Jan Josefsz. van Goyen (Dutch 1596-1656)

Returning to the art market after nearly 90 years, this oil on panel, lot 26, by Jan Josefsz. van Goyen, titled 'An estuary landscape on the Rhine with square tower and tall gallows signal' sold for £68,750.

Jan van Goyen was one of the pioneers in depicting the naturalistic landscape in early 17th century Holland, travelling extensively in The Netherlands and beyond. The present lot depicts a watch tower with gallows signal on the Rhine near Lobith and Schenkenschanz, a view that Goyen often repeated. This lot is a fine example of Goyen's skilful manipulation of tonal variations. Through a limited colour palette Goyen was able to render natural light and subtle atmospheric effects in shades of brown, green and grey. His use of a low horizon gives the illusion of a broad expanse focusing the eye on the sky.

Franz Xaver Petter (Austrian 1791-1866)

Franz Xaver Petter was an Austrian artist born in Lichtental. Petter went on to study under Johann Baptist Dreschler at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. He was one of the most important still life artists of the Biedermeier period in Vienna, specialising in floral and fruit arrangements. This present lot, Lot 121, titled 'Still life of flowers including lilies, poppies, roses, tulips together with fruit and birds' sold for £35,000 in yesterday's sale against a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-15,000.

Giacomo Raibolini, Il Francia (Italian 1486-1557)

Another highlight from the auction was Lot 48, an oil on panel by Italian artist Giacomo Raibolini. The oldest lot in the auction, this 15th century painting depicting The Madonna and child, from the collection of Edward Bulmer from Court of Noke, Herefordshire, sold for £37,500.

Born in Bologna, the son of artist Francesco Raibolini, also known as Il Francia, Giacomo was brought up in the family business, learning painting and gold smithing alongside his brother Giulio. When his father died in 1517, the brothers took over the running of the studio producing numerous altarpieces and religious paintings for the churches and convents of Bologna.

Richard Clack (British 1804-1875) after Richard Cosway

From the property of the Morland Family, Court Lodge in Kent, a highlight from yesterday's auction was lot 92 which sold for £21,250. The original painting by Richard Cosway dates from 1798 and is held at Powderham Castle, the seat of the Courtenay family, in Devon. It depicts Lady Caroline Courtenay, the future wife of Colonel Charles Morland, along with two of her older sisters, Lucy and Harriet (Caroline is in the centre).

Richard Clack who painted this version was undoubtedly a relative of the girls' mother, Frances Clack. The vast majority of the men who entered into the Courtenay family by way of marriage, ended up in some way receiving an allowance or in paid employment. In true family spirit, Colonel Charles Morland, Caroline's husband, received an amount of £1,000 a year merely for being her husband.

In this second version, the original mischievous putti are replaced by a dog which was perhaps seen as more appropriate.

Attributed to Salvator Rosa (Italian 1615-1673)

Said to be the portrait of the Italian agitator Masaniello, lot 58 attributed to Salvator Rosa, sold for £16,250. The work was originally owned by Christopher Norris before passing through sale at Christies in 1988. The work was then purchased by Edward Bulmer, interior designer and decorator and used to decorate the interior of Court of Noke in Herefordshire.

Silvio Poma (Italian 1841-1932)

Born in Bergamo in 1840, Silvio Poma's work came to critical attention from the mid-1870s. He exhibited widely in Italy during the following decades and became known for his landscape and lakeland views, particularly of the Lombardy region. The present view of Lake Maggiore, lot 115, is a typical example of his work and sold in our auction yesterday for £20,000.

To view all sale results from the auction, please click here.

We are now welcoming consignments for our 2020 auction calendar. For a complimentary valuation, please contact our Fine Art department:

+44 (0) 1635 553 553 | pictures@dreweatts.com

Modern and Contemporary Art
Thursday 19 March 2020
Consignment deadline: Thursday 30 January 2020

Old Master, British and European Art
Wednesday 27 May 2020
Consignment deadline: Wednesday 8 April 2020