Old Masters Online

In 1511, Joos van Cleve rose through the ranks of an Antwerp guild as a ‘master painter.’ He was best known for his detailed portraits of royalty and his religious paintings. Most of his artworks reflect an aspect of everyday life. In the upcoming Old Masters Online auction, Sotheby’s presents over 140 pieces of fine art. Among them is an oil portrait attributed to van Cleve. The painting depicts a woman holding a rosary and a flower. This portrait shows the subject from the chest and above against a solid background to draw the viewer’s focus to the center.

Also offered is a still life work from Simon Pietersz. An elaborate bouquet of flowers is shown with dark and muted colors in this painting. Giovanni Battista Salvi’s portraiture can be found in the collection as well. Salvi worked with easel paintings, most often representing the Madonna alone or with the Christ Child. One of the offered lots is an example of his work, a painting of Mary gazing upward while bathed in light. Also included is a fruit still life by Johannes Bouman and Sir Joshua Reynold’s portrait of a lady in a blue dress and white lace cuffs. View more of these items and register to bid online on Sotheby’s.