18th Century Art

Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823) James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness (1766-1823) Oil on Canvas 30 X 25 inches Unframed 37 X 32 inches framed Sir Henry Raeburn FRSE RA RSA (4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter and Scotland's first significant portrait painter since the Union to remain based in Scotland. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland. Raeburn was born the son of a manufacturer in Stockbridge, on the Water of Leith: a former village now within the city of Edinburgh. He had an older brother, born in 1744, called William Raeburn. His ancestors were believed to have been soldiers, and may have taken the name "Raeburn" from a hill farm in Annandale, held by Sir Walter Scott's family. Orphaned, he was supported by William and placed in Heriot's Hospital, where he received an education. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the goldsmith James Gilliland of Edinburgh, and various pieces of jewellery, mourning rings and the like, adorned with minute drawings on ivory by his hand, still exist. Soon he took to the production of carefully finished portrait miniatures; meeting with success and patronage, he extended his practice to oil painting, at which he was self-taught. Gilliland watched the progress of his pupil with interest, and introduced him to David Martin, who had been the favourite assistant of Allan Ramsay the Latter, and was now the leading portrait painter in Edinburgh. Raeburn was especially aided by the loan of portraits to copy. Soon he had gained sufficient skill to make him decide to devote himself exclusively to painting. George Chalmers (1776; Dunfermline Town Hall) is his earliest known portrait. In his early twenties, Raeburn was asked to paint the portrait of a young lady he had noticed when he was sketching from nature in the fields. Ann was the daughter of Peter Edgar of Bridgelands, and widow of Count James Leslie of Deanhaugh. Fascinated by the handsome and intellectual young artist, she became his wife within a month, bringing him an ample fortune. The acquisition of wealth did not affect his enthusiasm or his industry, but spurred him on to acquire a thorough knowledge of his craft. It was usual for artists to visit Italy, and Raeburn set off with his wife. In London he was kindly received by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the president of the Royal Academy, who advised him on what to study in Rome, especially recommending the works of Michelangelo, and gave Raeburn letters of introduction for Italy. In Rome he met his fellow Scot Gavin Hamilton, Pompeo Girolamo Batoni and Byers, an antique dealer whose advice proved particularly useful, especially the recommendation that "he should never copy an object from memory, but, from the principal figure to the minutest accessory, have it placed before him." After two years of study in Italy he returned to Edinburgh in 1787, and began a successful career as a portrait painter. In that year he executed a seated portrait of the second Lord President Dundas. Examples of his earlier portraiture include a bust of Mrs Johnstone of Baldovie and a three-quarter-length of Dr James Hutton: works which, if somewhat timid and tentative in handling and not as confident as his later work, nevertheless have delicacy and character. The portraits of John Clerk, Lord Eldin, and of Principal Hill of St Andrews belong to a later period. Raeburn was fortunate in the time in which he practised portraiture. Sir Walter Scott, Hugh Blair, Henry Mackenzie, Lord Woodhouselee, William Robertson, John Home, Robert Fergusson, and Dugald Stewart were resident in Edinburgh, and were all painted by Raeburn. Mature works include his own portrait and that of the Rev. Sir Henry Moncrieff Wellwood, a bust of Dr Wardrop of Torbane Hill, two full-lengths of Adam Rolland of Gask, the remarkable paintings of Lord Newton and Dr Alexander Adam in the National Gallery of Scotland, and that of William Macdonald of St Martin's. Apart from himself, Raeburn painted only two artists, one of whom was Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey, the most important and famous British sculptor of the first half of the 19th century. It has recently been revealed that Raeburn and Chantrey were close friends and that Raeburn took exceptional care over the execution of his portrait of the sculptor, one of the painter's mature bust-length masterpieces. It was commonly believed that Raeburn was less successful in painting female portraits, but the exquisite full-length of his wife, the smaller likeness of Mrs R. Scott Moncrieff in the National Gallery of Scotland, and that of Mrs Robert Bell, and others, argue against this. Raeburn spent his life in Edinburgh, rarely visiting London, and then only for brief periods, thus preserving his individuality. Although he, personally, may have lost advantages resulting from closer association with the leaders of English art, and from contact with a wider public, Scottish art gained much from his disinclination to leave his native land. He became the acknowledged chief of the school which was growing up in Scotland during the early 19th century, and his example and influence at a critical period were of major importance. So varied were his other interests that sitters used to say of him, "You would never take him for a painter till he seizes the brush and palette." In 1812 he was elected president of the Society of Artists in Edinburgh; and in 1814 associate, and in the following year full member, of the Royal Scottish Academy. On 29 August 1822 he was knighted by George IV and appointed His Majesty's limner for Scotland at the Earl of Hopetoun house. He died in Edinburgh. Raeburn had all the essential qualities of a popular and successful portrait painter. He was able to produce a telling and forcible likeness; his work is distinguished by powerful characterisation, stark realism, dramatic and unusual lighting effects, and swift and broad handling of the most resolute sort. David Wilkie recorded that, while travelling in Spain and studying the works of Diego Velázquez, the brushwork reminded him constantly of the "square touch" of Raeburn. Scottish physician and writer John Brown wrote that Raeburn "never fails in giving a likeness at once vivid, unmistakable and pleasing. He paints the truth, and he paints it with love". Raeburn has been described as a "famously intuitive"portrait painter. He was unusual amongst many of his contemporaries, such as Reynolds, in the extent of his philosophy of painting directly from life; he made no preliminary sketches. This attitude partly explains the often coarse modelling and clashing colour combinations he employed, in contrast to the more refined style of Thomas Gainsborough and Reynolds. However these qualities and those mentioned above anticipate many of the later developments in painting of the 19th century from romanticism to Impressionism. Sir Henry Raeburn died in St Bernard's House (17 St Bernards Crescent), Stockbridge, Edinburgh. He is buried in St. Cuthbert's churchyard against the east wall (the monument erected by Raeburn in advance) but also has a secondary memorial in the Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh. James Sinclair, 12th Earl of Caithness was born at Barrogill Castle (Castle of Mey) on 31 May 1766. He was the son of Sir John Sinclair of Mey, Baronet who he succeeded in the baronetcy in 1774. He succeeded as 12th earl of Caithness in 1789. He was lord-lieutenant of the county of Caithness and lieutenant-colonel of the Ross-shire militia. He married at Thurso Castle on 2 January 1784 Jane, second daughter of Alexander Campbell...

Follower of Pierre Gobert 18th century French The Duke and Duchess of Burgundy Oil on canvas Refinement and intricacy characterize these royal portra...

Provenance: Private Collection, Argentina; there acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest T. Harper, New York, by 1960; by descent to: Mr. and Mrs. Alan Harper, New York, until 2024. This s...

This is an original 18th century hand-colored copper-plate engraving by Giovanni Volpato after a drawing by Camporesi. It was the frontispiece for volume one of the rare and valuable...

Attributed to Mason Chamberlin 1729-1787 British Portrait of Benjamin Franklin No visible signature Oil on canvas This exceptional portrait of Benjamin Franklin represents one of ...

This an 18th century copper plate engraved portrait of Sir Francis Drake by Jacobus Houbraken, after a painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, from "The Hea...

This is a hand-colored copper plate engraving depicting Ranunculus (Persian Buttercup) flowers from Basilius Besler's landmark work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden at Eichstatt), first published in 1613 in Eichstatt, Germany near Nuremberg and later in 1640 and 1713. This beautiful colorful engraving is printed on thick laid chain-linked paper. There is latin text on the verso. There are central horizontal creases and two small holes on the right and another in the left lower corner. It is otherwise in excellent condition. Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was an apothecary and botanist. He was curator of the Willibaldsburg Castle garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop...

Red crayon on cream laid paper, 3 3/4 x 4 inches (95 x 102 mm) ; 3 3/4 x 3 1/8 inches (95 x 80 mm). Each with scattered early repairs done with non-archival tape on the verso; the sm...

La obra no va firmada Se presenta sin enmarcar la pintura El estado de la obra se puede ver, es aceptable ya que en su momento se acondicionó debidamente Medidas de la obra: 38 x ...

Le Mococo is an etching realized by Jean Charles Baquoy in 1771. The artwork Belongs to the suite "Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière avec la description du Cabinet du Roi...

This colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving finished with hand coloring by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Ephemerum Virginianu flore Purpureo, B. Ephemer...

Antique marble head of the roman emperor Tiberius. 43cm without the base. 18th Century.

Terracotta sculpture - Venus. Italy, 18th century. 27 x 22 x 45 cm. Made entirely of terracotta. Depicting a bathing Venus (small crack on the foot). - This item is sold with a c...

Maria Sibylla Merian was born in Germany in 1647 and received early artistic training from her stepfather, an established still life painter. She was fascinated by insects and collec...

Francesco GUARDI (1712-1793) Portrait of a Lady Oil on copper 5 1/8 x 4 3/8 in 13 x 11 cm Unsigned Provenance Private collection, France We are pleased to present an exceptional...

A great painting from the second half of the 18th century. Oil on canvas artwork depicting a splendid Italian landscape in Arcadian style, a pastoral scene set in the Roman countrysi...

A beautiful Arcadian landscape after Johannes Glauber. Amsterdam: 1721. Etching on handmade laid paper with an intact fleur-de-lis watermark. 203 x 275 mm; 8 x 10 7/8 inches, trimm...

Bartolomeo Pedon (1665-1732) – Fantasy Landscape Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 84 x 121 cm (unframed), 98 x 132 cm (framed) Provenance: Private collection This captivating oil ...

This superb Italian Old Master religious portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Bartolomeo Schedoni. Painted circa 1700 it is a half l...

A delightful large oil on canvas of a wooded landscape which dates to circa 1830 and is attributed to Irish artist James Arthur O’Connor. A superb painting and an excellent example o...

This is an original antique hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving of flowering Chrysanthemum matricaria plants. It is entitled "A. Chrysanthemum Matricarice Folus Flore...

Italian painter (early 18th century) - Four Evangelists. 25.5 x 19 cm without frame, 29 x 22.5 cm with frame. Ancient oil painting on panel. in wooden frames (not signed). Conditi...

Provenance: Private Collection, Paraguay, for at least the last 80 years Painted in the Viceroyalty of Peru during the 18th century, the present work depicts the young Christ as the Niño de la Espina—a devotional representation of Christ as he looks down at his bleeding finger, which has been pricked by the crown of thorns resting on his lap. The subject of the Young Christ Pricked by a Thorn was especially popular in Cuzco, and the rich details and decorative elements of our work perfectly capture the essence and style of the Cuzco School of painting. In our painting, Christ wears an intricately patterned floor-length robe trimmed with gilded cuffs and a gilded collar. The delicate gilding, including the halo of golden rays emanating from his head, are executed in brocateado, an ornamental over-gilding technique that is characteristic of the Cuzco School. The red chair on which Christ sits also includes brocateado in the decorative gilt elements. The form of the chair takes inspiration from those commonly used by friars both in Spain and the Andes, known as silla frailera or sillon frailero, and was also frequently employed in related depictions of the Virgin Mary Spinning. Here the young Christ is rendered with soft, elongated features that reflect the influence of the Italian Mannerist painters who were pivotal to the formation of the Cuzco School, including the Jesuit friar Bernardo Bitti and Matteo Pérez del Alesio. Additionally, while its origins can be traced to Northern European pictorial traditions, the lush flower garland that frames the work is a signature feature of Cuzqueño painting...

A charming study of a determined looking woman seated on a bench surrounded by woven baskets. One hand propped on her him and another through the handle of her basket, she looks to the right with an intense stare. The artist depicts her on a street lined with tall continental buildings on a summer's day. Painted in a style influenced by 18th century artist...

Etching on paper realized in 1748. Very good condition except for some minor foxing. Includes a wooden frame cm. 27.5x41.5

EDWARD WELLS (British 1667- 1727) A NEW MAP of the TERRAQUEOUS GLOBE - according to the latest Discoveries and most general Divisions of it into CONTINENTS and OCEANS, 1700-01 (Shirley 609) Engraved by Michael Burghers, Oxford. Hand-colored, Platemark 14 1/4 x 20 1/8 inches. Central cartouche flanked by figures representing the continents with dedication to William, Duke of Gloucester...

This large superb British Old Master horse portrait oil painting is by noted artist John Boultbee. Painted circa 1790, the composition is a beautif...

Follower of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Il Guercino (Cento 1591 – 1666 Bologna) Sibyl or bust-length woman, seen in profile to the left, wearing a turban Red chalk on paper,...

Celestial Music is an original black and white etching on cream-colored paper, realized by Charles-Nicolas Cochin the Elder (1688-1754), the well-known ...

Muy interesante ÓLEO SOBRE CRISTAL, representando a una Virgen con Niño, de finales del siglo XVIII principios del XIX. Escuela colonial, va con un fino marco de madera dorada al oro...

Giuseppe Zais (Forno di Canale 1709 - Treviso 1784) - Landscape with Resting Horsemen. 55.5 x 85.5 cm unframed, 78 x 98.5 cm with frame. Oil on canvas, in a carved and gilded woode...

Le Saki is an etching realized by Jean Charles Baquoy in 1771. Signed in plate. The artwork Belongs to the suite "Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière avec la description d...

George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...

Original engraving, hand-colored at publication, after the work of Mark Catesby by Johann Michael Seligmann from "Sammlung verschneider auslandischer und seltener Vogel." Nuremberg:...

Mated pair of oil-on-canvas, sheep and goat paintings in hand-painted and gilded frames. From the circle of Rosa di Tivoli (1655-1706), a highly regarded Baroque artist active in and...

'L'Agaric Couleuvre' A French copper-line engravings with original printed colouring of mushrooms by Jean Baptiste Francois Buillard (1742-1793). From Bulliard's 'Histoire des Champignons de la France', a series of engravings describing the mushrooms of France, published in Paris in 1791. This series of engravings are 'probably the first botanical work completely colour-printed without retouching by hand' (Great Flower Books...

Cockfighting Champion Portrait of "Intrepid", 18th Century attributed to John Nost SARTORIUS (1759-1830) Fine large 18th Century English study of a prize Cockerel in a farmyard, o...

This museum quality old master oil on canvas formal portrait painting depicting the family of the Count Zanardi is signed by the artist- the female painter Lucia Casalini Torelli- and published in a book dedicated to Casalini Torelli’s workshop and academy. This palatial masterpiece artwork comes directly from the ancient Villa Maraini Guerrieri - Palidano di Gonzaga (Mantua), an historic Italian heritage building owned by the descendants of the family portrayed for more than two centuries, until 1998. The big scale of this oil on canvas masterpiece painting states the relevance of Lucia Casalini Torelli as a painter. The present artwork is a formal family portrait painting that aim to introduce the characters depicted according to their social role in the society. The noble family is all gathered under a loggia overlooking a park, the landscape in the background is partially covered by a beautiful red cloth on the right side. The father stands up and holds the hand of his eldest son, proudly introducing his future heir. The son wears a light-blue dress and red boots, he is depicted in a serious pose holding a black tricorn hat under his arm and a rapier sword on his belt. The mother wears an elegant gold and dark green brocade dress, she is sitting with her youngest daughter on her knees while her second son is by her side. The little daughter wears a lovely long red and dress with white lace and holds an apple on her hand. The son stands next to his mother and is dressed in a brown priestly clothes. This palatial old masters piece was probably painted in 1740 due to the similarities with Cardinal Doria’ s portrait, now on display at the Doria Palace Museum, the official residence of the Prince of Genoa. The painting features original canvas (“prima tela”) and antique original patina, it is in excellent overall condition considering the age, use and its large scale. A formal detailed condition report and the results of the inspection with the UV lamp accompanied by photos is available on request. As well as for its exceptional quality and quite perfect state of conservation, this painting is particularly important and even more valuable both for the artist who painted it and for its absolutely exclusive provenance. Lucia painted the most prominent and powerful noble families of her time, the location of these paintings is unknown to the art market as it is extremely likely that the portraits are still kept in private collections. Furthermore, Lucia was one of the most appreciated artists of her time, so important that she was admitted as a member of the academy at a time when women were forbidden to attend these studies. In 1706, Felice Torelli...

Antique battle scene with horsemen in front of landscape scenery. Oil on canvas. Framed in a black wooden frame with a gold patinated moulding. The canvas with strong craquelure. Siz...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Bardana Major Folio Non Serrato, Napoliere, B. Bdellifera Arbor, de Qu...

This is an 18th century copperplate engraved portrait of the 17th century physician and scientist Thomas Willis, MD from "The Heads of Illustrious Person...

Ancient Roman Statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Filippo Morghen in the 18th century. Signed on the plate, on the lowe...

Magnificent hand carved Carrara marble sculpture of a lioness head from Rome. Mounted on a metal base. Base 13.75"W x 12.25"D.

Pair of very decorative Italian Still-life paintings of flowers with vases and classical figures . 18th century, oil on canvas, with original gilt-wood frames. This pair is an exce...

Price is for the set of 12 framed engravings. Hand-coloured mezzotint engravings from: ""Phytanthoza Iconographia"", c1739, presented in hand-made pa...

This is a hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741), entitled "A. Alcea Folio Lacinato, B. Alcea Vesicaria, C. Alchimilla minima, D. ...

Enoch Seeman Canvas Size: 30 x 25" (76 x 62cm) Outside Frame Size: 37 x 32" (92 x 80cm) 1694-1744 He was born in Danzig, now Gdansk, Poland, around 1694. His father, also Enoch...

Etching. Signed in the plate lower right. From the fourth state, of six, a late 18th / early 19th century impression; first Paris edition. From the Vedute di Rome series. Overall...

George Edwards: ""A History of Uncommon Birds"", 1749-1761. A prominent English naturalist and ornithologist, George Edwards (1694 -1773) is best known for his work, ""A Natural His...

Portrait Of Isabella Blackett, Countess Of Buchan, 18th Century English School Large 18th Century English portrait of Lady Isabella Blackett, Duchess of Buchan oil on canvas. Excel...

Richard Bankes Harraden (1778-1862) Italian landscape with Monte Socrate (after Jan Both) Signed and dated 1823 on the reverse Oil on canvas Canvas size ...

'London Bridge' Aquatint by JC Stadler after J Farmington. Published c1795 for Boydell's 'History of the River Thames'. Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl London, 1780-1822) was an eng...

Portrait Of Sir James Hamlyn (1735-1811), MP for Carmarthen, Sheriff of Devon, 18th Century follower of Sir Joshua REYNOLDS (1723-1792) Large 18th Century portrait of Sir James Ham...

Etching on laid and watermarked paper (a double circles visible near the bell tower). 38 th Plate from the series " Views of Rome". Signed on plate on lower-left margin "Piranesi F....

Madonna, Mary Mother of God Italy, circa 1780 Linden wood, painted/gilded Dimensions: 80 x 32 x 24 cm Painting/gilding damaged in places Authenticity guaranteed in writing

18th Century Spanish Oil on Copper — Virgin Dolorosa Fine mid-18th century Spanish School oil on copper depicting the Virgin Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows). The painting shows excel...

This is an early 18th century hand-colored copperplate engraving of the anatomy of lemons by Johann Christoph Volkhamer, entitled "La parte interiore del Cedro di fio e Sugo doppio" ...

This is an original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving of flowering Red Sweet Peas which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Lathyrus Flore Majore Pur...

Fine 18th century engraving by French artist Jean-Jacques Lagrenée. Presented with hand cut mount and gilt filet in fine wood and gilt 'ribbon and reed' frame. Very charming renditi...

This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Mespilus Aronia Azarolie B. Mespilus Vulgaris Neflier". It is plate 7...