Old Masters

A rediscovered 17th century painting of Moses by Italian Baroque artist Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (1591– 1666), known as il Guercino, is being offered at Moretti Fine Art of Paris in its newly opened gallery.

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).

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.

Golden Age Dutch works in the form of still-lifes and landscapes will be on offer at Koller in Zurich in an auction of Old Masters on September 22.

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.

A handsome portrait with a princely provenance was among a group of intriguing Old Masters offered at a Gloucestershire saleroom

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).

A small sketch of two ships in a gale by the leading Dutch marine painter Willem van de Velde the Younger (1633-1707) was among the lots bringing interest at Roseberys’ (25% buyer’s premium) summer sale of Old Master, British & European pictures.

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).

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.

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

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

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

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.

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).

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

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