OLD MASTERS

Joos de Momper II (Follower of) 

An Extensive River Landscape with Figures

oil on copper
unframed: 18.3 x 26.3 cm (7 1/4 x 10 3/8 in)
framed: 35.5 x 43.5 cm (14 x 17 1/8 in)

Essay:
This captivating painting, rendered on copper, portrays an idyllic riverside scene. A harmonious blend of architectural elements, natural beauty, and human activity animates the composition. The village in the foreground is marked by a warm, rosy palette, with its lively buildings and cobblestone paths echoing the vibrancy of human life. Figures are scattered throughout, engaged in daily activities, lending the piece a narrative quality. The serene river to the right features a sailboat gracefully navigating the waters, while dramatic cliffs rise in the background, framing the scene with an air of mystery.

Attributed to a follower of Joos de Momper II, this work reflects the enduring influence of one of the Flemish Golden Age's foremost landscape painters. Active in Antwerp during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, de Momper was celebrated for his panoramic vistas and his distinctive use of color gradation, transitioning from earthy browns to lush greens and ethereal blues. His works bridged the transition from Mannerist stylization to the more realistic landscapes that defined the 17th century.

Although this painting likely dates to the 18th century, it carries the hallmarks of de Momper's style, showcasing the meticulous detailing and atmospheric perspective for which Flemish landscape painting is renowned. The choice of copper as a medium not only enhances the vibrancy of the pigments but also underscores the work's craftsmanship and durability.

Joos de Momper's artistic lineage is steeped in collaboration and innovation. His vast output, often created in partnership with figure painters like Jan Brueghel the Elder, established him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of landscape art. The enduring appeal of his style is evident in works like this, where a follower has faithfully embraced his spirit, offering a timeless glimpse into an imagined, yet deeply evocative world.

Condition Report: 
The painting is in excellent condition. It has undergone restoration at some point in the not-too-distant past. The colors are strong and clear. The fine frame, which complements the artwork beautifully, is included.

Unknown Artist, 17th Century

Saint John the Baptist in a Landscape

oil on copper
unframed 11 x 15 cm

Condition: 
The painting is in a good condition following meticulous restoration by our conservator in Stockholm. The old varnish has been carefully removed, resulting in significantly sharper and more vibrant colors that reveal the artist's original intent. Additionally, the painting has been reframed in a new gilt frame, which beautifully complements the work and is included in the price.

Essay:
This exquisite small painting, executed on copper during the 1600s, depicts Saint John the Baptist in a serene landscape. The unknown artist captures the saint in a moment of contemplation, his red cloak and simple garments symbolizing his life of humility and devotion. Saint John the Baptist, a central figure in Christian iconography, is often depicted as a prophet and the forerunner of Christ, baptizing in the wilderness and calling for repentance.

Measuring only 11 x 15 cm, this jewel-like piece is remarkable for its vibrant, deep blue hues that dominate the background. A delightful detail is the small sailboat visible beneath the blue mountain, adding a sense of depth and narrative to the composition.

Similar themes and compositions intrigued artists such as Johann König and Annibale Carracci, who explored landscapes with religious figures. This charming painting is not only an evocative representation of Saint John the Baptist but also a testament to the skill and creativity of 17th-century painters.

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 Amelie Posse (1884–1957)

Essay:
This 18th-century painting, measuring 24.3 x 17.5 cm, depicts the biblical scene known as "The Road to Emmaus" likely created by an unknown German artist. In this scene, found in Luke 24:13–35 of the New Testament, Jesus appears to two of his disciples after his resurrection, walking alongside them as they journey to the village of Emmaus. The disciples, however, do not recognize him until later, when he breaks bread with them, revealing his true identity.

The painting captures the moment of Jesus' interaction with the disciples, emphasizing the quiet, mystical atmosphere of the encounter. Jesus, draped in a blue mantle, stands in the center, deep in conversation with the disciples. The use of dark tones and soft lighting enhances the spiritual and solemn quality of the moment, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of revelation and faith.

Previously, this artwork was owned by the Swedish author and artist Amelie Posse (1884–1957). Posse, a prominent anti-Nazi activist, was known for founding the resistance organization "Tisdagsklubben" (The Tuesday Club) during World War II, aimed at countering Nazi influence in Sweden. Her life was marked by a commitment to democratic and pacifist ideals, and she played a significant role in assisting refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe.

Attributed to Theodore Russel (Russell) (1614‑1689) England 

Portrait of a lady in blue dress ”Countess of Peterborough”

oil on wood panel
with indistinct inscription Countess of Peter[...] upper left.
with inscription on the reverse: ”Countess of Peterborough. P. Lely 1670. S Beatty Picture Restorer [...] Warwick”.
unframed 39 x 31 cm = 15.35 x 12.2 inches
framed 52 x 41.5 cm = 20.47 x 16.34 inches

Condition: 
The portrait has just been restored by a professional art conservator in Stockholm and is now in a very good condition. The colors are vivid, and the skin tones appear more natural than before. It is a very fine painting. The frame is newly made and included."

Provenance:
Elleholms Hofgård, Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden **;
Stockholms Auktionsverk, Fine Art & Antiques Autumn 2023, Lot 831, As "Attributed to Peter Lely (1618-1680)" (Expertise Stéphane Pinta, Cabinet Turquin, Paris);
Uppsala Auktionskammare, Important Sale, June 2024, Lot 637, As "Attributed to Theodore Russell (1614‑1689)". 

** The estate has changed hands multiple times since the 17th century. The current two-story, timber-framed main building was constructed in 1730 and expanded in 1804. The ancestors of the present owners acquired the estate in 1915. From the 20th century until 2023, the painting was displayed in the main building.

Literature:
Ingrid Martelius, Slott och herresäten i Sverige, Blekinge, 1968, mentioned p. 306 as by Sir Peter Lely, illustrated.

Essay:

This exquisite portrait, with its new attribution to Theodore Russel, is believed to depict Lady Penelope O'Brien, daughter of Barnabas O'Brien, the sixth Earl of Thomond, and wife of the Earl of Peterborough, whom she married in 1644. The painting thus belongs to a historically significant period, capturing the refined elegance of the time.

The portrait has a prestigious provenance from Elleholms Hofgård, a historic estate in Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden. Elleholms Hofgård, whose two-story, timber-framed main building was constructed in 1730 and expanded in 1804, has changed ownership several times since the 17th century. The ancestors of the present owners acquired the estate in 1915, and from the 20th century until 2023, this painting was prominently displayed in the estate’s main building, making it an integral part of the estate’s history.

Theodore Russel, an English portrait artist born in 1614, studied under the renowned Sir Anthony van Dyck, whose influence can be seen in Russel’s meticulous style. Russel often painted on cabinet-sized panels, such as this one, which measures approximately 39 x 31 cm. This preference for panels is a notable characteristic that sets him apart from contemporary artists like Sir Peter Lely, who exclusively used canvas. The size of the panel is a key reason for the reattribution to Russel from Peter lely, as Lely rarely used panels for his works. This distinctive format, along with Russel’s characteristic style, strongly supports the new attribution.

Russel, the son of Nicasius Rousseel, a goldsmith and jeweler to James I and Charles I, refined his skills under the mentorship of his uncle, the famous portrait painter Cornelis Janssen. He also worked as an assistant and copyist for van Dyck, further honing his artistic style. This captivating portrait exemplifies Russel’s craftsmanship, reflecting the elegance of the period’s fashion and the artist's refined techniques.

Johann Andreas von Düwens (?-1716) Germany

Vanitas with Pallas Athena, Wheat, and Flowers, 1701

signed and dated Jo An von Düwens pinx 1701
oil on wood panel
unframed 56 x 42 cm (22.05 x 16.54 inches)
framed 70 x 54 cm (27.56 x 21.26 inches)

With inscription: ”Wie es wolt Sommer werden. Da müst ich von der Erden / Bringen frucht in gedult”.
With indistinct inscription on the reverse: ”[...] av Nature Morte”.

Condition: 
The painting has recently undergone restoration by a professional art conservator. There are small areas with retouching. The panel itself is slightly warped, and as a result, a custom-made frame has been crafted to accommodate its curved shape. The painting’s colors are vibrant and clear, showcasing the fine detail and original brilliance of the piece.

Provenance: 
A private collection Stockholm; 
Uppsala Auktionskammare, Important Spring Sale 2024, Lot 627,
As by Johann Andreas von Düwens. 

ESSAY:

A Rare and Significant Discovery.

We are pleased to offer this newly discovered vanitas still life by the German artist Johann Andreas von Düwens (?-1716). Titled "Vanitas with Pallas Athena, Wheat, and Flowers" this stunning work, dated and signed by the artist, is one of the few known paintings attributed to Düwens.

The central figure in the composition is a striking statue of Pallas Athena, symbolizing wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship. The goddess is surrounded by meticulously rendered objects that heighten the vanitas theme—a skull, symbolizing mortality; a sheaf of wheat, representing the cycle of life; and a vivid array of flowers, embodying both beauty and the fleeting nature of existence. Each element is imbued with rich symbolism, reminding viewers of life's transience and the inevitability of death.

An inscription on the column behind Athena reads: "Wie es wolt Sommer werden. Da müst ich von der Erden / Bringen frucht in gedult", roughly translated as, "As summer is about to come, I must leave the earth / Bear fruit with patience," a poetic reflection on the passage of time and human existence. This phrase complements the painting's vanitas theme, invoking both a sense of finality and a call to spiritual mindfulness.

The skillful use of vibrant colors and intricate detailing in the various objects displayed in the foreground—the flowers, the sheaf of wheat, the book, and even the helmet leaning on a shield—exemplifies Düwens' talent for composition and his deep understanding of vanitas symbolism. The painting’s architectural backdrop, an elegant arched wing of a palace, adds a majestic sense of place, creating a juxtaposition between life’s impermanence and the grandeur of human achievement.

Little is known about Johann Andreas von Düwens, who hailed from a renowned artistic family. He was appointed court painter in Zerbst in 1697, where he created numerous large-scale works, including the now-lost murals of Zerbst Castle. His brother Heinrich Duwens is slightly more recognized, but Johann's portable works, like this vanitas still life, are extremely rare, with only a few surviving engravings of portraits known to exist.

This painting is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Baroque art by an elusive artist whose works were once celebrated at court, yet whose legacy was nearly lost to time. 

Mathys (Mathijs) Schoevaerdts (1665/1667- after 1702) 

Fishmarket in a Southern Port City

oil on canvas
canvas dimensions 17.71 x 25.98 inches (45 x 66 cm)
frame dimensions 24.80 x 33.07 inches (63 x 84 cm)

Expertise:
This painting comes with a certificate (photocopy) from Ellen Bernt, stating that it is "a flawless and characteristic work by the Brussels landscape and figure painter Mathys Schoevaerdts."

Provenance:
Im Kinsky Kunst Auktionen Vienna, 2010-09, Alte Mesiter Sale, lot 2, as Mathys Schoevaerdts;
Dorotheum Vienna, Alte Meister, 2015-12, Lot nr 79, as Mathys Schoevaerdts;
A private collection in Sweden, it was acquired on the sale above.  

Essay:
"Fishmarket in a Southern Port City" is an exquisite painting by the renowned Flemish artist Mathys Schoevaerdts, celebrated for his vibrant landscapes and lively genre scenes. This captivating work, created in the late 17th century, is a testament to Schoevaerdts' skilful blend of realism and idealism, embodying the serene and bustling atmosphere of a southern European port city.

The painting masterfully captures a bustling fish market set against the backdrop of a picturesque port city. The scene is rich with architectural details, including classical arches and a stately building, possibly indicating the city's historical significance and southern European influence.

Schoevaerdts populates the scene with a myriad of figures, each engaged in various activities typical of a lively market day. Fishermen, merchants, and townsfolk animate the foreground, their detailed and individualized poses adding depth and narrative to the composition. The meticulous depiction of everyday life offers a glimpse into the cultural and social dynamics of the time.

The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and a calm, expansive water body, possibly a river or coastal inlet. The distant mountains and the serene sky, painted in delicate hues of blue and pink, evoke a sense of tranquility and timeless beauty. This harmony between the natural and built environments is a hallmark of Schoevaerdts' style.

The use of light in this painting is particularly striking. The warm, golden light of the setting sun bathes the entire scene, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures and details of the architecture and figures. The palette of soft blues, greens, and warm earth tones enhances the painting's inviting and nostalgic feel.

The Artist:
Mathys Schoevaerdts (c. 1665/1667 – after 1702) was a Flemish painter whose works were highly sought after in his lifetime. He trained under Adriaen Frans Boudewijns and became a master of the Brussels Guild of Saint Luke in 1690. Schoevaerdts' work, influenced by Jan Brueghel the Elder, is noted for its blend of detailed realism and idyllic scenes, often imbued with a sense of pastoral happiness.

Schoevaerdts' oeuvre is celebrated for its intricate landscapes filled with lively scenes of peasant life, kermesses, and fantastical elements. Although little is known about his personal life, his legacy is preserved through his works that continue to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors. His unique approach to composition and his ability to blend naturalistic detail with imaginative elements have earned him a distinguished place in the history of Flemish painting.

 

 

Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685)

Shepherd with Sheep, Cows and a Goat in a Landscape

oil on relined canvas
canvas size 56 x 53 cm
frame included

Compare with the signed painting by Soolmaker sold at Sotheby’s London, 7 July 1999, lot 453.

Provenance:
The collection of Swedish Prince Fredrik Adolf (1750-1803);
The collection of Pär Ulmgren (1767-1846), no. 32;
The collection of Gösta Stenman (1888-1947), inv. no. 885;
Engineer and politician Gustaf Henry Hansson (1894‑1976), probably acquired from the above;
Thence by descent until 2021

Essay:
This painting depicts a pastoral scene that is attributed to the artist Jan Frans Soolmaker, an artist known for his Italianate landscapes and scenes that often feature equestrian and Arcadian elements. The painting is not signed but is attributed to Soolmaker, relating it to a known signed work by the artist that was sold at Sotheby’s London in 1999.

The scene is suffused with the warm glow of a setting or rising sun, casting a soft light that is characteristic of Soolmaker’s landscapes. It shows a shepherd guiding a group of cattle across a shallow stream, with the animals taking center stage in the composition. The animals are rendered with careful attention to their forms and the play of light on their bodies, which is a hallmark of Soolmaker's work. The landscape is composed of a rocky terrain with trees and shrubbery, creating a sense of depth and natural beauty that invites the viewer to explore the scene further.

The background suggests a vast, open landscape with distant mountains, which adds to the Italianate feel of the painting. The sky is dramatic, with clouds catching the light of the sun, contributing to the overall serene yet dynamic atmosphere of the work.

The provenance of the painting is notable, having been in the possession of significant historical figures such as Swedish Prince Fredrik Adolf, and later The collection of Pär Ulmgren, The collection of Gösta Stenman, and Engineer and politician Gustaf Henry Hansson.

Potential buyers have the option of choosing between a newly made gold frame or an older brown frame, which allows for personalization in how the work is presented.

Soolmaker’s work is often compared to that of Dutch painter Nicolaes Berchem, whose style he emulated. Soolmaker's landscapes reflect a similar sensitivity to light and composition, making his works sought after for their beauty and historical significance. Despite the smaller body of work left by Soolmaker, due to his short career, his paintings are valued for their craftsmanship and the legacy of the artist’s brief but impactful contribution to the Dutch Italianate landscape genre.

Jacob Ochtervelt (Workshop)

The Grape Seller

oil on canvas
unframed: 80.7 x 61 cm.; 31 ¾ x 24 in.
framed: 109.5 x 89 cm.; 43 1/8 x 35 in.

Essay:
This captivating piece, originating from the studio of the revered Dutch artist Jacob Ochtervelt, mirrors the composition of a signed and dated 1669 canvas by Ochtervelt that is presently housed in the Hermitage museum. Its subject, "The Grape Seller" immerses us in a typical 17th-century interior, replete with characters from various strata of society.

At the center, a fruit vendor is depicted bending over to weigh grapes for the buyer. A child hands some of the grapes to her mother to taste, their attentive maid standing by. The backdrop showcases typical Ochtervelt details: a hint of the city visible through the doorway, light filtering in through an overhead window, and a playful dog at their side.

The exquisite quality of the piece is evident in the minutiae, such as the intricate detailing of the mother's earring, which in reality spans only a few millimeters yet boasts impressive attention to detail. Initially, Sotheby's considered this work to be an autograph piece by Ochtervelt. But due to some uncertainty, it was auctioned as Workshop of Jacob Ochtervelt. On the other hand, the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris leans toward attributing the piece directly to Jacob Ochtervelt himself.

The painting is framed in an authentic period frame, which has been delicately restored by Stockholm's Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri. The frame retains its age-old patina and, while in used condition, has minor imperfections adding to its charm.

Another interesting thing worth to mention is the painting's provenance. It was once owned by the 1st Viscount Rothermere (1868-1940), the founder of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror. As one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain during his lifetime, Viscount Rothermere amassed a remarkable art collection. This painting was included in the book "Works of Art in the Collection of Viscount Rothermere"  where its illustrated in black and white and expertise by Wilhelm Bode. 

Provenance:
Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere (1868-1940) (Daily Mail founder), London, 1932;
His posthumous sale, London, Christie's, 19 December 1941, lot 89 (as Ochtervelt);
With Dr. F. Drey, London, before 1946;
Gösta Stenman, Stockholm, 1947 (as Ochtervelt);
Thence by descent until sold, Stockholm, Stockholms Auktionsverk, 10 December 2019, lot 2476 (as
Attributed to Ochtervelt by Cabinet Turquin);
Sotheby's London, Sale L20037, Old Master Day Sale, lot 155, (as Workshop of Jacob Ochtervelt)

Literature:
P.G. Konody, Works of Art in the Collection of the Viscount Rothermere, London 1932, cat. no. 53,
reproduced pl. 53 (as Ochtervelt) (see attached image with text by Wilhelm Bode);
G. Stenman, Gamla Tiders Mästare, Stockholm 1947, p. 22, cat. no. 48, reproduced pl. 26 (as Ochtervelt);
S.D. Kuretsky, The Paintings of Jacob Ochtervelt (1634-1682), Oxford 1979, p. 76, cat. no. 54-A, reproduced fig. 131.

Condition: 
Recently carefully cleaned by our art conservator in Stockholm. Only surface cleaning, the old varnish is still there. 

Francesco Guardi (Venice 1712-1793) Attributed to

Shipping in Stormy Waters

oil on canvas
canvas dimensions 20 x 23 ½ in. (50.8 x 59.7 cm.)
frame 25.7 x 29 inches (65.5 x 74 cm.)

Provenance:
Christie's London, 2 November 2016, lot 180 (as Attributed to Francesco Guardi), sold for GBP 102.500;
Private collection France;
Sotheby’s Paris, 17 June 2021, lot 165 (as Attributed to Francesco Guardi)

Essay:
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.

Flemish School, 1600s

Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

oil on copper
plate dimensions 24.5 x 18.5 cm
frame 30.5 x 24.5 cm

Provenance:
A Swedish private collection. 

Essay:
This small Flemish painting, measuring only 24.5 x 18.5 cm and executed on a copper plate, depicts Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Created in the 17th century, the artist remains unknown. The composition presents Saint Nicholas in full figure within a divided landscape, providing depth to the scene. The color palette consists of blues, yellows, and greens, with glimpses of ancient buildings in the background.

Saint Nicholas of Tolentino is portrayed wearing a black priest's cape adorned with embroidered gold stars. In his left hand, he holds a plate with a bird on its rim, while his right hand rests on his chest. His cheerful smile suggests his contentment in the depicted environment.

The symbolism of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino lies in his association with a variety of virtues and attributes. As the patron saint of animals, he is often depicted with birds or other creatures. The presence of the bird on the plate signifies his gentle nature and connection to the natural world. Additionally, Saint Nicholas is known for his piety and acts of charity, symbolized by his priestly attire.

The landscape division in the painting serves to emphasize the spiritual significance of Saint Nicholas' presence. The background featuring ancient buildings hints at the continuity of faith and the lasting impact of the saint's teachings.

This Flemish artwork invites contemplation of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino's legacy and the values he embodied. The skillful execution on a copper plate showcases the technical prowess of the unknown artist, who has successfully captured the saint's joy and harmonious connection with the surrounding environment.

Despite the artist's anonymity, this captivating painting stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Flemish art and the ability to convey profound spiritual themes through the masterful use of color, composition, and symbolism.

 

Flemish 1600s School

The Card Players

oil on oak panel
panel dimensions 22.5 x 20 cm
frame included

 

Provenance: 
From a Swedish private collection. 

Condition:
Flat and stable panel, discolored old varnish. Some small retouching. 

David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690) Follower of

A Peasant Removing a Plaster: The Sense of Touch

signed T on the table
oil on panel
panel size 7,20 x 5,55 inches (18,3 x 14,4 cm)
frame 11,22 x 9,84 inches (28,5 x 25 cm)
oak frame professionally handmade 2021

Provenance:
Old Christie's stamp on the back;
Private collection Poland;
Desa Auction Poland, 6 October 2020, Lot 55.

Adriaen van Ostade (follower of)

A Woman 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)
frame included in the price.

Flemish School, 17th Century

Mary Magdalene 

oil on copper
17th century
plate dimensions 23 x 17 cm 
frame 27 x 22 cm

Restored by professional art conservator 2022. 

Provenance: 
From a Swedish private collection

Flemish School, 1600s

Landscape With Pan and Syrinx

painted around the 1600s
oil on copper
19 x 23.5 cm
frame 29 x 34 cm
Hand-made oak frame by Swedish frame maker Christer Björkman.

Provenance:
A private collection France;
Art Dealer Antiquario Dipinti Antichi, 2022, France

David Teniers the Younger (Attributed to)

Title: Peasants in a Cornfield (Boer in het veld)

canvas size 9.84 x 7.08 inches (25 x 18 cm)
frame 12.59 x 10.03 inches (32 x 25,5 cm)
signed with monogram lower right: DT F

Provenance:
Stockholms Auktionsverk, 1996-06-03, lotnr. 234, as Attributed to David Teniers II;
Private Collection Sweden;
Uppsala Auktionskammare (Uppsala) 2016-06-14, lot 21, as By David Teniers II (Expertise Marina Aarts);
A Stockholm Collection;
Uppsala Auktionskammare 2021-06, as Attributed to David Teniers II (Expertise Marina Aarts)

RKD Archive:
Nr 19489, as Attributed to David Teniers II - Peasants in a cornfield (Boer in het veld)
Read more

Exhibited:
TEFAF March 2017

Comparable Sales:
Hampel, Germany, Junger Landmann mit Spaten, 25 mar 2021, Price including buyer's premium: € 31,000

 

Remembering the magic of everyday
life moments in the art of David Teniers

The art of David Teniers the Younger (1610–1690) coincided with the heyday of the Flemish Baroque and captured a great variety of motifs of his time. In this painting of a seemingly simple peasant scene lies keys to understanding both the imaginative mind of Teniers as well as why this time period produced some of the most iconic works in all of art history. 

As indicated by the name, Teniers was more or less born into his profession. As the son of David Teniers the elder, himself a painter who studied under Rubens, the younger David received training in art from a very young age and had no less than three brothers who also became painters. Because of his father’s frequent financial failures that even at times saw him imprisoned, David the younger helped to rescue the family from ruin through painting copies of old masters. Essentially, the young Teniers was confronted with painting as both a passion and creative expression as well as a necessity during difficult times, an experience that would shape much of his capacity and sensitivity in his coming life.

Teniers portayed by his colleague Philip Fruytiers in 1655, at the height of his career and dressed in typical Baroque fashion. 

Despite the hardships, the talent and determination of Teniers was recognized and quickly expanded his possibilities. He had already spent time in France and possibly also England when he was hired by his father’s former teacher Rubens to help with a prestigious commission with mythological paintings, now considered lost, for Philip IV the king Spain. In 1644–54 Teniers was appointed dean of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, manifesting his esteemed position within the artistic community. A few years afterwards he took an important step when relocating to Brussels, where Teniers yet again found new career opportunities that would prove to be very successful.

As the keeper of the collections of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, a role similar to what we now refer to as an art advisor, Teniers purchased hundreds of important artworks that manifested the prominent status of the Archduke’s collection while at the same time providing an unusual access to inspiration and knowledge for Teniers himself. Since he kept on painting during the same time, his creative scope must have seemed almost bewildering in the great variety of images and stories that he surrounded himself with. 

Archduke Leopold Wilhelm in his Gallery in Brussels, painted by Teniers around 1650. His role as keeper of collections assured him both the budget and permission to create an extraordinary collection of art. 

Regardless of how glamorous and culturally stimulating the career of Teniers was, he was as open to the charm and existential importance of everyday life as he was to works of great masters and luxurious collectibles. In his impressive repertoire of genres with everything from exquisite royal portraits, interiors, landscapes and history paintings he always added something new and inventive, highlighting the possibilities of art and importance of an experimental and intuitive mind. It is difficult to single out one aspect or genre to summarize his legacy, since it lies much more in the broad virtuosity across many motifs, although he is particularly remembered for farm scenes and meticulously depicted interiors where other paintings and artworks are captured with an astonishing precision. However, the fact that he is still today one of the most known and celebrated names of the Dutch Golden Age is a proof to the magic of his work, which continues to spark dialogue and wonder in the contemporary viewer of his works.

Detail with church in the background.

Continue reading here

 

Adriaen van Stalbemt (Stalbempt) 1580-1662

Abraham and the Sacrifice of His Son Isaac “Das Opfer des Abraham”

According to the Old Testament, God put Abraham’s faith to the test by commanding him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Just in the nick of time, an angel of the Lord appeared, forestalling the terrible deed and delivering Abraham from his despair.

Certificate: Dr. Klaus Ertz, signed and dated Lingen 22 December 2020.
The certificate is written in German, below we have published part of the text translated into English:
Is known to me in the original. After thorough examination of this painting, I am convinced that it was painted by the Flemish painter Adriaen van Stalbemt.
The state of preservation of this painting can be described as very good.
Adriaen van Stalbemt, next to Jan Brueghel the Younger probably the most important successor of Jan Brueghel the Elder, took up many of Brueghel's themes and developed them further. Like many of his contemporaries, Stalbemt followed the example of this great role model. At the age of 29 he converted to the Catholic faith. It goes without saying that a painter in Antwerp had to be familiar with the themes of the Christian religion, since it was necessary to fulfill the wishes of his customers. The design of the spatial composition, reminiscent of the early David Vinckboons, which features juxtaposed landscape sections - on the left the dark foreground, on the right the background illuminated by the sun - indicates that this is an early painting, painted during the period from 1605 to 1610. In this painting, Stalbemt reveals himself to be a great artist who was able to skillfully combine different landscape formations such as forest, river and mountains at an early stage of his career. In interlacing all of these landscape parts into one perspective, this composition is very typical of Adriaen van Stalbemt's work.

Literature: Ertz/Nitze-Ertz, Adriaen van Stalbemt, Kritischer Katalog der Gemälde, Zeichnungen und Druckgraphik Lingen 2018.

oil on copper
picture size 8.07 x 9.96 inches (20.5 x 25.3 cm)
frame 14.17 x 15.94 inches (36 x 40.5 cm)
note: Important changes in the composition have been found with an IR camera, please contact us if you want to see the result from those images.

Provenance: Private collection Bavaria (Germany)

Justus Juncker (1703-1763, Germany) Attributed to

Scholar Sharpening His Quill Penn

 

Expertise: We would like to thank Dr. Fred G Meijer for his valuable knowledge in researching this painting. His conclusion as follows: The painting of an old scholar sharpening his pen, in my opinion, is a characteristic work of Justus Juncker (Mainz 1703 – 1767 Frankfurt am Main).
Scholars in their study were a favourite subject of the artist, for instance "Alchemist in his study, sold at Lempertz) and (Dorotheum lot 310, 2020-11). Obviously, Juncker was much inspired by Dutch paintings from the seventeenth century.

oil on oak panel (18th century)
signed with monogram FVM ....?
panel size 11.81 x 9.44 inches (30 x 24 cm)
frame 18.11 x 15.74 inches (46 x 40 cm)
beautiful handcrafted frame included


Provenance: A Swedish Private Collection