Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (Seville 1599-1660 Madrid), Portrait of a gentleman
Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (Seville 1599-1660 Madrid), Portrait of a gentleman

Old Master Paintings

Bonhams' Old Master Paintings department has achieved some spectacular results in recent years. We have seen a huge increase in demand from buyers for works of quality by leading artists, particularly if they are in exceptional condition and fresh to the market. In addition to this, increasing numbers of private collectors are turning to this sector, encouraged by its established track record and disenchanted by alternative investments. Recent successes include works by Diego Velázquez, Adriaen Coorte, Lucas Gassel, Pietro Fabris, Vanvitelli, Giuseppe Zocchi and Jan Lievens.

Highlights from past auctions

Sold for £151,250 inc. premium
Venetian School, late 16th Century Portrait of a bearded gentleman, three-quarter-length unframed
Sold for £301,250 inc. premium
Luca Carlevarijs (Udine 1663-1730 Venice) The Piazzetta, Venice, looking towards the Punta della Dogana
Sold for £144,000 inc. premium
Thomas Luny (Saint Ewe 1759-1837 Teignmouth) The three-masted English merchantman Integrity in two positions in the Saint Lawrence River arriving ...
Sold for £557,600 inc. premium
Pietro Fabris (Naples circa 1740-1792) A view of the Bay of Naples from Posillipo looking south with the Palazzo Donn ...