Old Masters Art

John Wilson Ewbank (1799 - 1847) Shipping in the Harbour, South Shields Oil on canvas 39.5 x 58 inches unframed 47.75 x 66.5 inches framed Provenance: Christie's October 2002; Lot 11. Fine Art Society; Private Collection This marvellous up to scale Ewbank is full of light and warmth and almost certainly his greatest work of the sort rarely - if ever - seen on the market. John W. Ewbank (4 May 1799–28 November 1847), was an English-born landscape and marine painter largely operational from Scotland. The Humber river is a large tidal estuary on the east coast of Northern England. Life Ewbank was born at Darlington on 4 May 1799, the son of Michael Ewbank, an innkeeper. He was adopted as a child by a wealthy uncle who lived at Wycliffe, on the banks of the River Tees, in the North Riding of Yorkshire. Intended for the Roman Catholic priesthood, he was sent to Ushaw College, from which he absconded. In 1813 Ewbank was apprenticed to Thomas Coulson, an ornamental painter in Newcastle. In around 1816 he moved with Coulson to Edinburgh, where he had some lessons with Alexander Nasmyth. He found work both as a painter and a teacher. He was nominated in 1830 one of the foundation members of the Royal Scottish Academy. In 1833 he is listed as living at 7 Union Street on the eastern fringe of the New Town in Edinburgh. Works His sketches from nature were especially admired, and a series of 51 drawings of Edinburgh by him were engraved by W. H. Lizars for James Browne's Picturesque Views of Edinburgh (1825). He also made a reputation with cabinet pictures of banks of rivers, coast scenes, and marine subjects. As an illustrator he illustrated some early editions of Scott's Waverley Novels and one edition of Gilbert White...

'Venice by Moonlight' by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting – which depicts an extensive nocturnal view of the Grand Canal with the Palazzo Pisani Gritti to the left and the Dor...

Leonardo da Vinci, After by Amand Durand, Italian (1452 - 1519) - Trois Tetes de Chevaux, Year: circa 1878, Medium: Heliogravure, Size: 6 x 8.5 in. (15.24 x 21.59 cm), Printer: Am...

Circle of Francesco Guardi (1712-1793) Venetian Canal Scenes, a pair -San Giorgio Maggiore from the Bacino di San Marco -Santa Maria della Salute from the Grand Canal Oils on ca...

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...

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...

Portrait of a Young Noble Lady Dutch Old Master, 17th century oil painting on cradled panel, framed in 17th/ 18th century frame framed: 16.5 x 14.5 inches panel: 12 x 10 inches Pro...

The Feast of Belshazzar Flemish Old Master, 17th century oil on canvas, framed in antique giltwood carved frame framed: 40 x 64 inches canvas : 34 x 60 inches Provenance: private col...

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...

Hyacinthe Rigaud (Perpignan 1659 - Paris 1743) School of Portrait of a gentleman in armour: Joseph Jean Raymond de Lasbordes, Officer of the “Régiment des Landes” (infantry regime...

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...

by Jacopo Caraglio (after Rosso Fiorentino) Rome: Carlo Losi, 1526. Engraving on cream laid paper, 8 1/2 x 4 3/8 inches, 215 x 110 mm), thread margins. In very good condition with a...

This superb large British Old Master oil painting is attributed to John Inigo Richards. Painted circa 1770 the composition is a view from before the water's edge across a lake to cas...

The Jewish Bridge antique Dutch School, after the 1660's oil painting by Rembrandt (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam) oil painting on canvas, framed in its antique gilt frame with ornate mould...

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...

Portrait of Princess de Joinville riding a Bay Horse Henri d’Aincy, Le Comte Monpezat (French 1817-1859) Painted circa 1837-9 oil on canvas 113 x 92 inches (including frame) 92 x 70 inches (unframed) Provenance – from a private royal collection This magnificent portrait depicts Princess de Joinville, the daughter of Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil and the King of Portugal. Through her illustrious family she was directly related Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia and the Russian royal family, as well as to many of the great ruling families of Europe. The work clearly confirms Monpezat as one of the most accomplished equestrian portrait painters in France in the early nineteenth century. In terms of scale, quality and dramatic power, it must surely be considered amongst his finest works. The stance of the powerful thoroughbred - in half rear - emphasises the calm nature and courage of the Princess. Francisca of Brazil (1824-98) married a son of Louis Philippe I, the King of the French, and had three children. Born at the Imperial Palace of Saint Christopher, her youngest brother was the future Pedro II...

Madonna with Child and Red Drapery, Flemish School, Oil on Oak Panel, 17th Century Flemish School, 17th century Technique: oil on oak panel with 4 crossbars Dimensions: Height: 43...

This exquisite portrait, presented by Titan Fine Art, is by Michael Dahl; it was part of the extensive collection owned by Thomas Wyndham of Clearwell Court in Gloucestershire. It ma...

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...

Provenance: Jean-Marc Du Pan (1785–1838), Geneva (L. 1440), passed to his brother Alexandre-Louis Du Pan (1787–1846); his sale, Geneva, March 26–28, 1840, included in lots 913–917; ...

Travellers in Landscape Flemish Old Master, 18th century oil on on canvas, unframed canvas : 29 x 39 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very good condition For...

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

Classical Landscape oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 37 inches canvas : 19 x 27 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: the frame is exceptionally fragile and vulnerab...

Madonna and Christ Child French Old Master, 17th century circle of Simon Vouet (French 1590-164 oil on copper, unframed Copper : 9 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection, Lyon, Fr...

Elegant Floral Still Life Flemish School, 19th century oil on canvas, framed Framed: 33 x 25 inches Canvas: 28 x 20 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: very go...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

Piazza Navona allagata solito farsi nelle Feste di Agosto Etching, 1752 Signed in the plate lower right (see photo) From: Della Magnificenze di Roma Antica e Moderna ( The Magnificen...

‘St. James’ Day’ by Richard Morton Paye (1750-1820). This large and important 18th century oil on canvas depicts a diverse crowd of Londoners at an oyster stand on a summer’s eveni...

17th Century Flemish Painting "A bustling scene of fishermen, merchants and visitors in a peaceful and picturesque port village” This intriguing painting offers a wonderful and real...

Etching on cream laid paper laid down to a wove paper support, 4 x 2 5/8 inches (101 x 67 mm) (sheet). In good condition with scattered light areas of discoloration. Printed early 19...

The Annunciation Florentine painter, 17th/18th century Follower of Alessandro Allori (Florence, 1535 – Florence, 1607) Oil on canvas 45 x 58 cm  - Framed 55 x 68 cm A sp...

French painter of the late 18th-early 19th century Leda and the Swan (Literary source: Metamorphoses by Ovid, Book VI) Oil on canvas 95 x 126 cm Framed 109 x 142 cm This c...

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, ...

Madonna and Child English Old Master, c. 1800 oil on canvas, unframed (relined canvas) Canvas: 14.5 x 12 inches Provenance: private collection, UK Condition: very good condition De...

Pen and sepia ink and wash on vellum, 8 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches (225 x 267 mm). In very good condition with some modern notations in pencil on the verso, minor cockling, and a 1-inch hor...

'Calvary' by Pietro Sassi (1834-1905). This monumental exhibition oil painting – which depicts the Light of Heaven shining upon Christ at Calvary with thousands of people outside t...

The Mona Lisa after Leonardo da Vinci French artist, 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: good and sound condi...

The Madonna and Christ Child English School, 19th century after the earlier painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck oil on canvas, framed in fine elaborate gilt frame. Framed: 49 x 39.5 in...

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 ...

Sadeler, Aegidius II, after Bartholomeus Spranger Portrait of Bartholomeus Spranger with an Allegory on the Death of his Wife, Christina Muller Engraving on hand made laid paper wit...

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...

French 18th century old master portrait of a majestic lady dressed "à la Turque" The sitter at the viewer with a kind and enigmatic smile and twinkling eyes. She looks elegant and kind, yet also has an intelligent and determined aura, reflecting the character of someone who is in charge of her own life and destiny. De Silvestre paid great attention to her spectacular outfit, which is striking in its portrayal of the sumptuous fabrics and their decorative richness. She is wearing a luxurious royal blue robe à la...

This magnificent oil on panel portrait, presented by Titan Fine Art, is a splendid example of the sumptuous female portraits that were painted for members of the upper echelons of society during the early part of the 1600’s. The artist has rendered this portrait with meticulous attention to detail and the surface effects of the fine materials. The elaborate lace coif and cuffs are painstakingly delineated, as is the bold black damask, and sumptuous gold decoration of her skirt and stomacher, which is wonderfully preserved and quite remarkable considering the age of the work and the fact that darker pigments are particularly vulnerable to fading and wear. This work with its spectacular depiction of costume is of absolute quality, it can be rated as one of the best works in the artist’s oeuvre and as such it is an important and splendid example of Dutch portraiture. The Dutch Golden Age of painting was a period in Dutch history, roughly spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, military, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. Dutch explorers charted new territory and settled abroad. Trade by the Dutch East-India Company thrived, and war heroes from the naval battles were decorated and became national heroes. During this time, The Dutch Old Masters began to prevail in the art world, creating a depth of realistic portraits of people and life in the area that has hardly been surpassed. The Golden Age painters depicted the scenes that their discerning new middleclass patrons wanted to see. This new wealth from merchant activities and exploration combined with a lack of church patronage, shifted art subjects away from biblical genres. Dress was a key component in portraits, and the exuberant attire reiterates the incredible wealth of this woman. The sitter will have visited the artist’s workshop and inspected examples on display. They would have chosen the size and the sort of composition and on that basis negotiated the price – which would have also been determined by the complexity of the clothing and the jewels that were to be depicted, and by the materials to be used. When all was considered, this portrait would have cost the sitter (or her husband) a substantial sum. The colour black was regarded as humble and devout yet at the same time refined and sophisticated and the most expensive colour of fabric to dye and to maintain. Citizens spent fortunes on beautiful black robes. Such uniformity must also have had a psychological side-effect and contributed to a sense of middle-class cohesion; the collective black of the well-to-do burgess class will have given its members a sense of solidarity. The colour was always an exciting one for artists and when this portrait was painted there were at least fifty shades of it, and as many different fabrics and accoutrements. Artists went to great lengths to depict the subtle nuances of the colour and the fabrics and textures and how they reflected light and it was an ideal background against which gold and crisp white lace could be juxtaposed to dramatic effect. The sitter is either a married women or a widower as is evident by the clothing that she wears and the position, toward her right, it is highly likely that this portrait was once a pendant that hung on the right-hand side of her husband’s portrait as was convention at the time. She wears a vlieger which was a type of sleeveless over-gown or cape worn by well-to-do married women in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Variations with short sleeves or high shoulder rolls are known. Sometimes sleeves were attached with aiglets, and often slits were made to allow belts or the hands to pass through. Three-piece vlieger costumes of this kind were standard items of clothing in portraits of the women of the civic elite in the period 1600-40 and was a variant of the Spanish ‘ropa’ and served as a trademark of well-to-do married burgher women. Girls and unmarried woman, including beguines, wore a bouwen (a dress with a fitted bodice and a skirt that was closed all round) instead. This clear distinction between apparel for married and unmarried women is clear not only from inventories and trousseau lists, but also from contemporary sources such as the Dutch Spanish dictionary published by Juan Rodrigues in 1634. In it, a bouwen is described as a ‘ropa de donzella’ (over-gown worn by a virgin) and a vlieger as a ‘ropa de casada’ (overgown worn by a married woman). It is striking how few women are depicted wearing a bouwen, unless they are part of a group, family or children’s portrait and it can therefore be assumed that independent portraits of unmarried women were seldom commissioned. It is also believed that the clothing worn in these portraits existed and were faithfully reproduced when cross-referenced with the few exact documents. These sources also demonstrate that clients wanted their clothing to be depicted accurately and with this in mind precious garments and jewels were often left in the painter’s studio. The prominent white lawn molensteenkraag (or millstone ruff) is held up by a wire supportasse and was reserved only for the citizens that could afford this luxurious item that often required 15 meters of linen batiste. The fabulous wealth of this sitter is also evident by the elaborate lace coif and cuffs which have been exquisitely depicted; lace was often literally copied by artists in thin white lines over the completed clothing. The gold bracelet with jewels is a type that was evidently fashionable as it is seen in a number of portraits during the 1610s and 1620. Clothing and jewellery were prized possessions and were often listed in inventories of estates and passed down from generation to generation. There were a great number of jewellers of Flemish origin working at all the courts and cities of Europe, competing with the Italians, and then the French, adapting themselves to the tastes and positions of their patrons and the raw materials available in the country where they worked. The fashion for jewels “in the Flemish style” succeeded that of the Italian style. Cornelis van der Voort, who was probably born in Antwerp around 1576, came to Amsterdam with his parents as a child. His father, a cloth weaver by trade, received his citizenship in 1592. It is not known who taught the young Van der Voort to paint, but it has been suggested that it was either Aert Pietersz or Cornelis Ketel. On 24 October 1598 Van der Voort became betrothed to Truytgen Willemsdr. After his first wife’s death he became betrothed to Cornelia Brouwer of Dordrecht in 1613. In addition to being an artist, Van der Voort was an art collector or dealer, or both. In 1607 he bought paintings from the estate of Gillis van Coninxloo, and after an earlier sale in 1610 a large number of works he owned were auctioned on 7 April 1614. Van der Voort is documented as appraising paintings in 1612, 1620 and 1624. In 1615 and 1619 he was warden of the Guild of St Luke. He was buried in Amsterdam’s Zuiderkerk on 2 November 1624, and on 13 May 1625 paintings in his estate were sold at auction. Van der Voort was one of Amsterdam’s leading portrait painters in the first quarter of the 17th century. Several of his group portraits are known. It is believed that he trained Thomas de Keyser (1596/97-1667) and Nicolaes Eliasz Pickenoy (1588-1650/56). His documented pupils were David Bailly (c. 1584/86-1657), Louis du Pré...

Titan Fine Art presents this exquisite oil on panel portrait depicting a handsome young gentleman in an exuberant black damask doublet. The pose, with one hand holding gloves and the other akimbo, was one that was well-established for gentleman of the upper echelons of society by the time this work was painted. The principle governing portraits at this time was the recording and defining in visual terms of the position of a sitter in society. In addition to brilliant and complex symbols of luxury, they often contained many symbolic elements too; the inclusion of gloves was often used in portraits that celebrated a betrothal as in ancient times gloves were used to seal a marriage contract. The extraordinary costume of a black shimmering doublet, the brilliant white reticella ruff, and the cuffs edged with lace were immensely costly… this attire proclaims to every onlooker that this is a superior being. The rendering of the reticella lace ruff is exquisite and the artist has recorded the design that runs through the black damask fabric with meticulous attention to detail. The preservation of this black pigment is remarkable considering the age of the work. Black pigments are especially vulnerable to fade and wear over time partly due to environmental condition but also from unprofessional cleaning. This work is an exquisite example from the period. According to the inscription in the upper right, the gentleman was in his 22nd year of age in 1624. The coat of arms, which is displayed without a crest, may be ‘blazoned’ in the language of heraldry, as: Sable on a Chevron between in chief two Roundels and in base a Billet [or possibly Square] Or three Martlets Sable. In plainer English this means a black (Sable) background, spanned by a gold (Or) chevron, above which are two golden solid circles (Roundels), and below which is a gold rectangle (Billet); on the chevron are three small black birds (Martlets). Martlets are a stylised form of heraldic bird, believed to be based on the swift, which are conventionally drawn with small tufts instead of feet. In Continental Europe it is also conventional for them to be drawn without beaks, as appears to be the case here. The birds in this instance also have a vaguely duck-like appearance. Five families have been identified with very close armorial bearings to the one in our portrait. They are the (van) Houthem’s (of Brabant), the Prévinaire’s (of Flanders and Holland), and the Proveneer’s (of Liège) and it must be noted that the locations of these families also fit with the painting’s Flemish origins. However the French Grenières’s (of Île-de-France) and the Jallot’s (of Normandy) are the next closest matches and plausible matches, as Frans Pourbus had settled in Paris just a few years before our portrait was painted. This painting has been assessed by a professional conservator prior to going on sale, and as thus, it can be hung and enjoyed immediately. Frans Pourbus the Younger...

‘Fire and Moonlight’ by Abraham Pether FSA (1752–1812). The painting – which depicts an extensive moonlit view across the City of London with a cottage on fire in the foreground – was exhibited at the Society of Artists Exhibition in London in 1790 and is sold with detailed provenance going back over 230 years. Such is the painting’s quality that for over 150 years it was thought to be by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–1797) and was exhibited as such on many occasions alongside many of Joseph Wright’s paintings then in the important private collection of Lord Belper of Kingston Hall. This contemporary view of London in the late 18th century is seen from One Tree Hill in what was once the Great North Wood three miles south-east of the capital; prominent amongst the dozens of famous landmarks of Georgian...

Christ on the Cross attributed to Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649–1712) inscribed 1674 upper corner pencil drawing, watercolor and ink wash on paper over oard, framed framed: 12 x 11 inches ...

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...

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 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...

Floral with Urn is in a classical Dutch style that dates to the 17th century. The bright flowers drape the urn in whites, crimsons and pinks, standing out against the darker foliage...

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...

King Charles I British artist, early 20th century signed with initials oil on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 29 inches canvas: 32 x 26 inches provenance: p...

Romantic Sunset Landsca English School, early 1800's period oil on wood panel, framed in antique gilt frame framed: 27 x 31.5 inches panel: 16 x 21.5 inches provenance: private colle...

'Venice by Moonlight' by Henry Pether (1800-1880). The painting – which depicts an extensive nocturnal view of the Grand Canal with the Palazzo Pisani Gritti to the left and the Dor...

The Arcadian View Italian School, circa 1800 Grand Tour subject oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 12 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good and sound cond...

"The Victor (A Triumphant Cockerel Crowing Over His Victory...)" After Melchior de Hondecoeter (Flemish, 1636-1695) Oil on canvas 40 1/2 x 34 1/4 (frame) inches This much copied pa...

Large 17th century Italian old master - Noli me tangere - Christ in the garden with Mary Magdalene The Italian art historian Federico Zeri has conserved a painting in his archives w...

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...

Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641, Flemish) Study of a Head of Man Circa 1627-32, Van Dyck’s second Antwerp period Oil on paper, laid down on canvas Dimensions 15 x 14 inches (38.1 x 3...

Adriaen van Ostade (follower of) A Women Dancing to the Music from a Violin oil on oak panel panel size 10.23 x 15.35 inches (26 x 39 cm) frame 15.74 x 21.25 inches (40 x 54 cm) f...

John Nost Sartorius (London 1759-1828) Greyhounds Coursing Signed and dated 'J. N. Sartorius 1820.' lower centre A Pair, Oil on canvas Each Canvas Size - 14 1/8 x 17 1/8 in Each Fram...

‘Fire and Moonlight’ by Abraham Pether FSA (1752–1812). The painting – which depicts an extensive moonlit view across the City of London with a cottage on fire in the foreground – w...

Hyacinthe RIGAUD (Perpignan 1659 - Paris 1743) School of Portrait of a gentleman in armour: Monsieur Jean Francois Raymond de Lasbordes, Regimental Officer of the Landes, as well ...

18th century Architectural Capriccio's of Roman temples with hunters This pair of paintings portrays hunters gathered before the imposing remnants of Roman temple ruins, each canvas...

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

Profusion of Flowers Classical Still Life Dutch School, 19th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 32 x 21 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound con...

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...

This exquisite early 19th-century English portrait of a gun dog or foxhound by Thomas Weaver is a masterpiece of sporting art that offers both historical...

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,...