RARE MID-18TH CENTURY ANTIQUE EUROPEAN (MOST LIKELY GERMAN, FLEMISH OR DUTCH) SIGNED & DATED (17)51 MANNERED, ACADEMIC FIGURATIVE WATERCOLOR PAINTING OF AN OLDER SCHOLARLY GENTLEMAN TUTORING A YOUTHFUL BOY IN A CAVERNOUS LIBRARY READING FROM A LARGE VOLUME SUPPORTED BY A BOOK STAND, W/DOUBLE MATTING/LATER PERIOD ORNATE DECORATIVE PLASTER OVER WOOD FRAME

(Dated [17]51)

18th century European figurative watercolor painting

DIMENSIONS: 

Frame: 15 ½" Width x 17 ½" Height 

Image: 6" width x 7 ¾" Height 

  

DESCRIPTION:

Absolutely estate fresh, new to the marketplace and 'as-found,' matted and framed in a later ornate continental European thin profile decorative plaster over wood period frame. The watercolor is clearly signed (however illegibly) in the lower right corner in cursive script. Also next to the end of the cursive sepia brown ink signature is the abbreviated date '51, most likely (17)51, since the figurative watercolor painting has many of the period characteristics and hallmarks of mid-18th century Flemish, Dutch and even German painting at that time. The scene is entirely Baroque, with a seated older scholar, next to a standing young boy, clearly a well-clothed patrician child of means, ostensibly being offered a private tutorial session with the older, learned scholar, himself dressed in a stiff, ruffled white collar, popular among educated men and men of higher position in 18th century European society. A book stand is on top of the oriental rug or heavy decorated wool tapestry covered table in front, with heavy period window drapes to the rear of the cavernous room, which could be a well-appointed personal library. Both figures are entirely dressed in period silk satin costume, wearing fashionable, knee-length bloomers, coats and leg stockings, with large buckled leather shoes. All of the attire, conceptual, artistic and evidentiary clues, point to the watercolor painting being indeed from the mid 18th century and European. Who exactly did it and subsequently where, we will leave up to others with more formidable forensic handwriting deciphering skills than we possess as mere laypeople. The watercolor painting is without question, done by a highly skilled and gifted 18th century European artist and not the work of a mere amateur or less-than-highly skilled artist working at that time. The piece was very carefully opened only for inspection and then as quickly shut and put back together, exactly as it was found in the estate where it was first discovered. Only the glass sheet was cleaned. Nothing else has been disturbed and it remains, as it was for as long as anyone previously associated with it, can remember. A nearly immaculate, close to pristine mid-18th century European figurative watercolor painting, with still fairly vivid color and exquisite draughtsmanship, artistic dexterity and handling. For more that those who covet period watercolor painting. This is a visual delight and extremely capable piece.

 

CONDITION:

Good to Very Good overall antique condition. In absolutely original, 'as-found,' antique condition. It remains undisturbed and untouched. Signed illegibly in cursive sepia brown ink script by the artist in the lower right hand corner. The signature has defied deciphering and has not allowed us to at least, successfully attribute this really rather fine period mid-18th century figurative watercolor painting to a specific 18th century European artist. Our best educated and informed guess is that it's most likely German (with the end of the surname ending in 'man' or even possibly Flemish or Dutch, in that the mannered figuration shares many of the academic characteristics and methodology, as adjacent period Flemish and Dutch painting at that time. It is unlikely English, French or Italian. There's a slight possibility the watercolor could be Danish or Swedish, making it a mid-18th century Scandinavian watercolor and not a continental European one. A stunning, absolutely gorgeous work. Clean.