Saturday 14 March 2015

Teniers-like Alchemist


At an interesting sale at Galerie Moderne, 17 and 18 March, they are offering an "Alchemist" from the 17th century Flemish School, estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 Euro. It is very similar (though not as well painted) to many David Teniers the Younger works, but I can't match the exact composition. Details like the pottery in the right corner are very similar though. Some details, like the face of the alchemist, are very well done, but overall it looks a bit rushed, unfinished or awkward (the hand of the alchemist, the chair). All in all, it is better and more unusual than most Teniers copies or followers, certainly worth the estimate though probably not much more. UPDATE: sold for 2,000 Euro.

The first Teniers above shows similar compositional elements, while the second has the exact same four main elements on the table (globe, skull, book and hourglass). Other elements can be found in other Teniers works in the same vein. Probably some real Teniers prototype for the painting for sale exists or existed.


The auction has some other nice and interesting paintings, like the above perhaps slightly overestimated Holy Family in a clear Jan Gossart inspired style.


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