Old Masters

Consignments have been thin on the ground but various lots attracted significant sums at the recent London series

These days it’s not unusual to see works that are not technically Old Masters appearing in Old Master auctions.

Pair of scarce oils by an artist more familiar as a watercolourist emerge at auction in Essex

Sculptor Naum Kongiser (1904-84) created the propaganda figure Radio for the Village for the State Porcelain Manufactory in 1927.

The latest series of Old Master auctions in London looked a little thin with the evening sales comprising less than 30 lots, but the series was not without its highpoints.

A bust-length study, thought to be a self-portrait by Mary Beale (1633-99) from the early 1660s, sold above estimate at a recent sale at Parker Fine Art Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

Pair of religious panels used as altar sell on low estimate but still result in auction record for the artist

Two previously lost works by Italian painter Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614) will go on display in the new year after recently appearing at auction. Fontana has been described as the first female career artist in western Europe as her family relied on her income.

More pieces appear from a collection that survived a couple of devastating blazes at the family home

Pictured here are two strong results recorded in French regional salerooms by members of the Ivoire Group of auction houses.

Dickinson Gallery has announced the rediscovery and unveiling of an unfinished portrait of Oliver Cromwell, painted by his favourite artist, Robert Walker, probably around 1649-55.