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 £2,057,250 inc. premium
Adriaen Coorte (active Middleburg, circa 1683-circa 1707) Three peaches on a stone ledge with a Red Admiral butterfly
Sold for £132,000 inc. premium
Rossello di Jacopo Franchi (Florence circa 1377-1456) The Madonna and Child with Saints Paul, John the Baptist, with integral frame
Sold for £187,250 inc. premium
Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem (Haarlem 1562-1638) Diana
Sold for £385,250 inc. premium
Studio of Gaspar van Wittel, called Vanvitelli (Utrecht circa 1653-1736 Rome) A view of Vaprio d'Adda