Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) - Laocoön

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Leo Setz
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Estimate  € 2,000 - € 2,200
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Laocoön, a 17th‑century pencil drawing from Belgium.

AI-assisted summary

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

Over Art Dumay Art Dumay in Nuenen is much more than just a gallery. It is a versatile art enterprise that brings together modern and classical art under one roof. From our gallery for contemporary painting and our art dealership with classical works, we are engaged in evaluating, purchasing, and selling art. We do this both directly and through carefully organized art auctions for modern and classical art. Our selection is broad and varied — from modern Dutch artists to renowned masters from the past. With more than 25 years of experience, we successfully guide purchase and sale processes for individuals, companies, governments, and institutions. Art Dumay has an extensive regional, national, and international network of buyers and collectors. In addition to our sales activities, we also provide professional appraisals, restorations, and repair work in-house. Thanks to our effective auction methodology, we are able to reach a large international audience, while our art collections are safely stored and insured in our 1,000 m² building in Nuenen. At Art Dumay, expertise, a passion for art, and personal attention are at the core — each day again.
Translated by Google Translate

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

Over Art Dumay Art Dumay in Nuenen is much more than just a gallery. It is a versatile art enterprise that brings together modern and classical art under one roof. From our gallery for contemporary painting and our art dealership with classical works, we are engaged in evaluating, purchasing, and selling art. We do this both directly and through carefully organized art auctions for modern and classical art. Our selection is broad and varied — from modern Dutch artists to renowned masters from the past. With more than 25 years of experience, we successfully guide purchase and sale processes for individuals, companies, governments, and institutions. Art Dumay has an extensive regional, national, and international network of buyers and collectors. In addition to our sales activities, we also provide professional appraisals, restorations, and repair work in-house. Thanks to our effective auction methodology, we are able to reach a large international audience, while our art collections are safely stored and insured in our 1,000 m² building in Nuenen. At Art Dumay, expertise, a passion for art, and personal attention are at the core — each day again.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Title of artwork
Laocoön
Technique
Pencil drawing
Signature
Not signed
Country of Origin
Belgium
Condition
Good condition
Height
55 cm
Width
45 cm
Style
Baroque
Period
17th century
Sold by
The NetherlandsVerified
15783
Objects sold
99.32%
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