Unknown Art

Flemish school, 17th century Orpheus and the animals Oil on canvas, 146,5 x 217 cm Provenance: South German private collection. On an impressive, room-filling format, this painting depicts "Orpheus and the Animals." The harp-playing Orpheus sits centrally in front of a tree whose trunk bifurcates above his head. This central tree frames with its crown the scenery towards the horizon and at the same time offers through branches the possibility for many birds to find space. The left half of the picture is characterized by a seascape, at the edge of which the ruins of a castle can be seen deep in the background. This seascape, framed by mountains on the horizon, is the only area where sky can be seen. On this side, waterfowl such as storks, swans and ducks can be seen. In the right half, the viewer looks into a deep European forest. On this right side, more land animals can be found, such as deer, rabbits and lions, among others. Orpheus wears opulent red and gold trimmed clothing, under his blue breastplate we see a white shirt. His feet are adorned by elaborate sandals. His head is surrounded by a radiant laurel wreath ("poeta laureatus"). The young man is clearly identifiable as the singer and poet of Greek mythology, Orpheus, by his harp, the laurel wreath and the animals surrounding him. Orpheus was one of the Argonauts who, under Jason, was searching for the Golden Fleece. He sang so beautifully that he even conquered the angry sea and enemies by the magic of his lyre. During the journey, Orpheus is said to have drowned out even the sirens with his singing. It is said that he was the greatest of all poets and charmed people, animals, stones and trees with his singing. In total, 51 birds and 37 different species are depicted in the painting. The animals are mostly depicted in great detail and, except for a few, can be identified. Mainly European species of animals are shown. Exceptions are the ostrich-like nandu peeking out from behind the deer, as well as the large parrot on the upper left, and the two lions. Similar is the case for the large animal directly behind Orpheus on the right. The shape of the head suggests an arctic fox from the polar regions, even though the body is much too large. The arctic fox was first described in 1555 by Olaus Magnus. However, it could also be a depiction of a brown or black bear. An unusual detail is the animal, which is relatively isolated in the right background and looks to the left. It is not clearly identifiable, but it shows certain similarities with the Australian kangaroo. This was first described by Vespucci in 1500 and further by Francisco Pelsaert in 1629. If it is indeed a kangaroo, this would be one of the earliest surviving pictorial representations. In this painting, Orpheus is accompanied by a small monkey playing a viola da gamba. This is an iconographic peculiarity. In general, this painting has some peculiarities compared to other paintings with "Orpheus and the animals". The central positioning of Orpheus is quite common, but he usually holds a lyre and is dressed in an antique style, but not as opulently. The choice of animals is also remarkable: European animals in particular are seen, hardly any exotic features, such as camels or elephants. The two lions in the right foreground are a quotation from Peter Paul Rubens and his depiction of "Daniel in the Lion's Den", which was realized in an engraving. The present painting can be classified as belonging to the Flemish School of the 17th century on the basis of its painterly and compositional conception. From the circle of Jan Brueghel the Younger are numerous representations of this Orpheus - theme, which take it as an opportunity to show as many exotic animals. There are also echoes of Spanish painters such as Juan de Arellano...

Four season ,monumental classically draped female figures and their distinguishing symbols on a square base. Autumn, winter, spring and summer. Timeless classical decoration for you...

La scena è dominata dalla croce, sulla quale risalta il corpo ben modellato e dal colore bianco brillanto di Cristo, dipinta con una prospettiva laterale. La parte sinistra è occupa...

This is an original oil painting on canvas depicting a vessel in the stormy ocean. Beautifully done, with great gentle blue and green colors. Presented in a wood frame. Framed m...

Marble head of Roman empress Domitia Longina, wife of emperor Domitian. The elaborate hairstyle, a distinctive feature of Domitia's depictions, is worked in great detail, and the ser...

This 13.5" x 28.5" oil on canvas painting is a seascape, painted in an Impressionistic style. The orientation of the painting is horizontal, the length being more than double the hei...

Taken from the world’s largest photographic archive, (Hulton Archive and Getty Images), the Getty Images Gallery collection features an extraordinary time capsule of the last century...

Antique American school realist interior horse barn portrait. Framed. Signed. Oil on canvas. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a lemon gold giltwood molding....

Antique American 19th century luminous landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Measuring 27 by 37 inches overall and 20 by 30 painting alone. In excellent original condition. ...

Roger Moore casts a glance away from the camera as he sips the quintessential James Bond drink: the iconic martini, shaken, not stirred. A gorgeous black and white fibre print, ava...

Antique tonalist river landscape painting. Oil on canvas. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a gold giltwood molding. Excellent condition, ready to hang and en...

Antique American impressionist coastal seascape painting. Oil on canvas. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a gold giltwood molding. Excellent condition, ready...

This atmospheric painting explores the human form through a hazy, monochromatic palette of cool turquoise tones. The composition features intertwined figures rendered in soft, organi...

Black and white minimal monotype print of an abstracted female torso. The work is signed and titled by the artist in pencil along the front lower margin. Currently hung in a black fr...

This striking 19th-century painting signed "A. Malevolti 1877 Florence" is a fine example of the trompe l’oeil tradition, in which artists skillfully render imagery that "tricks the ...

Beautiful 19th century Italian micromosaic. Also called minute mosaic or miniature mosaic or spun mosaic, it is a technique presented for the first time in Rome in 1775 in the worksh...

Antique American impressionist landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed illegibly. Appears to read "Harriet .....". Very nicely painted and a wonderful subject. Ha...

This striking 19th-century painting signed "A. Malevolti 1877 Florence" is a fine example of the trompe l’oeil tradition, in which artists skillfully render imagery that "tricks the ...

Lilacs in Bloom is a lush and romantic 19th-century still life oil painting that exudes quiet elegance. Rendered in rich, earthy tones and dramatic chiaroscuro, the artist captures a...

A charismatic portrait depicting a hunter on the trail, paused, hand out in hesitation as he strains to hear something in the underbrush. Unsigned. Presented in a distressed gilt fra...

Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Signed. Measuring 29 by 35 inches overall and 23 by 29 painting alone. In excellent original condition. Handso...

Black and white film still of Grace Kelly and Cary Grant posed in car for the film “To Catch a Thief”, circa 1955. To Catch a Thief is a 1955 American romantic thriller film directe...

Antique French impressionist sheep grazing landscape oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring 17 by 20 inches overall and 15 by 18 painting alone. In excellent original ...

This dramatic religious painting depicts the crucifixion, with Jesus on the cross surrounded by mourning figures in vibrant robes. Above Christ on the cross, the Latin inscription IN...

Antique American impressionist beach scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring 27 by 31 inches overall and 20 by 24 painting alone. In excellent original condition...

Kashan Terracotta Head of a Bearded Man, c. 1st-2nd Century AD Terracotta head of a bearded man, with polychrome to the face, lips, and beard, mounted to wood stand. 5.5 in. h. x 3.7...

Floral Still Life with Calla Lilies, Dahlias, and Freesia in Oil on Canvas Bright and vibrant still life of a floral arrangement by an unknown artist (20th Century). This piece is a...

Unknown Artist, in the style of Felix Vallotton - The Other Side, Year: 1974, Medium: Screenprint, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 16/80, Image Size: 15 x 21 inch...

'Katzen' (Cats) German wood-engraving, circa 1895. 240mm by 155mm (sheet)

Very nicely painted and impressive early 1900s American school landscape painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Excellent ready to hang condition.

Antique American impressionist coastal seascape painting. Oil on canvas. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a gold giltwood molding. Excellent condition, ready...

Designed as entrance guardians, this pair of mythical lady sphinx statuary display the head and chest of a neoclassical woman and the body of a recu...

Black and white candid capture of model Twiggy getting into a car with a man holding an umbrella overhead. Twiggy, is an English model, actress, and singer. She was a British cultur...

California Redwood Forest Fauvist Landscape Oil Painting Vibrant mid-century landscape of California Redwood trees with light streaming throu...

This serene landscape painting captures a coastal view framed by towering trees, offering a glimpse of distant blue waters through their trunks. Unsigned. Presented in a gilt frame w...

Circle of A J Munnings c1910 “Hunt Servant” Oil Painting A stylish depiction of a hunt servant astride his hunter painted with confidence and spontaneity....

Circle of Les Nabis French School c1910 A stylish painting of a Mediterranean landscape indistinctly signed and dating to around 1910. Les Nabis were a group of post-impressionist...

Original 1975 United Airlines Ski West Vintage Travel Poster – Mid-Century Modern Artwork. Archival linen-backed and in Grade A- condition, ready for Framing. The images displayed are of the exact vintage poster you will receive. Experience the golden era of travel with this rare original United Airlines "Ski West" vintage travel poster from 1975. Created during a time when air travel embodied elegance and adventure, this striking piece provides a vibrant glimpse into mid-century advertising and ski culture. Showcasing bold typography and colorful, eye-catching artwork, the “Ski West” poster embodies the thrill of powdery slopes and the promise of unforgettable ski vacations in the American West. Ideal for vintage art collectors, travel enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a chic retro touch in their decor, this piece authentically showcases 1970s graphic design. It blends bold colors with minimalistic yet striking visuals. Whether you collect United Airlines memorabilia...

Antique American school abstract expressionist painting. Oil on board. Signed. In excellent original condition. Nicely framed in a period wood molding. Excellent condition, read...

'Echoes of the Avant-Garde: Mid-Century Visions XI', oil on board (circa 1970s). Step into a world where the spirit of early 20th-century modernism meets the bold experimentation of ...

#5-3464 Naive contemporary figurative acrylic on canvas applied to a board, set in a black -wood frame painting, signed by Neapolitan artist P.Russo. Image size 9.75 H x 13 W

Beautiful antique 1932 needlepoint map of Midwestern states. Framed measurement: 23 x 36 inches.

'Echoes of the Avant-Garde: Mid-Century Visions XIII', oil on board (circa 1970s), signed OT. Step into a world where the spirit of early 20th-century modernism meets the bold experi...

Vintage American modernist landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed verso. Framed. Measuring 34 by 44 inches overall and 28 by 37 painting alone. In excellent original conditio...

5-3418 Abstract oil on board. Set in a silvered wood frame Signed Sarno Image size 24x19"

In this piece, the artist depicts his subject in a whimsical and impressionistic way, capturing the Church and the busy streets from the 20th Century with much life. The artist mostl...

Antique American impressionist oil painting portrait. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed.

This mid-17th-century bust-length Flemish school portrait depicts the Dutch Catholic bishop Cornelius Janssen (1585-1638). Painted when into his later years, this intriguing historic...

Great Flemish painting from the second half of the 16th century. Oil on panel artwork depicting a fascinating evangelical episode, the Calling of Saint Matthew. A painting of extraor...

European Painter (dated 1925) - Mountain landscape. 62 x 41 cm. Old oil painting on canvas, without frame. - Work signed indistinctly lower left. - Autograph inscriptions and dat...

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...

A striking modernist scene depicting a hazy street at dusk. Unsigned. Well presented in a gilt frame. On board.

Italian Master (17th century) - Danae. 27 x 43 cm without frame, 34 x 50 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on panel, in a carved and gilded wooden frame from the 17th century. C...

This is our last one in stock at this size! This is a classical “verdure” tapestry inspired by the one exhibited at the Chevreuse castle (France) and created by the Aubusson Worksh...

This is an original signed antique oil painting on canvas depicting a moody seascape with turbulent waves crashing against a rugged shoreline beneath an overcast sky. The distant ho...

A delicate watercolour illustration of yellow Helianthus, inscribed with famous quotes by American poets Bayard Taylor and James Russell Lowell. Presented in a beautiful gilt-effect ...

Pair of wooden sculptures - Lions. Italy, 18th-19th century. 30 x 12 x h 17 cm. Entirely in finely carved wood. - This item is sold with a certificate of authenticity with legal ...

Taken from the world’s largest photographic archive, (Hulton Archive and Getty Images), the Getty Images Gallery collection features an extraordinary time capsule of the last century...

Muhammad Ali, 1963 Cassius Clay during a training session at White City, London, before his fight with British Heavyweight Champion Henry Cooper, 29 May 1963 Fine art giclée print....

Very finely painted late 19th or early 20th century portrait painting. Oil on canvas. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a giltwood molding. Excellent conditio...

Three Skunks of WWII c. 1940s Carved and painted wood Unsigned 8 x 10 in. h. each These skunks are depicted as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Hideki Tojo. Condition: There ...

"Walking Among the Backyard" is a mesmerizing antique oil painting on canvas that transports viewers to the elegant world of 18th-century Europe. The artwork depicts a European lady ...

Incredible signed early American dog portrait painting. Oil on board. Signed. Housed in a period gold giltwood frame.

Austrian School, 18th Century A Portrait of a Gentleman, thought to be Moses Diego Lopez Pereira, 1st Baron d’Aguilar, in an elaborate coat and a powdered wig Oil on canvas Provena...

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A very unusual and interesting monumental marble relief, hand carved in Italy in the early XX century that shown an interesting scene: the Apotheosis of the emperor Augustus. Apotheo...

Black and white portrait of Steve McQueen washing his Porsche at home with his son. Steve McQueen was an American actor. His antihero persona, emphasized during the height of the co...

Was she a gift to the Sultan, deliciously bejeweled and enrobed in the finest embroidered silks? By this time, resigned to her fate, the once Christian Circassian girl would have bee...

This painting portrays a charming Parisian street scene, rendered in an impressionistic style that captures the city's elegance and vitality. The composition features a broad, cobble...

'Eingeweide des Menschen I' (Human Intestines I) German wood-engraving, circa 1895. 240mm by 155mm (sheet)

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5208 Vintage boquet of colored flowers in a table setting Framed Signed Pobai