Old Masters

Traditionally this sector is defined as works by master painters working in Europe from before 1800. It includes Renaissance artists and Dutch Golden Age painters for example. Today Old Master auctions in London and New York will include works by British artists as well as some 19th century works.


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Honoré Daumier takes on the law

18 September 2023

Among the lots on offer at Sworders’ upcoming Old Master, British and European Art sale is a small sketch of two lawyers by Honoré Daumier (1808-79).

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Georgian high society portrayed by Nathaniel Hone

18 September 2023

This 18th century portrait, sold for $10,000/£7965 ($12,600 including premium) at Merrill’s of Williston, Vermont, is by Nathaniel Hone (1718-84).

il Guercino drawing

Sir Joshua’s Guercino sketch surfaces Down Under

11 September 2023

The artist and Royal Academy founder Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) was also a major collector, especially in the field of Old Master works on paper.

Piranesi’s Vedute di Roma

Near-complete set of Piranesi’s views of Rome emerges in Germany

16 August 2023

A rare near complete copy of Piranesi’s ‘Vedute di Roma’ comes to auction in Germany this month.

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Aristocratic consignments make a comeback in Old Master auctions

14 August 2023

Works coming fresh to the market from British aristocratic sources were once a staple of London Old Master sales.

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Old Master sales in London bring good and bad news

14 August 2023

Strong results and supply boost the market but challenges remain with bidders highly selective

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Alain Delon: actor and art and antiques collector

14 August 2023

Famous Frenchman has amassed an impressive wide-ranging array of acquisitions over six decades

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Cat conveys a sense of calm and domestic comfort

14 August 2023

The presence of a cat added commercial appeal to a 17th century portrait of a young girl offered at Bonhams’ latest Old Master sale in London.

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Belgian dealership takes pride in sales to Dutch and American institutions

07 August 2023

Antwerp dealership Galerie Lowet de Wotrenge has made two sales to international institutions.

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Artist identified? That’s Joli good

24 July 2023

Previously unrecorded view by the Italian scenic painter now joins six others of Naples already known

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Peter, Pietro or Pieter makes his name

24 July 2023

An early 17th century pen and ink drawing of Euterpe, the muse of lyrical music, caused the biggest surprise at Karl & Faber (27% buyer’s premium).

Michael Sweerts picture

Old Master auction series posts best total since 2017

10 July 2023

The latest Old Master auctions in London posted the highest total for a series in this category in the capital since 2017.

Christie's King Street

Sweerts masterwork lifts Christie’s Old Master sale to seven-year high

07 July 2023

Three rediscovered lots boosted Christie’s latest Old Master auction, helping the saleroom post its highest total for a sale in this category in London for seven years.

Portrait of Katherine Parr

Katherine Parr portrait sets record for a Tudor painting

06 July 2023

A portrait of Katherine Parr once believed to have been destroyed by fire set an auction record for any Tudor painting at Sotheby’s last night.

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Famous Georgian beauty depicted on numerous occasions emerges again

03 July 2023

Signed and dated 'T Beach Pinxt 1793', this portrait depicts the famous Georgian beauty Anne Templar, Lady de la Pole (1758-1832).

The Burning of London Bridge

Painting of London Bridge burning is among five lots to watch

26 June 2023

With estimates from £100, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.

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People power: portraits become focus of dealer events

19 June 2023

With the National Portrait Gallery about to reopen, ATG takes a look at exhibition and auctions on the theme

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Highest Mayer auction sum since 1989

19 June 2023

Enthusiastic bidding emerged for two paintings included in an Old Masters sale at Chiswick Auctions (25/12% buyer’s premium).

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Top stories this week including news of a rediscovered 16th century portrait making a record

18 June 2023

The most viewed stories on this website over the last week included news of a previously unrecorded version of portrait of a famous hirsute woman emerging in France.

Enigma by John Bernard Munns

Dealers launch special celebration of portraits to honour the National Portrait Gallery

12 June 2023

Art dealers across the UK are unveiling portrait exhibitions to mark the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) this month.

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