NEWSLETTER
This section will be available this Autumn.
Galerie Lowet de Wotrenge
Frans Francken I or Frans Francken the Elder (Antwerp, 1542-1616) The Amazons fighting at Troy, circa 1600 Oil on copper 34 x 41.5 cm With thanks to Dr. Ursula Häerting for confirming the attribution to Frans I Francken and for providing a written certificate Provenance: sale, Christie's London, 13 March 1987, lot 31; private collection, Mallorca Frans I 'the Elder' Francken was born in Herentals in 1542. His father, Nicolaas Francken, was an obscure painter whose oeuvre remains unknown, but can be seen as the founding father of one of the most important dynasties of artists in the Southern Netherlands. Both Frans and his siblings Ambrosius and Hieronymus - who were to become painters as well - were first taught by their father. Karel van Mander mentions in his Schilder-boeck that Frans was later a pupil of the leading Antwerp Romanist painter Frans Floris. He became a member of the Antwerp guild of St Luke in 1567, and served several times as its dean. Frans Francken married Elisabeth Mertens; the couple had many children, of whom six were still alive at the time of his death in 1616: Thomas, Frans ('the Younger'), Hieronymus, Ambrosius, Magdalena and Elisabeth. The four sons all became painters and received their initial training from their father, who also taught several other pupils, such as Gortzius Geldorp. Much like his teacher Frans Floris, Frans Francken was one of the principal painters in Antwerp in the initial decades of the Counter-Reformation, working on many altar pieces which were commissioned to replace the ones that had been destroyed by the iconoclasm of the Calvinists. For these projects he regularly collaborated with his brothers; for example, for an Adoration of the Magi triptych (Brussels, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and London, Brompton Oratory), which bears his monogram as well as that of his brother Hieronymus (along with both brothers' portraits in profile, which they impishly included in the wings of the tryptich). Stylistically, Frans' early work was clearly indebted to Frans Floris; later on he developed his own, more classicising style, although he remained first and foremost a mannerist painter. He seems to have been skilled at portraiture, too. Besides large-scale pictures, he also produced small-size cabinet pictures, often painted on copper - a genre in which his son Frans II would excel. The present work is a beautiful example of such production, and a valuable addition to the small body of work that can be attributed to him in this genre, as has been confirmed by Dr. Ursula Härting in a written certificate dated October 4th, 2023. She dates the present work to around 1600, or possibly a bit earlier. This small oil on copper depicts the Amazons fighting in front of the city of Troy, which can be seen in the background. According to Homer's Iliad, the Amazon queen Penthesilea had led her troops to Troy in support of King Priam in his fight against the Greeks. The queen, who can be seen in the foreground spearing a hapless Greek, was a fearless warrior who could best any man (according to one version of the story, she even killed Achilles, who was however subsequently brought back to life by Zeus). Ultimately, however, Penthesilea was slain by Achilles, who - according to some authors - fell deeply in love with her at the very moment of her death.
Giammarco Cappuzzo Fine Art
Jusepe Ribera (Jativa 1591-1652 Napoli) An Apostle, circa 1635-1638 Oil on canvas 76 x 62 cm With gratitude to Dr. Nicola Spinosa, Dr. Riccardo Lattuada and Dr. Viviana Farina, leading experts of Jusepe Ribera to have confirmed the attribution. Provenance: private collection, France; private collection, Italy This Apostle is part of the cycle of portraits of the Apostles by the same artist, housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid. Diagnostic analyses conducted on the canvas have confirmed its full compatibility with works executed around 1630 by the painter, also revealing the presence of preparatory drawing, a method he frequently employed.
Gilden's Art Gallery
rene magritte
René Magritte (Lessines 1898-1967 Brussels) Le Bouchon d'Epouvante from 'L'Aube à l'Antipode', 1966 Etching on wove paper Paper size: 38.4 x 28.6 cm Image size: 17.8 x 13 cm Hand signed in pencil lower right margin 'Magritte' and numbered in pencil lower left margin, edition of 17 This work was printed in 1966 at the studio of J. Rigal, Paris and published in a limited edition of 17 hand signed and numbered impressions for the series 'L'Aube à l'Antipode' (Dawn of the Antipode). It is from the rare suite of 17 hand signed etchings. There is also a suite of 77 where only two of the etchings (La Comtesse de Monte Cristo and Les Deux Mystères (Ceci n'est pas une pipe) are signed in pencil Literature: Gilbert E. Kaplan & Timothy Baum, 1982. The Graphic Work of René Magritte. New York: II Editions Reference: Kaplan & Baum 11
Galerie Dina Vierny
Robert Couturier (Angoulême 1905-2008 Paris) Le soldat, 1967 Bronze H 184 x W 24 x D 24 cm Signed 'Couturier', numbered 'EA 1' and inscribed with the foundry mark 'Susse fondeur Paris' (under the foot) Conceived in plaster in 1967 and cast in bronze in an edition of 6 plus 4 EA and 2 HC. The present work is numbered 'EA 1' and was cast by Susse fondeur Paris in 2024 Provenance: Galerie Dina Vierny, Paris Literature: V. Da Costa, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre sculptée de Robert Couturier, vol. II, 1998, n° 186, ill. (another cast); V. Da Costa, Robert Couturier, 2000, ill. p. 88 (another cast) Exhibitions: Paris, Salon de mai, 1968, n° 247, mentioned p. 12 (another cast); Paris, Musée Rodin, Robert Couturier, 1970, n° 51, ill. (another cast); Saint Etienne du Rouvray, Rodin, Couturier, César, Etienne-Martin, 1970, n° 19, mentioned p. 23 (another cast); Paris, Monnaie de Paris, Robert Couturier, 1975, n° 112, mentioned p. 10 and p. 26 (another cast); L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Campredon, Robert Couturier, 1996, ill. p. 40 (another cast); Paris, Galerie Dina Vierny, Robert Couturier. Silhouettes, 2024, n° 3, ill. p. 56
Pauline's Jewellery Box
Belle Epoque sapphire & diamond Chaumet bow brooch, circa 1910 Set with sapphires and diamonds. Estimated total sapphire weight 10.00 carats. Estimated total diamond weight 15.00 carats. The diamonds are bright and lively, mounted in platinum and 18kt yellow gold. Stamped with French hallmarks and maker’s marks: 280-470-4320 / 89834 Provenance: France
Stern Pissarro Gallery
henri martin
Henri Martin (Toulouse 1860-1943 Labastide-du-Vert) Venise, palais et gondoliers sur le Grand Canal, circa 1909 Oil on canvas 68.5 x 96 cm Signed lower right 'Henri Martin' This work is accompanied by a certificate from Madame Marie-Anne Destrebecq-Martin and will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné which is currently being prepared. Provenance: Jacques Martin-Ferrières, Paris (son of the artist); private collection, France, acquired from the above; sale Christie's, New York, 2018; private collection, acquired from the above
Galerie Florence de Voldère
isaak soreau
Isaak Soreau (Frankfurt, 1604-1644) Still life Oil on panel 60 x 86 cm From a Tournai family settled in Hanau, Isaac Soreau was apprenticed to his father Daniel Soreau, whose workshop was taken over by Sébastien Stoskopff. At the age of 22, he left for Antwerp, where his encounter with Jacob van Hulsdonck and his work proved decisive. Could he have been his pupil? This remains a subject of debate for art historians.
Heutink Ikonen
The Transfiguration of Christ Russia, Kaluga region, late 18th century Egg tempera on gesso on linen-covered wood 54 x 44.5 cm This finely painted and colourful icon, with late Baroque and Rococo influences, depicts the miracle of the Transfiguration of Christ. Remarkably, not only the Transfiguration of Christ itself is depicted, but also the preceding and subsequent events, as described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, are captured in one and the same composition. Christ and his three disciples are each portrayed four times, each at a different moment of the narrative, and in a different state of mind. On the left, we see Christ telling the disciples Peter, John and James to follow him up the mountain. Once on the mountain, Christ changes shape: his clothes turn white like light and his countenance becomes radiant like a sun. Next to Christ, the prophets Moses and Elijah appear, being brought to the mountain by angels. When the voice of God sounds from heaven, the disciples become fearful and fall face down to earth. Christ touches them and reassures them. Then, as they descend from the mountain, Christ urges his disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen.
Artimo Fine Arts
albéric collin
Albéric Collin (Antwerp, 1886-1962) Elephant of the Indies Bronze, reddish-brown patina with golden undertones H 37.5 x W 36.5 x D 18 cm Model created in 1924, lost-wax, signed 'Alberic Collin' and stamped in the wax 'Claude Valsuani foundry' in Paris Provenance: Van Weert family for three generations; acquired by Mrs. Magier in 2001
Galerie von Vertes
George Condo (New Hampshire, Concord 1957) Female composition, 2006 Oil on canvas 165.1 x 152.4 cm Verso signed and dated 'Condo 06' George Condo, Female Portrait, 2006 'Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before'. Edgar Allan Poe Like the ‘Manichini’ or metaphysical mannequins of Giorgio de Chirico that reject a face as a symbol of status and identity, Female Composition is created as a hand puppet on a stick wearing a distinguished cloak, mocking the traditional depictions of the female portrait as seen in the works by Parmigianino, Rembrandt, and Picasso. This ironic interpretation depicts the woman as a faceless puppet with breasts, a cape, neckless and head topped with a carrot. Condo simultaneously offers a deep respect for art history and a blatant disregard for conventional narratives. In his own words: “As far as I’m concerned, the Renaissance was yesterday, and Cubism was a hundred years before it.” (George Condo quoted in Simon Baker, George Condo: Painting Reconfigured, New York 2015, p. 104). Female portrait perfectly encapsulates Condo’s concept of Artificial Realism. Exploring the carefully constructed conventions of traditional portraiture and how our reality is made up of artificial components, this majestic dystopian portrait ingeniously challenges the artificiality of visual representation.
J. Baptista
Silver salver Portugal, late 16th century Weight 1050 gr. Ø 33 cm Literature: Reynaldo Dos Santos; Irene Quilho. Ourivesaria portuguesa nas colecções particulares. Lisbon: 1974. pp. 139-140; Gonçalo Vasconcelos e Sousa, Pratas Portuguesas em Colecções Particulares: séc. XV ao séc. XX. Oporto: 1998. pp. 54-55 This concave silver salver is a remarkable example of Portuguese silverwork from the late 16th century, often serving a utilitarian function in the households of prominent families of the time. Pieces like this, richly decorated with geometric elements, volutes, and shell motifs, demonstrate the artistic sophistication and craftsmanship of Portuguese artisans during that period. The base of the piece is divided into eight dotted trapezoidal frames adorned with floral elements, while the engraved central medallion features a stylized open flower, highlighting the intricate ornamentation. The historical and artistic value of this salver is further attested by its presence in the collections of prestigious museums such as the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Lisbon (Legado de Barros e Sá), the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation in Madrid (inventory n° 2484, room 11), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (accession n° 13.23.1), as well as in the private collection of Dr. Miguel Pereira de Abreu in Oporto. These pieces not only represent the excellence of Portuguese silverwork but also illustrate the cultural and social roles that utilitarian objects played in the households of important families during this period.
A&R Fleury
hans hartung
Hans Hartung (Leipzig 1904-1989 Antibes) T1965-R16, 1965 Vinyl and scratch on canvas 54 x 81 cm Certificate of authenticity from the Fondation Hartung Bergman on 28 June 2022 Provenance: Fondation Hartung Bergman, Antibes; private collection, France Exhibitions: Città di Castello, La luce del Nero, Fondation Burri, 15 April-13 November 2022
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QG Gallery
keith haring
Keith Haring (Reading 1958-1990 New York) Plate 13 Photostat (from the Blueprint Drawings portfolio), 1981 Photostat on paper 105 x 125 cm Signed lower right ‘K. Haring’, signature and date stamped lower right ‘Jan 16 1981 Keith Haring’ Unique work Provenance: gift from the artist circa 1981; private collection, USA; private collection, USA; Wright, May 2024; private collection, Belgium Literature: Keith Haring: Editions On Paper 1982-1990, Littmann, p. 174 discusses series, p. 181 illustrates realized screenprint
Gallery de Potter d’Indoye
victor de jonquieres (active from 1838 to 1870)
Victor-Philippe-A. de Jonquieres (French, active from 1838 to 1870) The Prince President Louis Napoleon Bonaparte with Prince Jérôme and his staff reviewing the mobile gendarmerie, acclaimed by the crowd, Place de la Concorde, 2 December 1851 Oil on canvas 160 x 230 cm Signed and dated lower right '1865' History: We will quote the monitor of the arts of November 3rd, 1865 relating to the exhibition of fine arts applied to industry: 'We have said a word about the painting by M. Victor de Jonquières, exhibited at Disdéri. The scene takes place in the Place de la Concorde which extends between the Obelisk and the gate of the Tuileries Gardens. An equestrian procession, accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd, advances towards the spectator. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a December morning. Napoleon III is surrounded and followed by Prince Jérôme, Prince Murat, Marshal Exelmans, Count de Flahaut, General Roguet, Generals Daumas and de Bourjolly, Baron Vast Vineux, Colonel Fleury, Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Ney, Baron Béville, Marquis de Toulongeon, Count Lepic, Baron de Méneval, Baron Ducasse, Count de Nieuwerkerke, Commander Jolly de Fleury, etc. All these figures are very similar, provided that we go back fourteen years (note: we are in 1865). M. de Jonquières showed himself to be both a faithful historian and a talented artist, skilfully grouping his characters and leaving no detail to chance. The horses especially are of a very true and very conscientious design'. Provenance: acquired by the Emperor Napoleon III by order of 10 May 1865 for 2.000 francs from the Encouragement budget; returned to the Empress after the judgment of 1881; former collection of Mr. Firmin Rainbeaux Literature: Le Moniteur des arts, November 3rd, 1865, p. 1; Catherine Granger, The Emperor and the Arts, the civil list of Napoleon III, Ecole des Chartes, 2005, p. 557; Michael Forrest, Napoleon III Bronzes, The Antique Collector, January 1990, Vol. 61, n° 1, pp. 43-49; Christopher Forbes, Napoleon III: The Other Napoleon and His Empire, Antiques, December 2002, pp. 83-91; Armand Dayot, The Second Empire, December 2nd, 1851-September 4th, 1870, Ernest Flammarion, Paris, p. 33; Benjamin Genocchio, The Imperial French Style, The New York Times, June 19th, 2009, repr. in colour; Napoleon III, Le Magazine du Second Empire, n° 16, October-December 2011 Exhibitions: Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial: Selections from the Collection of Christopher Forbes, The Grolier Club, New York, November 10th, 1985-January 10th, 1986; Napoleon III: The Other Napoleon and His Empire, The Forbes Galleries, New York, December 2nd, 2002-April 10th, 2003; Napoleon & Eugenie: Opulence and Splendor of France's Second Empire, Nassau County Museum of Art, Glen Cove, New York, June 7th-September 7th, 2009, repr. in colour, p. 34
Hoffmans Antiques
Pair of Gustavian armchairs Ephraim Ståhl (Sweden, 1768-1820) Parcel gilt and bronzed wood Stockholm, circa 1810 H 85 x W 63 x D 50 cm Each armchair has a scrolled back and armrests decorated with carved laurels. The side rails are adorned with griffin heads and a palmette frieze; the fluted, tapered front legs with leaf-tip carvings. The sabre-shaped back legs end in lion's paw feet. The pair of armchairs is attributed to Ephraim Ståhl and made around 1805. Ephraim Ståhl a renowned Swedish craftsman who was a prominent furniture maker from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. Known for the high quality of his work and as well his bold, innovative designs. Ståhl became a favorite of the Swedish Royal family, with his pieces featured in nearly every royal castle. This model however featuring griffins beneath the armrests, is one of Ståhl’s more unusual designs, rarely seen on the open market. It was likely a special commission, possibly by Duke Karl, the brother of Gustav III, who had a particular fondness for the griffin motif, incorporating it throughout the interiors of Rosersberg Castle.
Pauline's Jewellery Box
Belle Epoque diamond Boucheron tiara, circa 1915 Early 20th century diamond Boucheron tiara, set with three central pear-shaped diamonds weighing 3.14 carats each, with a colour grade of E and clarity grade of IF. The second pear-shaped diamond weighs 2.65 carats, with a colour grade of H and clarity grade of SI. The third pear-shaped diamond weighs 2.94 carats, with a colour grade of F and clarity grade of VS2. The estimated total diamond weight is 28.00 - 30.00 carats. The tiara is mounted in platinum. Each pear-shaped diamond is accompanied by a Lab certificate from GIA Provenance: France
Galeries AB & BA
Uli ancestor figure Northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, Oceania, first half of 20th century Carved wood and pigments H 108 cm Provenance: Umlauff Museum, Hamburg. Inv. 163/35591; Gros & Deletrez sale, May 26th, 1983; Robert Lebel collection, Paris; Calmels Cohen sale, December 4th, 2006; private collection; Christie's Paris sale, June 11th, 2012; Galerie Monbrison, Alain de Monbrison lists Elie de Rothschild as former provenance; collection Georges Goldfayn Literature: I Surrealisti, Arturo Schwartz, éd. Mazzotta, 1989, p. 251; Uli, Powerful Ancestors from the Pacific, Jean-Philippe Beaulieu, éd. Primedia, 2021, p. 252 Depiction of a standing man with his hands positioned behind his ears. The head is surmounted by a tall, feather-shaped crest cap over a checkerboard-engraved skullcap.
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MARUANI MERCIER
ross bleckner
Ross Bleckner (New York City, 1949) Deep Below Our Violence, 2023 Oil on linen 182.9 x 243.8 cm Provenance: the artist's studio Literature: Ross Bleckner: Paralipsis, exh. cat. MARUANI MERCIER Gallery, Belgium Exhibition: Ross Bleckner: Paralipsis, MARUANI MERCIER Gallery, Belgium, 3 September-9 October, 2021
Heutink Ikonen
Mother of God Hodegetria of Smolensk Russia, second half of the 17th century Egg tempera on gesso on linen-covered wood 31.5 x 27 cm The Mother of God Hodegetria is one of the oldest known iconographies. The oldest surviving image is a miniature from the 7th or 8th century from Syria. The icon is characterised as a Lucas icon, which according to legend was painted by the evangelist Luke, during the lifetime of the Mother of God. This icon is painted in a very classical, Byzantine style. It is reminiscent to the statues and portraits of old Roman emperors and gods.
