Old Masters Art

Beautiful proof of I state on III before the white space under the sword is covered. Without Margins. Very good condition. Ref. Bartsch 92; Biörklund 40-B; Hollstein (White and Bo...

CAREL ALLARD (1648 – 1709) PLANISPHAERIUM TERRESTRE SIVE TERRARUM ORBIS… 1696 (Shirley 578) Engraving, 20 ½ x 23 ½”, sheet 21 x 24 1/8". A stunning double hemisphere World Map...

Hendrick Corneliszoon van Vliet (Delft, 1612 – Delft, 1675) Interior of a Flemish Church Oil on canvas 75 x 89 cm. - In frame 103 x 89 cm. This gem of Flemish painting immer...

Classical Landscape Continental School, late 20th century signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 34 x 43 inches canvas: 27 x 34 inches provenance: fr...

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...

Italian School, Late 17th Century (circa 1670–1700) Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane Oil on panel, in a carved and gilded Baroque frame The painting is unsigned A moving devotiona...

Beautiful neoclassical style artwork by the great Italian artist Vittorio Pisani Probably depicts a theatre script of Aida Signed, located and dated lower right ‘Vittorio Pisani Roma...

This superb British 18th century Old Master portrait oil painting is by William Williams of Norwich. It was painted circa 1780, after he had returned to England from in Philadelphia ...

This enchanting 18th-century French fête galante captures the elegance and joy of aristocratic leisure, set amidst a lush garden adorned with flowers. A scene of refined celebration,...

Julius Porcellis (Rotterdam 1610 – 1645 Leiden) attributable Seascape with ships Oil on wood panel (oak) 52 x 84 cm In gilded wood frame 77 x 108 cm The painting on display d...

Tavern Interior Flemish School, 17th century oil on canvas, framed framed: 13.5 x 18 canvas: 11 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound cond...

Large Marine Scene Dutch or Flemish, 20th century color print on canvas, framed framed: 27 x 34 inches canvas: 20 x 27.5 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very goo...

18th Century Italian Portrait Credited to Maria Giovanna Battista Clementi The painting probably depicts a young nobleman of Savoy court ...

18th Century Military portrait of a young officer in Napoleonic period military dress. The painting is not signed but the subject is Major Alexander Brown. The work is oil on canvas later mounted on board and presented in a fine 'Regence style' carved gilt frame. There are labels to the back referring to the subject, 'Major Brown of Trinity' and a framers trade label from Edinburgh. A magnificent and imposing portrait of a young military officer in the prime of his life. His red uniform adorned with fine buttons, fringed epaulettes and high gilt collar. His ruddy complexion offset by his stylish hair, a quiff and swept forward to the sides as was the fashion at the time. Sir David Wilkie RA (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841) was a Scottish painter, especially known for his portraits, including formal royal ones, and scenes from his travels to Europe and the Middle East. He painted successfully in a wide variety of genres, including historical scenes. His main base was in London, but he died and was buried at sea, off Gibraltar, returning from his first trip to the Middle East. He was sometimes known as the "people's painter". He was Principal Painter in Ordinary to King William IV and Queen Victoria. Apart from royal portraits, his best-known painting today is probably The Chelsea Pensioners Reading the Waterloo Dispatch of 1822 in Apsley House. Sir David Wilkie was actually admitted in 1799 (despite only being 14) through the influence of the Earl of Leven...

A very interesting set of five mid-20th-century Italian oils on copper. All five are classical landscape subjects and are signed Roger, though we don't know which artist with the n...

This simply stunning large Old Master landscape oil painting is attributed to noted Dutch artist Adriaen van Diest. Painted circa 1700 this Mediterranean Italian landscape painting has everything; A really interesting landscape with land, river, sea and mountains, interesting figures and cattle and a wonderful sky with fading light. The details and the capturing of the light make this a really fantastic Dutch Old Master country house Grand Tour oil painting. Irresistible. Provenance. Dorset estate. Condition. Oil on canvas, 42 inches by 20 inches and in good condition. Frame. Housed in an English carved giltwood frame, 50 inches by 28 inches framed and in good condition. Adriaen van Diest (1655-1704) was born in the Hague in the Netherlands. Like his father and his brother, he pursued a career as a marine painter, that is, a painter of seascapes and sailing ships. In 1673, attracted by the thriving English market for portraits and marine paintings, he joined the exodus of Dutch artists leaving to work in England. It is thought that his master was Willem van de Velde the Younger...

Egron Sellif Lundgren (1815–1875) Sweden Interior of a Kitchen, c. 1840 oil on paper laid on cardboard, inscribed “Lundgren Nr. 15” on the reverse. unframed 27.5 x 20.5 cm (10 ¾ x ...

This is an original 18th century hand-colored framed copper-plate engraving by Giovanni Volpato after a drawing by Camporesi. It was the frontispiece for volume one of the rare and v...

Antonio Tempesta (Florence 1555 - Rome 1630) Circle Saint James defeating the Moors in battle Oil on canvas 112 x 102 cm - Framed 125 x 114 cm A valiant knight with his sword...

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

Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady Holding Flowers in a Landscape Setting English School, 17th century, circle of Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680) inscribed 'C Wither of Hall Place' oil on ...

Caravaggesque painter active in Rome in the 17th century A group of musicians in an inn Oil on canvas 74 x 99 cm. - Framed 93 x 121 cm. The scene depicted belongs to a subjec...

Circle of George Stubbs The Lions Den Oil on canvas Canvas Size 11 x 14 1/2 in Framed Size 17 x 21 in George Stubbs, one of the most celebrated animal painters of the 18th century, ...

Workshop of Pierre Mignard (1612–1695) Attributed to Henri Gascard (Paris 1635–Rome 1701) Unsigned Portrait of Françoise-Athénaïs, Marquise de Montespan (1640-1707), favourite o...

The Nativity of Jesus Flemish school, late 16th/early 17th century Gerard David (Oudewater, c. 1460 - Bruges, 1523) Follower of Oil on copper 30 x 25 cm. - In frame 47 x 42 c...

Etching on paper, realized as illustration for John Milton's "Paradise Lost". Striking and theatrically composed Old Master print depicting a dramatic allegorical confrontation betw...

This fantastic Dutch Old Master marine oil painting is by noted Dutch marine artist Abraham Storck. Painted circa 1670 the composition is a number of ships heading out to sea, their sails billowing and banners and flags blowing in the wind. The sea is also choppy and clouds race over head. It is an ambitious, busy nautical scene and Storck has perfectly captured the energy and movement of the ships and smaller vessels. This is an excellent example of a 17th century Dutch Old Master oil painting. Provenance: Part of a private collection of Flemish & European paintings. Koller Auctions in Switzerland in 2011. Bonhams 2020. Condition. Oil on canvas, 25 inches by 24 inches and in good condition. Frame. Housed in an ornate 23 carat gilt carved Lely period frame with name plate, 32 inches by 31 inches and in excellent condition. Abraham Storck (1644-1708) was a Dutch painter, who enjoyed a reputation for his marine paintings, topographical views and Italianate harbour scenes. Storck was also an outstanding draughtsman. Storck was baptized in the Noorderkerk, a Protestant church in the Jordaan. His father was the painter Jan Jansz Sturck (or Johannes Storck) (1603-1673), from Wesel; his mother was Teuntje (Apolonia) Jacobs. The couple married in 1628. Storck had two brothers, who were also painters using the name Sturckenburch until c. 1688 after which they started calling themselves Storck or Sturck. It is likely they were all trained with their father in the family workshop and joined the local Guild of Saint Luke, otherwise it was impossible to sell any painting. Circa 1666 Storck established his workshop producing naval, harbor scenes as well as landscape paintings and city scapes. In 1670 he traveled with his brother Jacob and worked in Germany. In 1694, at age 49, he married the widow Neeltje Pieters van Meyservelt. At the end of his life he lived on Kattenburg near the harbour. Storck's marine and river scenes were influenced by the two Willem van de Veldes (the elder and the younger), Ludolf Bakhuizen...

Carnival in Rome in Piazza Colonna Roman school of bamboccianti (mid-17th century) - workshop of Michelangelo Cerquozzi (Rome 1602 - Rome 1660) Oil on canvas 74 x 96 cm. - Framed 88...

This captivating gouache on paper painting, dating from the early 19th century, offers a beautifully detailed view of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, making it a likely relic of ...

John Wootton (1686-1765) A Riding Party Oil on canvas No visible signature Canvas Size 35 x 45 1/4 in Framed Size - 41 x 52 in Provenance The Property of a Private Collector, Christ...

This superb Old Master 18th century figurative landscape oil painting is by noted French born artist Philip James Loutherbourg. who settled in England in 1771. The painting has good ...

The Cavalry Skirmish Flemish School, mid 17th century circle of Lambert de Hondt (Flemish, 1620-1665) oil on panel, framed Framed: 21 x 27 inches Board: 16 x 22 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condition, with old repairs and thinning in places. This painting, attributed to the circle of Lambert de Hondt (Flemish, 17th century), depicts an intense battle scene, typical of Flemish military compositions of the time. Lambert de Hondt was known for his battle scenes, landscapes, and hunting scenes, often filled with dynamic action and fine detail, and this work clearly reflects his influence. The artwork portrays a cavalry skirmish with soldiers in traditional 17th-century military dress, including red tunics...

'Mgnaminia' 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 inches...

The Italian Landscape English artist, early 19th century circle/ follower of Joseph Mallord William Turner (British 1775-1851) oil on wood panel, framed in a delightful antique walnu...

Giovan Battista Salvi known as 'il Sassoferrato' (1609 - 1685) circle/ workshop Madonna with sleeping child Oil on canvas 84 x 66 cm - Framed (19th century) 112 x 95 cm The paintin...

Marzio Masturzo (Active in Naples and Rome in the second half of the 17th century) Attributable Battle between Christian and Turkish cavalry Oil on canvas 78 x 144 cm - 99 x ...

John Wootton (1686-1765) Figures and horses by a bridge in a river landscape Oil on canvas 27 x 42 in John Wootton was one of the earliest and most influential British sporting pai...

Artist: English School, early 1800's, circle of John Constable (British 1776-1837) Title: The Woodland Path Medium: oil on canvas, framed, unsigned Size: 12 x 22 inches Picture: 9 x 18 inches Provence: from a private collection in East Anglia...

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

By Giuseppe Vasi after Giovanni Piranesi: Etching and engraving with hand coloring in watercolor on laid paper with an E and R watermark, full margins. Minor...

This lovely 19th century Old Master portrait oil painting is by noted British artist William Owen. Painted circa 1810 the composition is a young girl kneeling to feed her chickens in...

Etching, excellent proof of II state on IV, before the retouching of the ground and the vault on the right, margin line. Ref. Bartsch, Hollstein 94; Hind 301; New Hollstein 312; Sto...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Frankfort, Germany entitled "Francenbergum, vel ut alij Francoburgum Hassiae Opp" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1595. This is an English translation of an excerpt from the original text in the atlas: "Frankenberg or, according to others, Francoburgum, a town in Hesse. Charlemagne vested the town of Frankenberg with many freedoms and privileges, which it still enjoys to this day, and on account of its valiant and victorious soldiers awarded a signet, upon which there formerly appeared a golden castle with a tower, together with the letter F and a golden crown. Frankenberg, seen here from the northeast, lies on a hill above the River Eder. The hillside is covered with fields neatly separated by bushes and fences. Soaring above the town is the massive Liebfrauenkirche, which was modelled on St Elizabeth's church in Marburg. The New Town was founded in 1335 at the foot of the hill (right) and merged with the Old Town as late as 1556. Frankenberg was founded by Conrad of Thuringia in 1233/34 to prevent the archbishops of Mainz from expanding their sphere of influence...

Still life - Salvatore Marinelli Italia 2007 - Oil on canvas cm. 60x40 Salvatore Marinelli's painting is a beautiful reinterpretation by Pieter Claesz Dutch Baroque painter, one of the best known specialists in still life, having banquet scenes as its main theme. In Marinelli's painting the gold and silver colors emerge clearly on the dark background and on the gold velvet tablecloth...

Antonio Molinari (Venice, 1655–1704) Attributed to Samson and Delilah Oil on canvas 122 x 148 cm. - Framed 135 x 160 cm. The subject of this fine work is recounted in the Bi...

Watermark: Lion and Star (Lieure 38) References: Lieure No. 505 Notes: An early impression of the only state of this major work. According to Lieure (Jacques Callot: Catalogue de l...

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...

Flemish painter active in Italy in the eighteenth century Coastal landscape of the Mediterranean with architectures and figures Oil painting on canvas (69 x 88 cm., in frame 80 x 100 cm.) The suggestive view proposed depicts a coastal view with a bay and the ruins of an ancient building, probably a monastery or a church, and in the background another building with a garden surrounded by high walls close to the shore. The type of landscape, typical of the southern Italian environment, and the intimate atmosphere that welcomes the scene, attributes the authorship of the work to a landscape painter active in the eighteenth century, presumably in Italy in this period, with immediate references to the Dutch school , and in particular to the production of Jacob de Heusch and above all of Gaspar van Wittel, considered the progenitor of Italian landscape painting. In fact, in the rendering of the architectural details, in the purity with which the buildings have been reconstructed, as well as in the atmosphere that encompasses the entire landscape, a marked correspondence to the so-called "Vanvitellian realism" can be seen: in fact, a comparison with a certain series of views which the Dutchman...

Jan van Gelder, Italianised as Giovanni Vangheldri (Antwerp 1621 – Modena 1685) Portrait of the Duchess Vittoria Farnese d'Este (Parma, 1618 – Modena, 1649) wife of Francesco I d'E...

Pausing for a Rest English School, circa 1800, unsigned the painting is very close to the works of Thomas Barker of Bath (English 1769-1847) oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 39 inc...

This tender mid-18th-century Sevillian oil painting depicts the Virgin Mary as La Divina Pastora, the Divine Shepherdess. Attired in a straw hat, decorated with flora, she rests in...

Philips van Kouwenbergh (1671-1729) A Peacock and Other Fowl in a Landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size 37 3/8 x 45 7/8 in Framed Size 44 1/2 x 53 in Provenance With John Bennett Fine...

Portrait of a Lady (female saint?) Italian School, 17th century oil on copper, framed frame: 9 x 8 inches board: 5 x 4 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and ...

Painting oil on canvas, measuring 82 x 112 cm without frame and 100 x 130 cm with contemporary frame, depicting Christ in the house of Mary and Magdalene by the painter Francesco Bas...

Spanish School, early 20th century Portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba (1507-1582). after the 16th century painting by Anthonis Mors oil on panel, framed f...

Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn, After by Amand Durand, Dutch (1606 - 1669) - La Descente de Croix Aux Flambeaux (B280), Year: 1878 (of original 1654), Medium: Heliogravure, Size: 8.25 ...

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...

An exalted portrait of fellow Flemish engraver and publisher Karel van Mallery. Lucas Vorsterman the Elder (after Anthony van Dyck). Carolus de Mallery, from Icones Principum Viror...

This lovely British Old Master portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Sir Thomas Lawrence. Painted circa 1820 it is a seated half length portrait of a beautiful lady in a b...

Portrait of a noble lady, Early 18th century French school, circa 1700 attributed to Alexis Simon Belle (1674-1734) (not signed) Oil on canvas, dimensions: h. 71 cm, w. 58 cm A 17th...