1. Jan Jansz. Van Der Stoffe, ‘Cavalry Skirmish’

This Cavalry Skirmish by Leiden based artist Jan Jansz. Van der Stoffe dates to 1671 and was painted towards the end of his career. The artist focused intently on battle scenes throughout his career, repeating motifs and movement in his studies, capturing different angles and moments through the action of the battle. Similar studies to the present lot show the white horse in the foreground when he was standing with rider on back, another shows the fallen hat in a different location. The artist successfully draws the viewer in, making you feel as if you are part of the action and in the thick of the battle. I particularly love the plumes of dust that are spread across the panel, kicked up by the horses and the scuffle of the battle.

2. Bolognese School, ‘Susanna and The Elders’

This charming 18^th century oil on copper perfectly captures the well-known biblical story from the Book of Daniel that has been depicted throughout art history, most famously by Artemisia Gentileschi. The scene illustrates two prying elders who are spying on a young married Jewish woman. After she refuses their advances, they accuse her of adultery. Condemned to death Susanna is saved by the prophet Daniel who intervenes. The work is signed with initials G.B. and dated 1751. The hands are painted with great delicacy and the translucency of the waterspout that gushes from the stone lion’s mouth is particularly impressive.

3. Bertram Nicholls, ‘The Bridge at Blandford’

Entering the river landscape from across the water gives an amazing view of the reflections showing the gate house which sits on the bridge at Blandford. The neutral colour palette creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere working in different shades of greens. The provenance behind this work of art is particularly interesting. During the Second World War, Mrs Ferguson (grandmother of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York) and her friend, the present owner's mother, would drive a cantina around Hampshire providing refreshment such as tea to the troops. Mrs Ferguson later gifted the present lot to her friend, and it has remained in the same family ever since. The work was exhibited at The Fine Art Society in 1942.

4. John Chase, ‘Walter Scott's Burial Place, Dryburgh Abbey, Scotland’

Calling all poetry lovers and history enthusiasts. Travel with me to Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland to visit Walter Scott’s burial place through the detailed and impressive watercolour painted by British artist John Chase. The stone steps lead up and through the ruined arch where two figures peer through the opened gate. As fashions change, prices for watercolours have reduced over the last decade. However, we still see a strong market for watercolours in good condition, with strong colour and interesting subject matter. The condition of Lot 109 together with the unusual and collectible subject matter makes this a remarkable watercolour suitable for many collectors.

5. Francis Kelly, ‘Sunbath’

Sunbath by Francis Kelly depicts a female nude lying propped up on her elbows with her dark hair pulled back in a bun. The figure glances over her left shoulder looking into the far distance, appearing unaware of any onlookers. Strong angular lines, using a grey colour palette, build up the background juxtaposed against the soft smooth lines used to create her body that fills the centre section of the canvas. The bidding starts at £10 with a guide estimate of £40-60.

Auction Details

Friday 8 December | 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2JE

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

BIDDING:

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

VIEWING:

• Viewing is available by appointment from 27 November
• Dreweatts remote viewing service is available by appointment from 27 November | Find out more

To book an appointment to view, please email: pictures@dreweatts.com or call +44 (0) 1635 553 553