Francesco Guardi (Venice 1712 - 1793), Head of the Virgin, oil on canvas, 7 by 5 1/2 in. 17.8 by 14 cm. Executed circa 1780-90. Est. 20,000 - 30,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Sotheby’s Old Master & 19th Century European Art auctions are celebrated for their rich variety. From 17th and 18th century Italian Baroque paintings to the genre paintings, sporting and marine subjects originating from all parts of Europe throughout the 19th century, the diversity of the works being offered is evident. The Old Master section is highlighted with works by both Francesco and Giacomo Guardi; Adriaen van Ostade’s Peasant Brawl in a Tavern (included in a group of Dutch still-lifes and landscapes); and portraits by British masters Raeburn and Lawrence. Late 19th century paintings from France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, England and Poland showcase the era’s talents for depicting domestic dramas and communal celebrations. There are also selections of Barbizon, Orientalist, Symbolist and Belle Epoque works to be discovered among the broad and varied array of offerings, including a newly-discovered painting by Edwin Lord Weeks and Property from the Estate of Mary Warburg.

My personal selection:

Giacomo Guardi (Venice 1764 – 1835) View of the isle of San Spirito and View of the chandler's at San Gerolamo, Venice: a pair; each signed Giacomo di Guardi, titled, and inscribed (verso), gouache on paper, two works; each: 4 by 7 in, 10.1 by 17 .7 cm. Est.  5,000 - 7,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

German School, 16th century. The martyrdom of Saints George and John the Baptist: a pair, oil on cradled panel, the frames with Latin inscriptions, 23 1/8 by 16 1/4 in. 58.7 by 41.3 cm. Est. 15,000 - 20,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Follower of Willem Kalf. Still life with lemon, oil on canvas, 25 by 20 5/8 in. 63.5 by 52.4 cm. Est.  6,000 - 8,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Attributed to Gysbert Van Der Kuyl (Gouda 1626 – 1699) The Four Ages of Man, oil on canvas, 49 by 60 1/2 in. 124.5 by 153.7 cm. Est. 30,000 - 40,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Jacob Van Oost (Bruges 1601-1671) Portrait of a young man, oil on paper, laid down on canvas, 15 1/4 by 18 1/4 in. 38.7 by 46.4 cm. Est. 12,000 - 16,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Giovanni Paolo Panini and studio (Piacenza 1691- 1765 Rome) Capriccio with the temple of the divine Antoninus Pius and Faustina, oil on canvas, 29 1/4 by 40 in. 74.3 by 101.6 cm. Est. 30,000 - 40,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Attributed To Jan Breughel The Younger (Antwerp 1601 – 1678) Still life of flowers with tulips, lilies, and carnations, oil on panel, 21 1/4 by 14 in. 54 by 35.6 cm. Est. 6,000 - 8,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Attributed to Jacob De Wit (Amsterdam 1695 – 1754) Allegory Of Summer With The Infant Bacchus Riding A Goat, oil on canvas, en grisaille, 38 3/4 by 55 in. 98.4 by 139.7. Est. 7,000 - 9,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's

Follower of Louis de Caullery, Piazzetta San Marco, oil on cradled panel, 20 3/4 by 25 1/4 in. 52.7 by 64 cm. Est. 6,000 - 8,000 USD. photo courtesy Sotheby's