Brussels

Heracles Decapitating the Lernaean Hydra. Tapestry from the series “The Labours of Heracles” (detail) produced under Michiel van Orley, Oudenaarde, c. 1550/65. Wool, silk; 418 x 544 cm Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer © KHM Museumsverband. VIENNA.- Embellishing rooms with textiles dates back to the earliest civilisations. In the Middle Ages precious textiles were most of all the prerogative of the nobility, reflecting a prince’s prestige and authority. Tapestries were much sought-after. Their extremely time-consuming... [Lire la suite]

LONDON.- On 30 April Christie’s South Kensington presents a sale of European Noble & Private Collections, which brings together an impressive selection of works of art all linked by noble and private provenance. The sale celebrates the collecting traditions of aristocratic dynasties across Europe, exploring the development of styles and tastes, ranging from Old Masters and 19th century paintings to furniture, European and Chinese works of art and porcelain to books, tapestries and silver. Leading the sale is a... [Lire la suite]

Albrecht Dürer, Emperor Maximilian I, 1518. Black and coloured chalk, heightened with white chalk. Albertina, Vienna VIENNA.- Emperor Maximilian I was a "media emperor", who spared no efforts for the representation of his person and to secure his posthumous fame. He employed the best artists and made use of the most modern media of his time. Many of the most outstanding works produced for the propaganda and commemoration of Emperor Maximilian I are preserved in the Albertina. These include not only numerous works by... [Lire la suite]

Catalan processional cross, circa 1380.  Photo Bernard De Leye Silver and silver gilt. H. 45.2 x W. 36.5 cm This rare model of Latin cross is typical of Catalan silverwork dating from the second half of the 14th century. Its characteristics are the square at the centre of the cross and the arms with quatrefoil medallions and fleur-de-lis tips. The symbols of the evangelists, each bearing a scroll, can be found on the reverse sides of the quatrefoils: the eagle of St John (SUAN) is positioned on top, the lion of St Mark... [Lire la suite]

Triomphe de Diane. Bruxelles, atelier van der Borcht, vers 1730 © BRAFA 2010 Laine et soie. H. 330 cm x 270 cm - Prix sur demande. Triumph of Diana, circa 1720-1740. Brussels, workshop van der Borcht. From a set with the 'Triumph of the Gods'. Wool and silk. After Jan van Orley and Augustin Coppens. H 330 x W 270 cm (reduced) - Price on application A large set with the 'Triumph of the Gods', including a related 'Triumph of Diana', is in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, inv. LV La Manufacture Royale De Wit... [Lire la suite]

El Greco, Christ en croix - "The Crucifixion", 1610-1614. Oil on canvas. Toledo, Museo de Santa Cruz, Depósito de la Parroquia de San Nicolas de Bari, Toledo. BRUXELLES.- Considéré comme l’un des peintres fondateurs de l’École espagnole, El Greco n’a pourtant pas toujours joui de ce statut souverain. Lorsqu’il meurt à Tolède en 1614, l’Europe se prend de passion pour le caravagisme, style naturaliste et en vogue aux antipodes de son génie maniériste. Très vite, son oeuvre passe de mode, traversant les siècles dans un... [Lire la suite]

Flemish, Brussels. After a design by Pieter Coecke van Aelst (Flemish, 1502–1550) The Defeated Pompey Meeting His Wife at Sea, from The Story of Julius Caesar, designed 1540, woven c. 1640, wool. Gift of George Leary, 54.5.1 PITTSBURGH, PA.- Carnegie Museum of Art presents the dynamic new exhibition Gods, Love, and War: Tapestries and Prints from the Collection, opening December 19, 2009. Highlighting a selection of six large-scale tapestries dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and 40 prints from Carnegie Museum of Art’s... [Lire la suite]