O ur annual spring sale of Old Masters will take place online from June 4-11 and include paintings and drawings from a variety of schools and genres. The paintings section is highlighted by an impressive portrait by the important 16th century female artist Lavinia Fontana, a charming scene of children blowing bubbles at a window by Caspar Netscher, and a sensual Allegory of Sleep from 18th century France. The drawings section features four delightful and typically accomplished botanical studies by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, gifted by the artist to Empress Josephine as part of his most ambitious work, Les Liliacées. From early Italian gold grounds to 18th century British portraiture, the auction will provide an array of exciting material at varied price points for collectors both new and seasoned.
Auction Highlights
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Estimate $100,000 – 150,000
This charming and sensual representation of the myth of Danaë was executed in Amsterdam around the midpoint of the seventeenth century by Jacob van Loo, one of the principal practitioners of secular history painting in the city at that time. He was rivaled in this specialty only by Rembrandt and Rembrandt’s very successful pupils, Ferdinand Bol and Govaert Flinck.
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Estimate $40,000 – 60,000
Only recently restored to the artist’s oeuvre, this striking portrait of a noblewoman has been recognized by Maria Teresa Cantaro as an autograph work by Lavinia Fontana, circa 1605-1615. One of the earliest professional female artists, Lavinia Fontana was a sought-after portraitist, particularly amongst Bolognese noblewomen.
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- Fondazione Fieschi
Fondazione Fieschi was founded in 1763 at the bequest of Domenico Fieschi, count of Lavagna. The aim was to educate girls and prepare them for a trade; in this line, the curriculum included instruction in embroidery, silk flower manufacturing and teaching.
- Monte Peralto
At an elevation of 1,604 ft, Monte Peralto looms over Genoa. Built at its peak is Forte Sperone, a fortification dating to the 14th century.
- Forte Sperone
At the peak of Mount Peralto, one can spy the outline of Forte Sperone, a fortification dating to the 14th century. Over the centuries, the fortification has played different, important roles in guarding the city of Genoa from attack.
- Ponte di Sant'Agata
The ancient Ponte de Sant'Agata, the construction of which dates back to at least 1100, originally stretched 28 acres. However, flooding in the 20th and 21st century have since reduced the size of the bridge to just a fraction of its original length.
- Church of Diecimila Martiri Crocifissi
- Borgo degli Incrociati
Borgo degli Incrociati is an ancient medieval village that developed on the eastern edge of the city.
- Torrente Bisagno
This 16-mile river flows south-west and ends in the Ligurian Sea.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta di Carignano
The groundbreaking for the Church of Santa Maria Assunta di Carignano took place in 1522. The interior features intricate decorations by late Renaissance and Baroque artists.
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Pope Gelasius II consecrated this cathedral in 1118; the structure was built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.
- Mura di Montesano
This section of the mura di Genova was demolished in the 19th century, to make way for the city's railway station.
- Villa Durazzo
Villa Durazzo was built in 1678 as a summer residence for the Durazzo family. The villa was designed as a typical Alessi square building, and overlooks the Gulf of Tigullio.
- Mura dello Zerbino
A section of the eastern ride of the mura di Genova, built in the first half of the 17th century.
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