First Time in 70 Years: Rare Portraits by Francisco Goya Come to Auction at Christie’s

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a prominent portrait painter with a modern approach. The upcoming Christie’s auction features a pair of mother-daughter portraits by Francisco Goya. The paintings portray the daughter sitting on a sofa holding her lap dog and the mother in a chair with a fan. The 1805 oil paintings feature his mastery of presenting intricate fabric details and regalia. They also illustrate Goya’s fresh style for appeasing the new wealthy clientele in Spain during that period. These paintings are on the market first time in 70 years, making them highly valuable. A Rialto Bridge landscape by Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, is another highlight. The artwork is notable for its fine detailing and photographic effect. Canaletto utilized the camera obscura to create his photo-like paintings. 

The auction also showcases an oil painting by Pieter Brueghel II depicting the Kermesse of Saint George. As mentioned by Georges Marlier, “The artwork is distinct than most of Brueghel’s paintings offering an oeuvre to his father, Pieter Brueghel the Elder. Despite the continuing theme of his father’s work, the painting represents Brueghel’s mastery and skills.” The artwork is among Pieter Brueghel II’s finest oil paintings. It has a versatile color palette and represents intrinsic elements like customs and humor. Also on offer is a lady’s portrait by Sir Peter Paul Rubens and a Parisian landscape by Nicolas-Jean-Baptiste Raguenet. Interested collectors

can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online at Christie’s.