Old Masters

An oil on canvas by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) estimated at €4m-6m is billed as a highlight of the sale of Old Master and 19th century art to be held by Artcurial in Paris in November.

While the ‘peak season’ for Old Master sales in the UK traditionally falls twice a year in early July and December, coinciding with the flagship sales in the London rooms, notable lots nevertheless appear throughout the year at auctions around the country.

One of the better performing ‘manner of’ pictures of late was a landscape very much in the style of the great French Baroque painter Claude Lorrain (1600-82).

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).

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).

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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).

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

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

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