18th Century Landscape Paintings

Oil on Canvas. French school of the 2nd half of the 18th century. Probably the work of a follower of Claude Joseph Vernet (1714 -1789), a French painter who specialized in seascapes ...

The painting, large in size and with a notable decorative impact, comes from an important private collection, divided between Rome and Paris, and depicts a rural episode set in a lat...

Oil on Canvas. Venetian school of the 18th century. Large landscape of pre-Alpine hills, traversed by a stream that reaches the mill in the right foreground, while numerous figures o...

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...

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...

Follower of Jacob Savery (1566-1603) Concert of Birds 18th-century oil on panel unframed: 42 × 44 cm (16.5 × 17.3 in) framed: 53 × 54 cm (20.9 × 21.3 in) Expertise: Stéphane Pint...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

Oil on Canvas. Genoese school of the eighteenth century. The country landscape sees a dilapidated structure stand in the center, the ruins of a building through whose gashed walls th...

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...

Oil on Canvas. Italian school of the late 1700s-early 1800s. The romantic-taste landscape sees a river flowing between rocky banks topped by leafy trees; on the bank, in the left for...

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...

Workshop of Francesco De Mura (Naples, 1696 – Naples, 1782) Alexander the Great at the tomb of Achilles Oil on canvas 74 x 99 cm. - Framed 85 x 113 cm. A fine example of mid-...

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...

‘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...

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

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 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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A large pair of 18th century veduta capriccio scenes with temple ruins after Gennaro Greco from the circle of Pietro Cappelli. The paintings are presented in more modern carved gilt ...

A fine, large 18th century veduta capriccio scene with temple ruins after Gennaro Greco from the circle of Pietro Cappelli. The painting is presented in a more modern carved gilt woo...

Oil on Canvas. Of large format and octagonal outline, the canvas features a landscape inscribed in a painted frame with friezes, falling into the category of eighteenth-century pain...

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...

Artist/ School: Italian School, early 18th century The painting is almost certainly from the circle of the Italian Baroque painter known as 'Rosa da Napoli', Jacob Roos (Rome 1682-Na...

Stephen Elmer (Farnham 1715-1796) A Covey of Partridges in a landscape Oil on canvas Canvas Size 28 x 36 in Framed Size 32 x 43 in Elmer resided at Farnham, Surrey, where he was a m...

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...

‘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...

Joshua Shaw (Billingborough 1776-1860 New Jersey) An open landscape with cattle watering signed and dated 'J. Shaw. 1810' lower right Oil on canvas Canvas Size 36 x 51 in Framed Siz...

‘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...

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...

Jean-Baptiste Oudry (Paris 1686 - Beauvais 1755) circle of - Hunting scene with greyhounds. 21 x 27 cm without frame, 26 x 32 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on panel, in a car...

‘The British Fleet with a Vice-Admiral of the Red off Dover’ by Dominic Serres R.A. (1722-1793). French-born Dominic Serres didn’t just paint the drama of...

Attributed to Francis Swaine (British, 1725–1782) Naval Engagement at Sea, 18th century Oil on panel In this evocative seascape, a cluster of ships—flags raised, cannons fired—conve...

John Nost Sartorius (London 1759-1828) A Huntsman with Dogs and Pony Signed 'JN Sartorius pin.' lower right Oil on canvas Canvas Size 26 3/4 x 37 in Framed Size - 31 x 41 in John No...

Expressive depiction of Christ being aided by Simon of Cyrene by an unknown artist, Italiante School style of 17th-century Northern European painters principally Dutch, c.1700s-1800s. This piece is composed of oil on linen, laid down on fiberboard. Presented in a giltwood frame. Image size: 42"H x 33"W. Italianate painters, group of 17th-century northern European painters, principally Dutch, who traveled in Italy and, consciously adopting the style of landscape painting that they found there, incorporated Italian models and motifs into their own works. Chief among the Italianates were Bartholomeus Breenbergh, Andries and Jan Both, Nicolaes Berchem, and Jan Asselijn...

Francesco Fontebasso (Venice 1709 - Venice 1769) Alexander the Great grants clemency to the Persians Oil on canvas 108 x 153 cm. In frame 120 x 164 cm. Fascinating for its interest...

Oil on Canvas. Of large format and octagonal outline, the canvas features a landscape inscribed in a painted frame with friezes, falling into the category of eighteenth-century paint...

Oil on Canvas. Central European school of the late 1700s. The large painting depicts a rural landscape, with a peasant dwelling on the left, the shepherdess in the left foreground wa...

Oil on Canvas. Signed " Schütz fecit" on the ruin to the right of the shepherdess. Christian Georg Schütz the Elder captures an idyllic, serene landscape crossed by a meandering, slo...

Fighting Dogs French Provincial School, 18th century, unsigned oil on canvas, framed in period antique wooden frame (walnut?) Framed: 26 x 51 inches Canv...

Antonio Diziani (Venice 1737 - Venice 1797) - Bucolic landscape with characters and wagon. 45 x 101.5 cm without frame, 55.5 x 111.5 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on canvas, ...

French School of Francois Boucher (Paris, 1703 - 1770) Putti as Fishermen (Allegory of Water) 18th century Oil on canvas 65 x 146 cm. - In frame 77 x 157 cm. We present a splendid...

Francesco Zuccarelli (Pitigliano 1702 - Florence 1788) - River landscape with knights and medieval village. 53 x 70 cm without frame, 64.5 x 80.5 cm with frame. Antique oil paintin...

This stunning British Old Master landscape oil painting, with excellent provenance, is by George Lambert. Lambert was a pioneer of British landscape in art for its own sake. Painted in 1744, the painting is entitled View of a Manor House and Cottages in Elizabeth Einberg's 63rd volume of the Walpole Society 2001 and is described as follows: In the foreground a road emerges from a wood to cross a ford and then leads up the hill to the right, towards a manor house seemingly built into the remains of a medieval or Tudor edifice. The main track, crowded with sheep and rustic figures, passes the massive square gateposts lower down the hill on the left. Further to the left is a thatched cottage with smoke coming out the chimney. In the distance is a wide coastal view. The main buildings, which are in the dead centre of the composition, represent almost certainly an as yet unidentified English view. The colouring and detail in the trees and foliage are superb. This is an excellent Old Master oil painting by one of the all time great British landscape artists with extensive provenance. Signed and dated 1744 lower left on rock in black. Provenance. Elizabeth Einberg, “Catalogue Raisonnè of the works of George Lambert” The Annual Volume of the Walpole Society, 2001 Vol. 63, page 149 no P1744, fig.71. Antonacci Efrati Antichità Rome Gallery. Burden sale, Parke Bernet, New York, 20-21, April 1938 (376 repr.) Robert E. Peters, Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, March 1975 (41 repr.) Lit. Schnackenburg 1995, pp 83-84, cat. no.14 fig 13. Condition. Oil on canvas, 54 inches by 52 inches and in good condition. Frame. Housed in an ornate gilt frame, 64 inches by 62 inches and in good condition. George Lambert (1700-1765) was an English landscape artist and theatre scene painter. With Richard Wilson he is recognised as a pioneer of British landscape in art, for its own sake. Lambert was born in Kent and studied art under Warner Hassells and John Wootton, soon attracting attention by the quality of his landscape painting. He painted many large and fine landscapes in the style of Gaspar Poussin and Salvator Rosa. Many of his landscapes were finely engraved by François Vivares, James Mason (1710–1785), and others, including a set of views of Plymouth and Mount Edgcumbe (painted conjointly with Samuel Scott), a view of Saltwood Castle in Kent, another of Dover, and a landscape presented to the Foundling Hospital in London. Lambert also obtained a great reputation as a scene-painter, working at first for the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, in London, under John Rich. When Rich moved to Covent Garden Theatre, Lambert secured the assistance of Amigoni, and together they produced scenery of far higher quality than any previously executed. Lambert was a man of jovial temperament and shrewd wit, and frequently spent his evenings at work in his painting-loft at Covent Garden Theatre, to which men of note in the fashionable or theatrical world resorted to share his supper of a beef-steak, freshly cooked on the spot. Out of these meetings arose the well-known "Beefsteak Club" which long maintained a high social reputation. Most of Lambert's scene-paintings unfortunately perished when Covent Garden Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1808. Lambert was a friend of William Hogarth and a member of the jovial society that met at 'Old Slaughter's' Tavern in St Martin's Lane. In 1755 he was one of the committee of artists who proposed a royal academy of arts in London. He was a member of the Society of Artists of Great Britain, exhibited with them in 1761 and the three following years, and during the same period contributed to the Academy exhibitions. In 1765 he and other members seceded and formed the Incorporated Society of Artists of Great Britain, of which he was elected the first president. In conjunction with Samuel Scott, Lambert painted a series of Indian views for the old East India House in Leadenhall Street. He also etched two prints after Salvator Rosa. Lambert was associated in 1735 with George Vertue, Hogarth, and John Pine (engraver, 1660–1756) in obtaining a bill from parliament securing artists a copyright on their works. Lambert's portraits were painted by Thomas Hudson, John Vanderbank (engraved in mezzotint by John Faber the younger in 1727, and in line by H. Robinson and others), and Hogarth. Lambert's most famous painting is "A view of Box Hill, Surrey" (1733) which depicts a well-known beauty spot south of London. Hogarth considered Lambert a rival to the famous French landscape painter Claude Lorrain (1600–1682) with respect to his use of soft light to unify the scene in this painting. Though he never visited Italy he was inspired by the classical tradition of landscape painting. Lambert died on 30 November 1765 at his home on the Piazza in Covent Garden. His pupils included John Inigo Richards...

Roman painter (18th century) - Landscape with wayfarers. 43.5 x 34.5 cm without frame, 58.5 x 49.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden fram...

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...

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

The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the most prominent ports of the Mediterranean, but indeed a city literally submerged in the ocean from time to time. Curiously however, the famous Venetian school of painting showed little interest in maritime motifs, favouring scenes from the iconic architecture of the city rather than seascapes. That is why this painting is a particularly interesting window into not only the painter Francesco Guardi himself – but to the significance of the element of water in art history, in absence as well as in the centre of attention. Whether it be calm, sunny days with stunning views of the palaces alongside the canals of Venice or – more rarely – stormy shipwrecking tragedies at sea, water as a unifying element is integral to the works of painter Francesco Guardi (1712–1793). During his lifetime, Venetian art saw many of its greatest triumphs with names like Tiepolo or Canaletto gaining international recognition and firmly establishing Venice as one of the most vibrant artistic communities of Europe. While the city itself already in the 18th century was something of an early tourist spot where aristocrats and high society visited on their grand tour or travels, the artists too contributed to the fame and their work spread the image of Venice as the city of romance and leisure to an international audience, many of whom could never visit in person. Still today, the iconic image of Venice with its whimsical array of palaces, churches and other historic buildings is much influenced by these artists, many of whom have stood the test of time like very well and remain some of the most beloved in all of art history. It was not primarily subtility, intellectual meanings or moral ideals that the Venetian art tried to capture; instead it was the sheer vibrancy of life and the fast-paced city with crumbling palaces and festive people that made this atmosphere so special. Of course, Venice could count painters in most genres among its residents, from portraiture to religious motifs, history painting and much else. Still, it is the Vedutas and views of the city that seems to have etched itself into our memory more than anything else, not least in the tradition of Canaletto who was perhaps the undisputed master of all Venetian painters. Born into his profession, Francesco lived and breathed painting all his life. His father, the painter Domenico Guardi (1678–1716) died when Francesco was just a small child, yet both he and his brothers Niccolò and Gian Antonio continued in their fathers’ footsteps. The Guardi family belonged to the nobility and originated from the mountainous area of Trentino, not far from the Alps. The brothers worked together on more challenging commissions and supported each other in the manner typical of family workshops or networks of artists. Their sister Maria Cecilia married no other than the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo himself, linking the family to the most renowned Venetian name of the time. During almost a decade, Guardi worked in the studio of Michele Giovanni Marieschi, sometimes simply known as Michiel, a painted similar in both style and motif. Canaletto is, however, the artist Guardi is most often compared to since they shared a mutual fascination for depicting the architecture and cityscape of Venice. During the course of his career, Guardi tried his hand in many different genres. He was as swift in painting landscapes, Vedutas of Venice, sacred motifs, interiors and architectural compositions as he was in a number of other motifs. His style is typical of the Venetian school but also distinct and personal once we look a little closer. There is an absolute certainty in the composition, the choice of which sometimes feels like that of a carefully calculated photograph – yet it is also very painterly, in the best sense of the word: fluid, bold, sensitive and full of character. The brushwork is rapid, intense, seemingly careless and extraordinarily minute at the same time; fresh and planned in a very enjoyable mixture. His interiors often capture the breath-taking spacious glamour of the palaces and all their exquisite decor. He usually constructed the motif through remarkably simple, almost spontaneous yet intuitively precise strokes and shapes. The result was a festive, high-spirited atmospheric quality, far away from the sterile and exact likeness that other painters fell victim to when trying to copy Canaletto. The painting here has nothing of the city of Venice in it. On the contrary, we seem to be transported far away into the solitary ocean, with no architecture, nothing to hold on to – only the roaring sea and the dangerous cliffs upon which the ships are just moments away from being crushed upon. It is a maritime composition evoking both Flemish and Italian precursors, in the proud tradition of maritime painting that for centuries formed a crucial part of our visual culture. This genre of painting is today curiously overlooked, compared to how esteemed and meaningful it was when our relationship to the sea was far more natural than it is today. When both people and goods travelled by water, and many nations and cities – Venice among them – depended entirely on sea fare, the existential connection to the ocean was much more natural and integrated into the imagination. The schools and traditions of maritime art are as manifold as there are countries connected to the sea, and all reflect the need to process the dangers and wonders of the ocean. It could symbolize opportunity, the exciting prospects of a new countries and adventures, prospering trade, beautiful scenery as well as war and tragedy, loss of life, danger and doom. To say that water is ambivalent in nature is an understatement, and these many layers were something that artists explored in the most wondrous ways. Perhaps it takes a bit more time for the modern eye to identify the different nuances and qualities of historic maritime paintings, they may on first impression seem hard to differentiate from each other. But when allowing these motifs to unfold and tell stories of the sea in both fiction and reality – or somewhere in between – we are awarded with an understanding of how the oceans truly built our world. In Guardi’s interpretation, we see an almost theatrically arranged shipwrecking scene. No less than five ships are depicted right in the moment of utter disaster. Caught in a violent storm, the waves have driven them to a shore of sharp cliffs and if not swallowed by the waves, crushing against the cliffs seems to be the only outcome. The large wooden ships are impressively decorated with elaborate sculpture, and in fact relics already during Guardi’s lifetime. They are in fact typical of Dutch and Flemish 17th century ships, giving us a clue to where he got the inspiration from. Guardi must have seen examples of Flemish maritime art, that made him curious about these particular motifs. One is reminded of Flemish painters like Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, and this very painting has indeed been mistakenly attributed to Matthieu van Plattenberg...

Italian painter (18th century) - Arcadian landscape with flock and shepherds. 56 x 70 cm without frame, 63.5 x 79 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a wooden frame. ...

18th century oil on canvas chinoiserie scene painted 'en Camaïeu Bleu'. Originally part of a decorative scheme in a dining room as an overdoor set into panelling. Provenance: From ...

This large superb British Old Master horse portrait oil painting is by noted artist John Boultbee. Painted circa 1790, the composition is a beautif...

This stunning Italian Capriccio Old Master landscape oil painting is attributed to circle of Giovanni Paolo Panini. Painted circa 1740 it is a fantastic view of the Temple of Sibyl, ...

Swans Startled by Dog Flemish Old Master, 18th century unsigned (as is typical of the period) oil on bevelled wood panel, framed framed: 14.5 x 17 inches panel: 10 x 13 inches proven...

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

The Merchants Port Italian School, 18th century oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 37 x 58 inches canvas: 32 x 52 inches provenance: private collection, UK condition: very good a...

French painter (18th century) - Flute player and dog. 43.5 x 35 cm without frame, 54 x 45 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame. Condi...

This superb British Old Master marine oil painting is attributed to Peter Monamy. Painted circa 1730 it depicts Morning Gun - A morning gun is a gun fired at the first note of revei...

A late 18th Century oil on canvas laid on board of a young beauty in period costume carrying a basket of flowers on her head. Presented in a very fine gilt, period 'Directoire' frame...

Follower of Nicolas Lancret (Paris 1690 - Paris 1743) - Gallant scene in a landscape. 63.5 x 76 cm without frame, 91 x 102.5 cm with frame. Antique oil painting on canvas, in carve...

German School, 1700s The Road to Emmaus oil on panel unframed: 24.3 x 17.5 cm (9.6 x 6.9 inches) framed: 34.5 x 28 cm (13.6 x 11 inches) Provenance: Swedish author and artist Amel...