Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) - Laocoön






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Laocoön, a 17th‑century pencil drawing from Belgium.
Description from the seller
This drawing depicts a representation of the portrait of an old man and is a so-called Laocoön. This iconic motif has been frequently used by artists throughout the centuries within figurative art, especially from the rediscovery of the eponymous sculpture during the Renaissance to deep into the 18th century. Peter Paul Rubens also made several drawings of this theme, some of which are preserved in museum collections.
However, it is noteworthy that the watermark on this drawing differs from the watermarks characteristic of Rubens's work, leading us to assume that the drawing was created by an artist in the immediate vicinity of Peter Paul Rubens. His drawings typically feature the motif of a walker with a stick, whereas this sheet depicts an animal figure with a border, and we have not been able to determine which artist associated with this watermark it belonged to. The work could also be related to an artist from the Rembrandt School. Further investigation would be necessary to confirm this.
The origin of the drawing traces back to the former collection of surgeon Albert Welcker. Several sheets from this collection were at the time housed in the Rijksprentenkabinet in Leiden. Other works, including this drawing, were publicly sold at that time.
During his stay in Italy from 1600 to 1608, Rubens made numerous study sketches inspired by classical sculptures, including the Laocoön Group.
See the link for more information on this subject: https://www.wallraf.museum/en/collections/prints-drawings/masterpieces/peter-paul-rubens-study-for-the-laocooen-group/the-highlight/
Details of the artwork
The drawing originally comes from the family of Prof. Dr. Adam Stebelski, who was an archivist for the Polish noble family Prinz Radziwitt and Princess Terese Lubomirska.
The current owner acquired it through Dr. Raphael Lippens, who served as an intermediary for the Stebelski family; he handed over the work to us for investigation and further mediation.
The drawing has been highlighted with white.
The work is framed with a 19th-century frame. The frame is fitted with museum glass to protect the drawing.
Viewing is, of course, possible. Additionally, we have our own in-house framing workshop, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary. Furthermore, we collaborate with restorers from the professional organization: 'Restauratoren Nederland'. If you wish to make use of this service, we would of course be happy to hear from you.
Work dimensions with frame: 55 x 45 cm
Dimensions of the artwork without a frame: 23 x 20 cm.
Seller's Story
This drawing depicts a representation of the portrait of an old man and is a so-called Laocoön. This iconic motif has been frequently used by artists throughout the centuries within figurative art, especially from the rediscovery of the eponymous sculpture during the Renaissance to deep into the 18th century. Peter Paul Rubens also made several drawings of this theme, some of which are preserved in museum collections.
However, it is noteworthy that the watermark on this drawing differs from the watermarks characteristic of Rubens's work, leading us to assume that the drawing was created by an artist in the immediate vicinity of Peter Paul Rubens. His drawings typically feature the motif of a walker with a stick, whereas this sheet depicts an animal figure with a border, and we have not been able to determine which artist associated with this watermark it belonged to. The work could also be related to an artist from the Rembrandt School. Further investigation would be necessary to confirm this.
The origin of the drawing traces back to the former collection of surgeon Albert Welcker. Several sheets from this collection were at the time housed in the Rijksprentenkabinet in Leiden. Other works, including this drawing, were publicly sold at that time.
During his stay in Italy from 1600 to 1608, Rubens made numerous study sketches inspired by classical sculptures, including the Laocoön Group.
See the link for more information on this subject: https://www.wallraf.museum/en/collections/prints-drawings/masterpieces/peter-paul-rubens-study-for-the-laocooen-group/the-highlight/
Details of the artwork
The drawing originally comes from the family of Prof. Dr. Adam Stebelski, who was an archivist for the Polish noble family Prinz Radziwitt and Princess Terese Lubomirska.
The current owner acquired it through Dr. Raphael Lippens, who served as an intermediary for the Stebelski family; he handed over the work to us for investigation and further mediation.
The drawing has been highlighted with white.
The work is framed with a 19th-century frame. The frame is fitted with museum glass to protect the drawing.
Viewing is, of course, possible. Additionally, we have our own in-house framing workshop, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary. Furthermore, we collaborate with restorers from the professional organization: 'Restauratoren Nederland'. If you wish to make use of this service, we would of course be happy to hear from you.
Work dimensions with frame: 55 x 45 cm
Dimensions of the artwork without a frame: 23 x 20 cm.
