tom King...

An impression from the 1st edition published in 1799, the only edition published during Goya's lifetime. References: Los Caprichos Plate 15; Delteil 52; Harris 50 III.1 Prado ...

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...

Rococo interior design and furniture, etching, by Franz Xaver Habermann (1721-1796), circa 1750. Lettered 'F. X. Haberman, inv. et del. loh. Georg Hertel, excud : Aug. Vind., number...

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...

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...

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...

Thomas Spencer was a leading sporting and equestrian artist of the period of John Wootton and James Seymour; his art shows a considerable to debt to tha...

Magnificent and Monumental 16th Century Renaissance Carved Oak Bust of Christ, Flemish Netherlandish, C. 1550 A powerful and deeply expressive Renaissance carved oak bust of Jesus C...

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...

Large Sandstone Head of Shakyamuni Buddha Thailand (formerly Siam), Ayutthaya Kingdom 17th century 16 1/2 inches on stand, 11 1/3 without Private collection, France. The face is ...

"An Inland View in 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 artist who accompa...

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...

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...

Charles Jervas Possibly Frances Thynne, Lady Worsley 1673-1750 Oil on Canvas Picture Size: 50 x 40" Outside Frame Size: 58 x 48" 1675 – 1739 Charles Jervas, who was born in Clonli...

Landscape with hunters by a lake. 18th century. Oil painting on canvas, from the French or Northern Italian school, Louis XV period. Probably part of the door decoration in an interi...

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...

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 ...

(MADE TO ORDER) (Sabbath, Kiddush, Ceremonial Vessel) *Lead Time may vary between 1-3 weeks Melanie Sherman "Tu Me Connais" - Yunomi Year: 2021 Porcelain, Glaze, ChinaPaint, 24k German Gold Luster...

This lovely Dutch Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Willem Wissing. Wissing settled in England and emerged as Peter Lely's most important pupil after his de...

The Pseudo-Guardi was an unidentified Venetian painter from the 18th or early 19th century who closely imitated the style of Francesco Guardi (1712–1793), one of the great Venetian v...

A charming 18th-century tavern scene, depicting peasants gathered around a table enjoying a meal. Unsigned. Presented in gilt frame with unique corner ornaments featuring phoenix, ac...

18th/19th Century Italian Infant Hercules Wrestling a Snake Alabaster 18 x 18 x 6 inches 40 lb. In Greek mythology, the infant Hercules (Heracles) is famously depicted wrestling wit...

Venetian painter (18th century) - Madonna and Child. 44.5 x 37 cm without frame, 54 x 46.5 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame (not s...

The Agony in the Garden. (Christ on the Mount of Olives). Technique: Oil on Panel, 4 wooden boards, not parqueted. Dim. with frame: 78cm x 67cm Dim. without frame: 52 x 62 cm Germa...

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...

An illuminated page from a book likely in reference to palace life during Emperor Jahangir's reign over the Mughal Empire. c 1690. Gouache and ink with heightening in gold on light ...

French school of the 18th century After Charles de LA FOSSE (1636 - 1716) The Virgin of the Annunciation Oil on canvas 46 x 37.5 cm (59 x 51 cm with the frame) Beautiful oval frame i...

This stunning Flemish Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Anthony Van Dyck. Painted circa 1630, the sitter is Frances Stewart née Howard (1578 -1639) Duchess ...