Old Masters

The term ‘Grand Tour picture’ is somewhat amorphous. It is mostly used to refer to 18th century and 19th century works purchased by wealthy young gentleman on their travels around Europe, particularly in Italy, as they ‘completed’ their education.

A look at highlights from dealers and summer auctions in the UK.

Sotheby’s is holding a month-long programme of exhibitions and events to mark the platinum jubilee.

Copies of royal portraits from across the centuries are something that always seems to catch the eye when you flick through (or scroll through) the reams of pictures listed in auction catalogues.

Arguably the most famous portraits of an English king are Hans Holbein the Younger’s (c.1497-1543) depictions of Henry VIII.

One of only a small number of drawings by Michelangelo still remaining in private hands sold for €20m (£16.9m) at Christie’s Paris last week.

Large firms have found it far easier to continue moving goods in the face of Brexit regulations.

A late version of the Penitent Magdalen by Titian (c.1485- 1576) that surfaced at Austrian saleroom Dorotheum has sold for €4.1m (£3.5m).

Negotiating the sometimes complex world of prints by the 17th century Dutch Master

After the death of his father from cholera in 1625, Jan Brueghel the Younger returned to his home town of Antwerp.

Among the salerooms in Paris holding auctions of drawings, or sales with a drawing section, around the time of the Salon du Dessin is Christie’s.

Ader is holding a sale of Old Master drawings on May 20 at Drouot in Paris.

New York dealer’s show includes an attribution challenge with a cash prize on offer

Paintings by Old Masters bear fruit as new artist auction highs are set in Parisian sales

A work described as a ‘missing painting’ by the great Venetian master Titian (c.1485-1576), which was once owned by a succession of European royalty, has emerged for sale at Austrian auction house Dorotheum.