Tuesday 14 November 2017

Da Vinci reinterpreted in 17th century Flanders

Kunst und Kuriosa, from Germany, sells on 24 November as lot 13  a "Hendrick van Balen the Younger and Studio" Leda and the Swan, estimated at 9,000 to 12,000 (but with a reserve of only 2,500 Euro).

The work seems correctly attributed and is well-described otherwise, but it is unusual enough (and the auctioh house not too well-known) to be included here.

It is an interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Leda and the Swan", with a different posture for Leda, and a more Flemish background. An interesting and unexpected take on Leonardo, and a nice illustration of how arthistory was reused and reinterpreted.

As a work of Van balen, the estimate seems about right: but with the Leonardo connection (and the current hype surrounding Da Vinci), this may go higher.

3 comments:

  1. This is the painting after Del Sarto!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right. Usually I try to improve or correct the auction descriptions; and of course, when I go with it instead, it turns out to be wrong :) Thanks!

      Delete
    2. It is sold by 3400 Euro, Yours Stephan

      Delete