Christie’s New York has announced its Old Masters Week, three auctions during the week of Jan. 26-31, which will include rare and exceptional works from the Renaissance sale. Leading Jan. 30th Renaissance sale is a painting by Jean Simeon Chardin titled The Embroiderer that holds a grand estimate of $3-$5 million.
This painting and The Young Draftsman were completed around the same time and were both exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1738, making them Chardin’s most popular works. The Embroiderer depicts a young household servant sitting by a table with a basket of yarn in front of her as she prepares to start mending a dress. Chardin’s use of light and color illustrate the young woman’s calm, reflective nature seeming deep in thought as she sits alone.
Another major work featured is Annibale Caracci’s Annunciation which is a glorious portrayal of the Archangel Gabriel swooping down amidst smoky clouds in the sky and holding a white lily symbolizing Mary’s purity, as he delivers to her the most important message she will ever receive, that is to become the mother to the baby Jesus. This recently discovered masterpiece holds a estimate of $1.5--$2.5 million.
Other highlights include a pair magnificent works by Giovanni Paolo Panini. One of these works is known as Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, and the other View of the Campidoglio, Rome illustrating two of the Eternal City’s major landmarks.
Completed in 1750, both paintings were commissioned by Anglican Bishop, Rev. William Holbech and were placed in stucco frames designed by William Perritt of York. The stucco frames were an unusual style for England in the mid-18th century, but Holbech’s appreciation for this style perhaps came from seeing such designs while on a grand tour of northern Italy. The monumental depictions of these landmarks are estimated at $3-$5 million.
The Renaissance portion of this auction will take place Jan. 30th at Christie’s New York, 20 Rockefeller Plaza. (212) 636-2000.
Comments