18th Century and Earlier Wall Decorations

Measuring 56 H x 67 W, this large Dutch oil on canvas painting from the 1700s depicts a Southern landscape of a glen beneath a rocky cliff. The expansive valley stretches far into the distance, before terminating at a lake in front of a mountain. Numerous flocks of sheep can be seen throughout the basin, including a group high up on the towering cliff with green trees dotting the sand-colored rock. Most of the flocks in the distance are being tended to by shepherds, but interestingly, a group of four men has gathered in the foreground to engage in leisurely activities as their sheep, cows, goat, and dog await nearby. A few chateaus can be seen in the distance, but most of the architecture is in the style of a capriccio, in that they are dilapidated. The top of a stone obelisk is missing and there are some losses to the inscribed pedestal next to it that supports a lidded urn. Large pieces of broken rock are scattered about, with one slab being used as a seat/table for two shepherds playing cards. Several birds fly in the blue sky, with the setting sun giving the clouds hues of gray, orange, and pink. The peaceful scene is surrounded by a brown wood frame with a thin undulating gilt border that edges the canvas. Our large Dutch painting...

Francesco Aviani (Italy - Venice, 25-11-1662 / 1715) att. Couple of paintings depicting Capricci Oil on canvas, 135 x 183 cm, without frame The two large and fine paintings depict two illusionistic architectural renderings, with views of colonnades and arched buildings, animated by figures. The compositions are characterized by the harmony with which the painter introduces the sumptuous architectural monuments, the mirrors of water, the buildings in the distance and the views of the landscape. Dominates with a color on the tones of brown and ochre that stands out on the blue sky, marked by some cloud of steam. The insertion of the figures to enliven the architectural views also balances with the set. The Capriccio, an artistic genre that has made its way into Italian painting since the 17th Century, is characterized by the representation of fantastic architectures or prospective inventions, sometimes combined with elements drawn freely from reality. The two paintings are an example of this type and they are a very interesting and Fine artwork. The remarkable pictorial quality emerges both from the composition of the ensemble and from the way in which the artist describes the views with great attention to detail, highlights and refined, perfectly realistic, chiaroscuro. The same must be recognized for the figures: these are described with a wise brushstroke, quick and quick touches give the dynamism of the moment that is captured, as if time had stopped to show and narrate what is happening. The painting on the right represents a large Baroque building in stone and paved with marbles, two floors, with moving façade, large columns with corinthian columns, a large portal with a staircase with large footsteps, a balustrade with string, from which some figures appear, and two equestrian monuments in bronze. The sumptuous building overlooks a large POOL of water, with a gushing fountain, around which some characters sit. In the second floor is described a white palace from which rises a tower crowned by a structure with wrought iron loggia. In addition there is a bridge and some architectural ruins behind which some mountainous reliefs fade towards the horizon. On the staircase is described a particular scene. The people seem to be part of a very precise story. A woman, in the shadow of a parasol supported by a servant, would seem to drive out of the palace a man, who, taken under his arm by two maidens with a determined attitude, is led to a boat. The scene could be identified with the biblical episode of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15,11-32), at the moment when the prodigal son is robbed and driven away by the harlots. The episode tells of a man with two children. The youngest said to his father: “Father, give me the part of my inheritance”. And the father divided the substances. After not many days, the youngest son, collected his things, left for a far country and there he lost his substances with prostitutes and living as a debaucher. When he had spent everything, there came a great famine in that country and he began to find himself in need. Reduced to hunger, he was forced to be a pig herder to survive. He therefore meditated in his heart to go to his father and ask for his forgiveness and to be welcomed anew, even as a servant. While still on the road, however, the father saw him and ran towards him, receiving him with open arms. He then ordered his servants to prepare a great feast for the occasion, killing for the purpose the "fatty calf". The firstborn did not understand why his brother was given such treatment, and reminded the parent that he, who had always obeyed him, had never received a single kid to celebrate with his friends. The father answered him: «Son, you are always with me and everything that is mine is yours; but it was necessary to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and came back to life, was lost and was found». The parable of the prodigal son was often portrayed in painting and the scene he finds most is certainly that of returning home in his father’s arms. Among the many is a canvas by the famous painter Giovanni Paolo Pannini (or Panini) (Italy – Piacenza, 1691– Rome, 1765) kept at the Hallsborough Gallery in London. Rather rare, however, is the scene of the prodigal son driven and robbed by harlots. There is an engraving by Hans Collaert II (1561-1620) in which this moment is described in the background compared to the moment, narratively later, in which he is penitent among the pigs. The second painting, certainly pendant of the first, represents a similar palace, with some characters overlooking the balustrade marcapiano and other figures around the large bathtub quadrilobata. In the foreground is described a monument with two large stone sculptures. In the distance some architectural elements and, beyond, the mountains are lost on the horizon. The studies related to the numerous painters of architectural views and caprices, active in Italy, and the archival documents found, which could better clarify commissions, biographies and certain works, are scarce and sporadic. Therefore there are still many difficulties in reconstructing a catalogue of autograph works for each author. Through paintings in private collections, in museums and paintings passed on the antique market it is however possible to advance some attributions in order to better delineate the various artistic figures. The style of the works studied here leads to a dating that runs between the 17th and 18th Centuries, with obvious influences dictated by the perspectives of the brothers Galli Bibiena. The analysis of the architectures and the chromatic palette suggests that we are in the presence of a northern Italian and Venetian author. Observing the decorations and the volutes, the brightness and the perspective disposition in fact, we find several analogies with those used by the Vicenza painter Francesco Aviani, excellent in pictorial perspective and architectural views. The biographical profile of Francesco Aviani (Italy - Vicenza, 1662-1715) was essentially traced in 1956 by Andreina Ballarin, then re-visited by Federica Spadotto in 2014 and Giancarlo Sestieri in 2015. Certain documents about his life are scarce, as are the documented works. He was born in Venice, probably on 25 November 1662, to Bernardo and a Magdalene whose surname is unknown, and was baptized on 3 December 1662. Between 1701 and 1703 he worked, together with his brother MarCo, sculptor, for the fresco decoration (now illegible) of the church villa in Soella (Vicenza). On October 16, 1703 he married Isabella Carcano. On March 26, 1715 he made a will and died on April 3 of the same year, in Vicenza. The frescoes in the refectory of the sanctuary of Monte Berico in Vicenza are considered authentic works by Aviani, probably made in 1708; the paintings preserved in the Civic Museum of Vicenza: “Landscape with Lazzaro and the rich Epulone”; “Christ among the doctors”; “The miraculous fishing”, works not datable but with attribution corroborated by style. In addition, the frescoes in the east and west corridors of the Villa La Rotonda, near Vicenza; the fresco in the apse basin of the chapel of the church S. Croce, Vicenza, now destroyed; the frescoes of the central hall of Villa Camerini a Montruglio (1714) and a painting of a “Porto Regio”, of which we have a print engraved by Dall'Acqua. From his works emerges the artistic background that animated the Venetian culture in the early eighteenth century. The scenic grandeur with which Aviani treats the architecture also suggests a stay in Emilia of the painter, in which he could have come into contact with the environment of the Bibiena. These contacts would be confirmed by the press of Cristoforo Dall'Acqua (Vicenza 1734-1787), “Il porto regio”, after a painting of Aviani. The press was part of a group of engravings, representing royal buildings, reproducing paintings of the Bibiena. In the eyes of Dall’Acqua, therefore, Aviani’s work was not foreign among those of the Emilians. Inside the sumptuous architectural whims, Aviani often depicts biblical scenes, in which the characters share the space and the narrative rhythm, along with figures drawn from everyday scenes, memories of the Veronese and Bassano heritage. Also in the works covered by this study the author does not seem to want to give up a biblical subject, though the purpose of the paintings appears to be clearly a staging scenography-architectural within which the characters are relegated to the role of extras. From the examination of the architectural Capriccio gathered under the name of Aviani then emerge common elements. The comparison between these works and the works in question highlights the proximity of the compositions. The imposing and scenic architectures are in fact equally characterized by the perspective-scenographic ability diffused in emilian “quadraturisti” and in Bibiena work. In fact, you can see the spectacular slender architecture in the lower part, the loggias that create chiaroscuro games with arches and binate columns placed on massive bases and overhung by projecting cornices. Significant also the comparison with two paintings with architectural whims in a night vision attributed to Francesco Aviani. In Aviani’s works it is possible to find a certain knowledge of the Roman Codazzi paint nd its early development of the eighteenth century, developed with the Locatelli, the Pannini and the less known Domenico Roberti. To Roberti have been recently attributed two works that have some compositional affinity with the canvases in question. The same can be done for a work on the antique market, attributed to Pietro Francesco...

This 17th century Brussels tapestry has survived the centuries while retaining much of its original splendor. Although it shows some signs of wear and tear over time, it remains in g...

Plate XXXI: 'Chirurgie'. (Surgery.) This plate shows medical instruments like a tourniguet, syringe, siphon, bandage. This print originates from 'En...

Antique print titled 'Emir Chef des descendans de Mahomet'. This print originates from 'Naaukeurige beschryving der godtsdienst-plichten, kerk-zeden en gewoontens van alle volkeren d...

Southern Sweden Provinces Map – Homann’s ‘Nova Tabula Scaniae’, ca. 1730 Antique map titled 'Nova Tabula Scaniae in qua sunt Scania, Blekingia et Hallandia'. This decorative map sho...

Very nice engraving "dressing for the masquerade" by Francesco Bartolozzi after the painting by George Morland. It represents 3 characters in a ru...

Antique map titled 'Die Heylige en Wytvermaerde stadt Jerusalem Eerst Genaemt Salem, Genesis 14 vers 18'. This map originates from 'Biblia. Ouden ende Nieuwen Testaments (..)'. Publi...

Antique print titled 'Caprimulgus'. Caprimulgus is a large and very widespread genus of nightjars, medium-sized nocturnal birds with long pointed wings, short legs and short bills. C...

Optica View Amsterdam Hogesluis & Amstel Locks, Basset Paris c.1770 This is a finely engraved and hand-colored optica view titled Vue de l’ecluse d’Amstel regardant par le dehors d’...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe kaart van Choromandel ende Malabar.' Original antique map of Southern India documenting the VOC's areas of influence. Included is Kerala, Tamil Nadu...

Antique print titled 'Corvus, Frugilegus'. The rook (Corvus frugilegus) is a member of the family Corvidae in the passerine order of birds. It was given its binomial name by Carl Lin...

This painting comes from Polland and is over 200 years old. Oil on canvas with little restorations.: let's not forget that there were two world wars in Europe. A lovely Madonna and c...

Antique map titled 'Prussiae Nova Tabula'. Rare early edition of Blaeu's map of Prussia, embellished with a gorgeous large format cartouche, compass ros...

18th - 19th Century Portrait Miniature St George and the Dragon Gold Woven Silk Thread on Reverse 4"H x 3.75"W x .15"D

An 18th Century petit point silkwork embroidery of a lady and gentleman stood in a country cottage garden. Sheep and a dog in the foreground. A house with a fence in the background. ...

Antique print titled '1. Le Couguar, 2. Le Linx'. Handcolored engraving of a puma and lynx. This print originates from 'Encyclopédie, Ou Dictionnaire Raisonné Des Sciences, Des Arts ...

A hand carved late 18th/19th Century mythological marble Satyr mask with horns, weathered patina in good condition. The hand sculpted Italian Carrara marb...

This "Pirates" ladder is BEYOND whimsical from Spain. A total of 26 feet long, perhaps used by Spanish pirates in the 1800's, we envision this more of a rustic wall art piece. Can ...

Composition performed with: Large decorative plate white ceramic with blue border. Manufacture: Portile Small decorative pewter dish. Manufacture: Berendsolun Portion of ceramic ca...

A group of eight Russian and Greek Orthodox icons painted over gold leaf and gesso laid on a wooden board. These are mounted on a Lucite panel and ...

This elegant and large antique tapestry was woven in the town of Aubusson, France, circa 1760. The rectangular landscape scene depicts fishermen...

Chinese famille rose porcelain armorial plate mounted in a shadow box. The plate features a rounded octagonal form with chamfered corners, and decorated in the French taste (Compagni...

A Pair of Oil Paintings on Copper, Bolognese School, 18th Century XVII century, in the style of Annibale Carracci (1560–1609), Circa 1660-1680's. Provenance: Formerly with Cesare de...

Belgian style (17th Century) horizontal Aubusson style tapestry of crane and fox in landscape with border (prior in collection of the Cincinnati Museum of Art). Condition: (Antique...

This print originates from: 'The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Chronicle 1781. Volume LI. For the Year MDCCLXXXI'.

This lovely and decorative painting of peasants in a bucolic setting with numerous farm animals is typical of the period and is designed to illustrate happier moments and a getting b...

This Charming Aubusson Historical Tapestry depicts "The Story of The Elephant Who Had a Rope in its Leg" In the middle of the Tapestry we see the Queen giving this important lesson t...

This is a complete folio with 34 loose plates in colour and black and white showing elegant 18th century decorative wall panels, wall hangings and arabesques. An excellent design res...

Beautiful white chrysanthemums are emphasized by heavy gold on a soft floral landscape, while gold clouds create a striking and dream-like floral scene. Gold leaf and gofun with min...

besonders schöner und originaler Flammleistenrahemn aus dem 17.Jhdt, Niederlande für Altmeistergemälde Feine ausgearbeitete Leiste in hoher Qualität Particularly beautiful flame...

August Johann Rosel von Rosenhof (British, 1810-1893) A set of two framed hand-colored engraving on hand laid paper from Historiae Polyporum., by Augustus Johannes Roesen von Rosenh...

This print originates from 'Naaukeurige beschryving der godtsdienst-plichten, kerk-zeden en gewoontens van alle volkeren der waereldt.', a Dutch edition or its French edition 'Ceremo...

Giovanni Michele Graneri (Italy, Turin 1708-1762) Bambocciata (Farmers dancing in front of the inn) The painting, made in oil on canvas, depicts a moment of celebration where some p...

Antique print of the marriage by blood and the ceremony of giving names to the new born child (by cutting the hair ). This print originates from 'Naaukeurige beschryving der godtsdie...

Antique map of the Dominion of Venice, extending from Stato di Milano and Genoa to Istria. Including Lake Garda, Venice and Istria.

South Sweden Map with Inset of Halmstad – Antique Map by Frederik de Wit, c.1680 This richly detailed antique map titled Accurata Scaniae, Blekingae et Hallandiae Descriptio present...

A superbly carved, early 17th century decorative Renaissance walnut wall panel mounted within a carved oak frame, sourced from a private UK collectio...

A sensational and large scale Italian 18th century oil on canvas from the Piedmont region. The beautiful painting is set in its original polychrome frame which displays a lovely carv...

18th-century gilded Italian wall plaque.

A Flemish rustic tapestry from the late 18th century, featuring a “Vegetable Market” scene in the manner of David Teniers II, with vendors selling various vegetables in the foregroun...

Colonial school. Oil on copper mounted on a stretcher. Each copper panel features a different allegory. One depicts the allegory of Asia, represented by a woman seated on a camel — o...

A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...

This large (110 inches high) oil on canvas painting depicts a successful hunter, with his felled game displayed near his retriever dogs. Our hunter is leaning against a stone pedestal, clad in blue coat and pants with his rifle beneath his right hand. The man is wearing a gold cap with red fabric attached to it and has a sword on his left hip. Three retriever dogs stand to the hunter’s left, while a fourth sits in front of him (the man appears to be motioning to this dog with his left hand). An orange terra cotta vase adorned with spiral fluting sits on top of a molded plinth at the top of the pedestal. Ivy has begun to wrap around the vase, which also is festooned with green drapery. On a ledge at the base of the pedestal is the felled game: a rabbit and three birds. The hunting display is surrounded by numerous trees and shrubbery. Mountains and a lake can be seen in the background, beneath a blue sky with pink and orange clouds and birds flying. Based on the size and vertical orientation, the scene was most likely part of a French boiserie room...

Brown Chancay coca bag with shamans and zoomorphic figures depicted in the centre on a in various colors on a red background. This piece is accompanied by ...

Italian oval oil on board gilt carved wood portrait of a gentleman in the original floral and berry frame, 18th century.

A charming Spanish scene depicting figures dressed in period attire. This oil painting on copper, dating to around 1800, is unsigned but reflects the era and style of Francisco de Go...

Portrait of an elegant young lady and very much in the manner of Jean-Baptiste Greuze. An 18th-century painter of melodramatic genre, morality lessons, female figures, and portraits ...

Italian Neoclassic (18th Century) gilt carved wood and metal wall plaque with a centered column and capital with an eminating scroll and cornicopia design Fair Condition...

A stunning Italian 17th century oil on canvas still life, from Rome. The painting depicts a beautiful fruit bowl and grapes in the foreground and wonderfully executed bouquet of flow...

English Georgian (18/19th century) green painted and carved gilt wall plaque of coat of arms with unicorn & lion and broken pediment top.

Original 18th century color engraving print by renowned artist Pe. F.H. Bruegel. A fine crisp impression of great rarity; it is particularly unusual to find color engravings of this...

An extremely charming Italian 18th century Neo-Classical oil on canvas painting. The circular painting retains its original giltwood frame with a beautiful mottled designs and finely...

17th C Neapolitan School Painting Oil Canvas Old Master Mola Giovanni Battista . Circa 1600’s important Painting Oil on Canvas painting of a boy with a bird, in original Hand carved...

Rare and impressive early 18th century coat of arms, the whole carved in oak, the frame with relief carved strapwork on punched and worked gr...

Set of Three Hand Colored Copper Wheel Engraved Floral Prints by John Hill c1756. One print signed in the plate, "I Hill." Published in England and hand colored. From an edition of 6...

An antique stained glass panels of a medieval soldier figure. Dating to circa 1780, this stained glass panel has stood the test of time as it showcases precision, detail and good qu...

ANTIQUE ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING DEPICTING A BASKET OF INGREDIENTS Depicting a basket with a frayed handle, which has been emptied onto a kitchen table. The basket is full o...

Breathtaking Antique Velvet Wall Hanging Dutch Textile, Country of Origin: Netherlands, Circa Date: 18th Century

Gaspar Peeter de Verbruggen the Younger (Antwerp, 1664 – 1730) and Pieter Ykens (1648 – 1695) Still Life with Fruit, Flowers, and Female Figure (Flora) Dimensions: Frame: W 143 cm x ...