Sotheby’s has unveiled its full slate of offerings for the highly anticipated annual Old Masters sales, a dazzling showcase of artistic brilliance spanning six centuries. This year’s collection promises an extraordinary journey through art history, featuring masterpieces that range from iconic paintings and drawings to exquisite objects.
Among the highlights of the season’s flagship auction, Master Paintings Part I, are Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ monumental “Annunciation” and August Strindberg’s evocative “Lighthouse II (Fyrtornet II),” marking its first appearance at auction in more than 30 years.
The selection also boasts outstanding examples of portraiture, including a young Venetian nobleman by Tintoretto and an elegant profile of a noblewoman by Bernardino de’ Conti.
A Season of Unmatched Artistry
This year’s Old Masters sales are enriched by works from renowned private collections, including The Vision of Aso O. Tavitian, a remarkable single-owner collection estimated at $14 to $21 million. The collection showcases an array of English furniture, Old Master paintings, and European sculpture, offering a unique glimpse into the grandeur of the Gilded Age.
Additionally, the auctions will feature a singular highlight: the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin, a 1714 masterpiece by Antonio Stradivari, estimated at $12 to $18 million. Presented by the New England Conservatory (NEC), proceeds from this sale will support student scholarships.
The public will have the opportunity to view these treasures from 1 to 7 February at Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries, with auctions taking place between 24 January and 9 February. Qatar Executive has partnered with Sotheby’s to present this extraordinary series of sales.
Master Paintings of Exceptional Significance
Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ “Annunciation”
Estimated at $4 to $6 million, Rubens’ “Annunciation” is an oil sketch that served as the modello for an altarpiece now housed in the Rubenshuis, Antwerp. This vibrant work, executed between 1628 and 1629 during Rubens’ second sojourn in Spain, exemplifies his unparalleled skill as a Baroque master.
The sketch radiates immediacy and grandeur, offering a glimpse into Rubens’ creative process as he refined the composition and adjusted the Virgin’s pose for the finished altarpiece. The intimate scale and vibrant colour palette echo the dramatic intensity of the final monumental work.
Raffaello Sanzio’s “Saint Mary Magdalene”
This early work by Raphael, estimated at $2 to $3 million, reveals the prodigious talent of the artist during his formative years. Created around 1503, the panel was originally part of a triptych for private devotion. Its elegant composition and refined execution bear witness to Raphael’s burgeoning genius.
The painting’s connections to the “Mond Crucifixion” further underscore its historical and artistic significance. An infrared reflectography analysis of the work reveals how Raphael diverged from preparatory drawings, showcasing his adaptability and ingenuity.
August Strindberg’s “Lighthouse II (Fyrtornet II)”
With an estimate of $4 to $6 million, Strindberg’s “Lighthouse II” epitomises the Swedish literary giant’s emotional and symbolic engagement with painting. Created in 1901 during a turbulent period in his personal life, the work captures the paradoxical nature of a lighthouse as both a warning and a beacon of hope.
Strindberg’s fascination with lighthouses as metaphors for guidance and salvation is poignantly rendered in this evocative seascape, reflecting his deep connection to the natural world and the human condition.
Treasures from Private Collections
The Vision of Aso O. Tavitian
The collection of Aso O. Tavitian represents a rare convergence of history, artistry, and philanthropy. Spanning four auctions, the assemblage features paintings, sculptures, and English furniture that celebrate the splendour of the Gilded Age. Highlights include early Netherlandish portraits, such as Margaret of Austria, and works by George Romney and William Bouguereau.
Among the sculptural treasures is a 16th-century Lombard bust of Penelope, a testament to classical influences and masterful craftsmanship.
Tavitian’s collection also includes exceptional 18th-century English 1, with carved mahogany masterpieces that reflect the pinnacle of cabinetmaking. The auctions provide an intimate view of Tavitian’s meticulously curated homes, revealing his dedication to preserving the legacy of fine craftsmanship.
The Hans and Marion König Collection
Among the highlights of Old Master Paintings Part I is a selection from the Hans and Marion König Collection. Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s “The Nest Robber,” estimated at $1.2 to $1.8 million, exemplifies the artist’s reinterpretation of his father’s themes, blending everyday life with Flemish proverbs.
This captivating work is joined by Cornelis de Vos’ “Portrait of a Young Girl at a Virginal,” estimated at $600,000 to $800,000. De Vos’ attention to detail and opulent use of colour highlight the sitter’s status and fashion, creating a striking visual narrative.
A Masterpiece of Sound: The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius
Crafted during Antonio Stradivari’s “Golden Period,” the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin is a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and acoustic brilliance.
Estimated at $12 to $18 million, this extraordinary instrument is being offered by the New England Conservatory, with all proceeds dedicated to scholarships for aspiring musicians. The violin’s timeless beauty and historical significance make it a treasure not only for collectors but also for the future of classical music.
Renaissance Portraiture and Its Timeless Allure
Bernardino de’ Conti’s “Portrait of an Elegantly-Attired Noblewoman in Profile”
Estimated at $2 to $3 million, this exquisite portrait by Bernardino de’ Conti embodies the sophistication of the Lombard court. Originally attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, the painting reflects the influence of the great master while showcasing de’ Conti’s unique artistic vision. The noblewoman’s serene expression and refined attire create an enduring image of Renaissance elegance.
Jacopo Tintoretto’s “Portrait of a Young Man Wearing a Fur-Lined Cloak”
This striking portrait, estimated at $800,000 to $1.2 million, demonstrates Tintoretto’s mastery of characterisation and technique. The sitter’s intense gaze and dynamic pose convey a sense of immediacy, hallmark qualities of Tintoretto’s early portraits. The use of Titian-inspired compositional elements underscores the young artist’s ambition and skill.
Nicolas de Largillière’s “Portrait of Jean-Thomas, Comte de Bérulle”
Emerging at auction for the first time in over a century, this commanding portrait by Nicolas de Largillière is estimated at $400,000 to $600,000. The work captures the dignity and authority of Jean-Thomas, Comte de Bérulle, through Largillière’s meticulous attention to detail and bold use of colour.
The painting’s connection to a preparatory study housed at the Château de Versailles further enhances its historical significance.
A Celebration of Artistic Legacy
Sotheby’s Old Masters sales stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and captivate. From Rubens’ Baroque drama to Strindberg’s symbolic seascapes and Stradivari’s musical masterpiece, this year’s offerings celebrate the richness of human creativity across centuries. Collectors and connoisseurs alike will find in these sales an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the past and shape the future of artistic appreciation.
