18th Century Art

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 ...

Follower of Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder (1722–1789) Man with Bagpipes oil on oak panel no signature 25 × 19 cm (9.8 × 7.5 in) 31 x 26 cm (12.2 x 10.2 in) This refined 18th...

The Roman Landscape French artist, .late 18th century oil on canvas, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 35.5 x 45.5 inches canvas: 29 x 39 inches Provenance: private collection, Fr...

Artist: Treadway Russell Nash (English, 1724-1811) Title: "A View of Stourbridge", "A View of Upton upon Severn, from Ryal Hill", "Bewdley", and "Tenbury" Portfolio: Collections for the History of Worcestershire Year: 1781-1782 (First edition) Medium: Set of Four Original Engravings on watermarked laid paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: John Nichols, London, UK Publisher: T. Payne and Son, J. Robson, B. White, Leigh and Sotheby, London, UK; Fletcher, Oxford, UK; and Lewis, Worcester, UK Reference: Upcott III, page 1330 Sheet size (each): approx. 10" x 16.5" Image size (each): approx. 6.88" x 11.75" Condition: A few light handling creases. Have been professionally stored away for decades. They are all strong impressions in excellent condition Notes: Provenance: private collection - Aspen, CO. All four works were engraved by English artist Thomas Sanders (Active: Mid-Late 18th Century) after drawings by himself. Comes from Nash's two volume "Collections for the History of Worcestershire", (1781-1782) (First edition), which consists of 75 engravings. Each work is printed from one copper plate in one color: black. There was a (Second edition) "with Additions" bound in with Volume II of this portfolio published by John White in 1799. And, both the First and Second editions of "Collections for the History of Worcestershire" are based off Thomas Sanders' 1779-1781 "Perspective Views of the Market Towns within the County of Worcester". Both "A View of Stourbridge" and "A View of Upton upon Severn, from Ryal Hill" have unidentified fleur-de-lis watermarks in the center of their sheets. "Bewdley" has an unidentified watermark in the center of its sheet resembling "XV" and "Tenbury" has no watermark. Biography: Treadway Russell Nash (24 June 1724 – 26 January 1811) was an English clergyman, now known as an early historian of Worcestershire and the author of Collections for the History of Worcestershire, an important source document for Worcestershire county histories. He was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Treadway Russell Nash was born on 24 June 1724 born at Clerkenleap, in Kempsey, Worcestershire. His family were from Ombersley. They had lands there and at Claines, and had later bought lands in the Reformation around St Peter's, Droitwich. He was related to James Nash and John Nash, both MPs for Worcester. His father Richard, a grandson of Sir Rowland Berkeley, died in 1740, and Richard's eldest son in 1757. As a result, Treadway Russell Nash inherited the Russells' Strensham estates from his brother, as well as the Nash estates, and took both names. He was educated from the age of twelve at King's School, Worcester, and became a scholar at Worcester College, Oxford aged fifteen. In March 1749, he accompanied his brother on a trip to the continent, to aid Richard's health. They visited Paris for about six weeks, before spending the summer "on the banks of the Loire". They then visited "Bourdeaux, Thoulouse, Montpelier, Marseilles, Leghorn, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Venice, Padua, Verona, Milan, Lyons, and again Paris"; such expeditions are often known as the Grand Tour. On his return in late summer 1751, Nash took up a post as Vicar of Eynsham through his friend and future brother-in-law, John Martin. He also had an income as a tutor at Oxford. He took his Doctor of Divinity degree and left Oxford, having "gone out grand compounder", following the death of his brother. He also left his benefice at Eynsham in 1757. While at Oxford he had proposed a road from there to Witney (now the A40 and B4022), and also stood for Parliament. Nash married Margaret Martin...

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...

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...

The Ancient Trading Port Italian Old Master, 18th century oil painting on canvas, in antique gilt frame of beautiful quality canvas: 32 x 33 inches framed: 37 x 38 inches condition: ...

The Birth French Rococo School, mid 18th century sepia ink on paper over board, framed behind glass. framed: 13 x 11 inches painting : 8 x 6 inches Provenance: private collection, B...

Unknown Artist (Dutch School, late 18th century) Pastoral Scene with Goatherds, ca. 1780–1800 Oil on canvas In this lively pastoral composition, a group of figures reclines in rusti...

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...

Monumental French 18th Century oil on canvas 'Verdure' pastoral scene in the manner of the tapestries of Royal Aubusson and the style of Isaac Moillon. Provenance: Southern French ...

An exceptional & large antique Italian baroque still life oil on canvas painting, attributed to Carlo Magini (1720-1804), a still life scene of a table setting with bowls of fruit, c...

18th Century French School Portrait of an Actress Oil on canvas 30 x 23 inches 36 x 30 inches, framed

Giovanni Domenico Campiglia, 'Dei Praestitis Signumexaere' (God's Providence Signumexaere), engraving, 1734, edition unknown. Signed 'Dom. Campiglia del.' in the plate, lower left. E...

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...

Emperor Jahangir and Empress Nur Jahan exchanging lotus blossoms; a symbol of beauty, purity, honesty, rebirth, self-regeneration, and enlightenment....

An allegory of loyalty, with the subject's dog pictured seated, holding his master's chisel in his mouth; fidelity personified. Italian School, 18th century Ink wash in gray and bl...

The Artist and his Model French School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 14 x 17 inches Board: 11 x 14 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good co...

James Seymour (1702-1752) 'Star', A running horse belonging to His Grace the Duke of Bridgewater Mezzotint by R. Houston Image size 10 x 14 in Framed size 13 x 17 in James Seymour w...

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...

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

Madonna and Child with St. John the Baptist Italian artist, 18th century, after the earlier painting by Raphael oil on wood panel, framed in an Empire, gilt moulded frame Framed: 23 ...

Emperor Jahangir depicted with his harem attendees aboard a pleasure cruise, the water filled with lotus blossoms; symbols of paradise itself. Circa 1750. Gouache and ink with gold ...

View of Riva degli Schiavoni is an original old master artwork realized in the late 18th century by a follower of the School of the italian painter Canaletto. Oil on canvas. An imp...

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

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...

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...

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...

Terracotta sculpture - Memento mori. Italy, 18th-19th century. 16 x 25 x h 18 cm. Entirely in terracotta. - This item is sold with a certificate of authenticity with legal validi...

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...

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...

An illuminated page from a book likely in reference to palace life during Emperor Jahangir's reign over the Mughal Empire. Circa 1750. Gouache and ink with gold heightening on cre...

The Allegorical Winged Nude Lady, adorned with the attributes of Spring French School, 18th century (Rococo period) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 30 x 52 inches provenance...

An 18th century view of the first permanent water fountain in London. London: J.Boydell, 1753. Engraving with hand coloring in watercolor on white laid paper, laid down to a modern...

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 Close of Day English artist, second half 18th century circle of Thomas Gainsborough (British 1727-1788) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24.5 x 29 inches provenance: private colle...

This delightful portrait is set within an ornate gilded frame featuring intricate scrollwork and floral motifs. The young gentleman is well dressed in a fashionable brown coat and cr...

18th Century French Terra Cotta Bust of a Young Gentleman Terra Cotta Unsigned 25 x 18 x 10 inches 41 lb.

'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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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

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...

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...

Portrait of a Young Girl French Rococo School, 18th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 24 x 20 inches Canvas : 20 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: ve...

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...

Pierre Etienne Moitte studied in Paris under Jacques-Firmin Beauvarlet and Pierre-François Beaumont (1719–1769). In 1771, he was accepted (agréé) by the Académie Royale de Peinture e...

Etching and drypoint on heavy cream laid paper, 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches (96 x 83 mm), narrow margins. In very good condition with some minor surface soiling. [Björklund's second state ...

'Cliveden Spring, Bucks' Aquatint published by Samuel Ireland. From his 'Picturesque Views on the River Thames'. Ireland was an author and engraver who published several series of a...

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...

A masterful copy by an unknown artist, after the portrait of "Beatrice d'Este" by Leonardo Da Vinci also known as ‘Portrait of a Lady’ or ‘La Dama con la reticella di perle (The Lady With a Pearl Hairnet)’. The original work originally created in the 15th Century is currently on display in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum of Milan. Beatrice d'Este was the Duchess of Bari/Milan and was believed to be one of the most attractive princesses of the Renaissance. Her impeccable style won her many admirers throughout Italy and France, and she became a trendsetter of the highest order. This copy of the original painting, is an oil on canvas done in the 18th Century, and in this exquisite portrait, the artist has masterfully depicted the fine details with draped hair, pearls, royal dress, ornate headgear and sumptuous jewelry in front of a dark background. Once again, capturing the imagination with another enigmatic smile. It comes housed in an elegant period giltwood frame with ebonized trims and ready to be displayed with hanging wire on verso. Art measures 28 x 18 inches Frame measures 34.5 x 24.5 inches There is much debate and controversy over who actually painted the "Beatrice d'Este" was it Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), or Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis (1455–1508). So we may never know who executed the original portrait which hangs in the museum, but that need not deter from an appreciation of its singularity. Following the portraiture convention established by painters of the Quattrocentro, the artist has chosen to portray his sitter in profile. In doing so, he magnificently captures the essence of his sitter, a girl on the threshold of womanhood. Bedecked in the adornments—silk, velvet, pearls and embroidery (brocade) crafted of spun gold threads—afforded her by birthright and marriage, Beatrice looks forward in noble serenity. And at the same time her profile with its upturned nose and slight smile betrays an innocence that must have been the basis of the oft-repeated epithet: la più zentil donna in Italia” (“the sweetest lady in Italy”). It is believed the lady is Beatrice d'Este (1475-1497), duchess of Bari and later of Milan, the wife of Ludovico Sforza (known as "il Moro"). One of the most beautiful princesses of the Italian Renaissance, she was known for her good taste in fashion. Beatrice was a member of the Este-Sforza family, which joined by marriage two of the oldest reigning and already powerful houses in Italy. The house of Este, which held court in Ferrara, traced its lineage to the 11th century Dukes of Saxony and Bavaria. Beatriceʼs father, Ercole I ruled the Ferrara commune for 34 years, catapulting the city-state (and the Estes with it) to an unmatched level of economic prosperity and cultural prominence. The family was renowned for its love of letters and patronage of the arts. The first time Leonardo da Vinci’s name resounded in the Ambrosiana, it was through the pen of its founder, Cardinal Federico Borromeo, who attributed this little panel to the great Master, describing it as “A portrait of a Duchess of Milan, by the hand of Leonardo”. Following the Cardinal’s statement, the portrait was for long assumed to depict Beatrice d’Este, the wife of Ludovico il Moro. However, scholars have recently been more cautious and vague in their statements, with regard to both the artist (anonymous Lombard or Emilian...

'Apuleio' (Apuleius) Copper-line engraving by N Billy after Giovanni Domenico Campiglia. Plate number top right corner of image. Giovanni...

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...

MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY, (Boston - September 10, 1754) William Shirley (Captain General and Governor in Chief) Printed and manuscript Document signed. 13 x 17" Complete with official seal...

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...

Mercury, circa 1700s. Bronze with green patina. Height with base: 58 cm (22 7/8 in.)

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...