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The Expert's Picks... Old Master Paintings from the June Auction

A carefully curated selection of Old Master paintings chosen by our specialists for the June auction, bringing together quality, provenance and collector appeal in a remarkable group of works.

As in previous sales, the upcoming June auction features an outstanding selection of works of considerable interest to collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Choosing among the extensive Old Master Paintings catalogue is no easy task; nevertheless, I have selected a number of works which, due to their quality, historical importance and collecting appeal, I consider particularly noteworthy.

In the selection I have prepared, I would like to begin with a magnificent Mediterranean Harbour View by Abraham Storck (lot 741). Harbour scenes such as this are among the most characteristic works in Storck’s oeuvre, a genre in which he enjoyed considerable acclaim during his lifetime. Although his workshop produced a large number of paintings with the assistance of other artists, the work presented here is fully autograph and displays exceptional quality of execution. This is particularly evident in the meticulous rendering of details such as the figures’ costumes, the rigging of the vessels, and the depiction of the surrounding architecture and ships.

Among the Italian paintings in the sale, the work I find most compelling is the outstanding Portrait of Cardinal Giulio Spinola by Giovanni Bernardo Carbone (lot 740). The painting comes from the collection of the Marquis of Heredia and was exhibited at the prestigious Historical-European Exhibition held in Madrid in 1892–1893. Carbone specialized in portraiture and was notably influenced by Anthony van Dyck, who settled in Genoa in 1621. Both artists worked for the city’s leading noble families, as exemplified by this portrait of a member of the influential Spinola family. The composition stands out for its technical refinement, elegance, and sense of grandeur, making it a remarkable example of Genoese Baroque portraiture.

Remaining within the sphere of courtly subjects, special attention should be paid to a large-scale work by an anonymous painter of the Madrid School (lot 738), depicting the Presentation of the Relic of Saint Peter Regalado to the Young and Ailing Philip IV in Aranda de Duero. The painting formerly belonged to the Counts of Sástago and later to the Counts of Glimes de Brabant.

The miraculous scene unfolds within a solemn setting populated by King Philip III and Queen Margaret of Austria, accompanied by ladies-in-waiting, pages, courtiers, and a bishop. The artist demonstrates remarkable skill in constructing a grand and ceremonial atmosphere, reflecting both the significance of the miracle and the status of its protagonists. Particular attention is devoted to the characterization of the figures and the rich execution of their costumes, details that contribute greatly to the painting’s visual impact and historical interest.

Beyond Madrid, among the works of the Sevillian School, particular attention should be given to a fine canvas attributed to Pablo Legot (lot 735), depicting Christ Carrying the Cross Encountering Saint Veronica. Although Flemish by birth, Legot settled in Seville, where he developed a distinctly naturalistic approach to religious painting. His work reflects the influence of local masters such as Juan de Roelas and Francisco de Herrera the Elder, as well as that of leading Spanish artists including José de Ribera and Alonso Cano.

Legot collaborated with Cano as both painter and gilder at the church of Lebrija, where he contributed to an important decorative programme of paintings. The present work is a compelling example of the artist’s ability to combine devotional intensity with the naturalism that characterized Sevillian painting during the Spanish Golden Age.

Still remaining in Seville, the final work I would like to highlight—so as not to extend this selection any further—is an imposing and austere Saint Francis of Assisi in Prayer from the workshop of Francisco de Zurbarán (lot 739). Within the important workshop that Zurbarán established in the city, the master was supported by a network of pupils, assistants, journeymen, and apprentices, among them notable figures such as Ignacio de Ries, Alonso Flores, José Durán, and Diego Muñoz Naranjo. Together they contributed to a significant body of work destined for various regions of Spain and the Americas.

This painting is an excellent example of that production, capturing the essence of the great master’s artistic vision while conveying the profound mysticism and spirituality that characterize his work. By emphasizing the humanity of the saint and presenting him within a space that is both tangible and spiritually charged, the composition creates an atmosphere of contemplative silence and quiet transcendence.

With this canvas, I conclude my selection of Old Master paintings from the June auction. I hope you enjoy the catalogue and discover works that capture your interest and inspire your collecting journey.

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