Henry-Theodore Fantin-Latour’s Mystical Depiction of Daphne & Apollo Leads British Fine Art Auction

A rare Napoleonic War-era portrait thought to be of Juliette Récamier is coming to NY Elizabeth’s upcoming auction of British Fine Art. It is an 18th-century French Napoleonic portrait of a lady seated in an interior believed to be painted by Ingres, Simon, or Gerard. Juliette Récamier, born Jeanne Françoise Julie Adélaïde Récamier in 1777 Paris, was a beloved French socialite during her time. Numerous paintings and sculptures were modeled after her modest beauty and mannerisms. As a salon leader, she was a host to notable artists and literary and political figures of her society. In popular culture, because she loved reclining, furniture was termed after her as the récamier.

Another legend is brought to life in a 17th-century oil painting. It is believed to have been painted by an Italian Old Master from the Bolognese School. It depicts Diana, goddess of wild animals, and her hound perched on her lap. The Bolognese School was the epicenter of Italian painters of great caliber, and many were heavily influenced by Christianity and saints, giving rise to the Baroque style. One of the most notable lots in the auction is a 19th-century Classical Impressionist scene of Daphne and Apollo by Henry-Theodore Fantin-Latour. The two nude mythical figures, bathed in the moonlight, represent sensual, unattainable love in a beautiful nocturnal woodland scene. Find the listed items and more online auctions on Bidsquare.