Rare Remastered Old Master Works From the Collection of J.E. Safra Come to Auction

Gaspar Van Wittel, better known as Vanvitelli, is regarded as one of the founders of Italian vedute or panorama paintings inspired by actual places. The artist painted scenes from several Italian cities, including Naples, Verona, Florence, and Bologna, but his love for Rome dominated the majority of his paintings. His work provides an important visual history of the city’s appearance during the time he lived, as they record buildings and locations that are now demolished or have been completely remodeled. A key highlight of Christie’s upcoming Old Masters sale is one of Vanvitelli’s major artworks, titled The Port of Ripa Grande, Rome. Vanvitelli enjoyed daily settings like the Ripa Grande, illustrated here, and other ancient sites still in use. This panoramic view of Rome’s main riverport at the end of the 17th century enables modern viewers to gain an insight into the city’s everyday life.

Also headlining the event is Philips Wouwerman’s notable piece A Landscape With Falconers. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by the versatility and prolific work of Philips Wouwerman. An important and highly influential figure in 17th-century Dutch painting, Wouwerman was arguably the finest Dutch artist of the horse during the period. It is the subdued colors, the cool atmosphere, and the numerous anecdotal details that make Wouwerman’s paintings so distinguished. A strong influence of Italianate style can be seen in the artist’s hunting scenes, especially the latter ones, which were regarded as badges of sophistication and recognition of foreign travel during the Dutch Golden Age. To view the full catalog and place a bid, visit Christie’s.