The Courts of Europe: From the Renaissance to the Rococo // Old Masters Week 2014
Sotheby’s New York is pleased to present The Courts of Europe: From the Renaissance to the Rococo, a highly curated sale featuring distinguished paintings, drawings and sculpture that reflect the princely taste of these artistic centers, to be held on 30 January 2014 duringOld Masters Week. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the courts of Europe were paramount in political and cultural life, driving the taste and style of the day and greatly influencing the arts through their patronage. From the papal and princely courts of Renaissance Italy to the French and Russian palaces of the 18th century, they were the lavish centers of artistic life and development. The sale will feature examples from multiple countries and genres, including works by artists that were employed by European rulers from 1500 to 1800. Highlights from the sale will travel to Los Angeles, London and Beijing this fall. Additional highlights will be announced in the coming months.
Christopher Apostle, Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Old Master Paintings, commented, “Over the last few auction seasons, we have been seeing more and more collectors become interested in the art of the Renaissance, the Baroque and the Rococo periods which, for their narrative qualities and visual impact, remain resonant to the modern viewer. The Courts of Europe will allow us to present to a contemporary audience the strong and vivid images of these periods together within their historical context. We hope that this exciting and new approach will intrigue those who are new to Old Master Paintings and Sculpture, as well as seasoned collectors.”
Leading the sale is Portrait of a Gyrfalcon, viewed from three sides by a Lombard Master, 1540 – 1560 (est. $700/1 million). This unique and striking portrait of a gyrfalcon dates between 1540 and 1560. Gyrfalcons were a sign of wealth during that time; only the most elite nobility were permitted to hunt with this majestic bird. The sale page can be found HERE.
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