Getting into Old Masters: Marine Art
24 October 2022 Typically defined as the work of top artists working in Europe before 1800, Old Master art is one of the most traditional collecting fields. Defined by figures such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Turner, the field can seem intimidating. But don’t be put off. In this series we examine some of the basic definitions and categories of Old Master art.
As part of its Old Master, British & European pictures sale on November 16 Roseberys offers this painting of naval engagement during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. Painted by one of the circle of Peter Monamy this British picture shows the influence of Willem van de Velde and has an estimate of £2000-3000.
One of the most common categories of Old Masters is marine art. These are instantly recognisable since they show ships at sea or on the water. Though these span the history of painting, for Old Master collectors they can generally be sorted into three categories: ship portraits, ships on the water and harbour scenes.
This genre had its heyday in the Dutch Golden Age (roughly the 17th century) when the Dutch Republic relied on its naval power for wealth. Names such as Willem van de Velde and their workshops worked at the peak of these paintings’ popularity, and their pictures easily stretch into the millions on the open market.
A highly recognisable Dutch Golden Age Jacob van Ruisdael was primarily a painter of landscapes but also executed some marine works, including the current example. His works can tip into the seven figures on the open market, and this picture, depicting a storm on the seashore has an estimate of £150,000-300,000. It is offered at Auktionshaus im Kinsky in Vienna on November 8-9.
Old Master paintings are one thing but don’t forget about prints and drawings. For example, this 18th century Continental pencil, ink and wash drawing of a naval battle has all the drama and action you could wish for in a marine scene with men and boats tossed about on violent waves and ships being rocked by canon fire. But it is offered at only a fraction of the price that a comparable painting might be with an estimate of £200-300, part of Bonhams’ Marine Sale of October 25 where many impressive maritime pictures and related items can be found.
Another drawing on offer at Bonhams is this British picture, which sports a higher estimate of £2000-3000 thanks in part to its attachment to an identifiable artist. John Cleveley the Elder signed and dated this picture 1754. Depicting a peacetime fleet at anchor, it is executed in pen ink and wash.
Another peaceful scene can be found in this painting from the circle of the Italian artist Agostino Tassi (1578-1644). Note that this identifier is based on the clear influence of the artist – but as the catalogue description says, “Tassi’s work was a fundamental source for many artists” including other masters such as Claude Lorrain. That shouldn’t be off-putting, however, if this Mediterranean harbour scene appeals. Offered at Roseberys’ sale of Old Master, British and European pictures on November 16, it has an estimate of £3000-5000.
Europe tends to be the best place to seek out Old Masters, but there are other places they can be found. Take, for example, California saleroom NY Elizabeth, which holds its next auction of historic art on October 30. It includes this painting of 18th century British Royal Navy ships sailing off the coast. In the catalogue detail it is described as ‘attributed to’ French-British artist Dominic Serres, which seems to be based on the treatment of the sky. The attribution might not be completely firm, but the picture remains attractive with an estimate of $3250-4875.
