Old Masters

The Old Master Paintings Department of Gregory’s Auction House is dedicated to works dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, an area that has attracted consistent interest from collectors throughout our auctions. In particular, each painting is examined through an analytical process combining art-historical, technical and market expertise. Consequently, the aim is to define its context correctly, highlight its qualities and provide a sound and consistent valuation.

First of all, every painting entrusted to us undergoes an in-depth study. Indeed, this includes verification of its provenance, bibliographic and archival research, analysis of its condition and, when necessary, the use of diagnostic instruments such as a Wood’s lamp, which is useful for identifying restorations or conservation treatments. Furthermore, the department agrees a reserve price with the owner, defined according to the characteristics of the work and current market dynamics, with the aim of protecting its value during the sale.

Furthermore, alongside the study of the works, the department assists consignors with a structured and attentive service. In particular, it follows every operational phase involved in preparing the lots, from the initial valuation to cataloguing. Moreover, this is complemented by archiving and storage services, designed to ensure the comprehensive management of the entrusted works.

Likewise, the assistance provided by Gregory’s Auction House continues after the sale, through attentive support during the subsequent stages. Indeed, the department provides assistance with shipping quotations and the organisation of transport, entrusted to a network of specialised operators, with shipping available both within Italy and abroad. Furthermore, the service is completed by assistance with export procedures, an essential aspect in supporting buyers and collectors efficiently and continuously even after the auction.

In particular, many of the paintings handled by the department come from private collections or have remained within family settings for long periods. Consequently, bringing these paintings back to the attention of the market represents an important part of our work. Indeed, these are often little-known works or paintings that have never previously appeared at auction, which are studied and presented so as to convey their quality, context and collecting value as effectively as possible.

Furthermore, Gregory’s manages entire inherited collections, in some cases directly within the residences where the works are kept. In this way, it is possible to approach an entire collection with method and sensitivity. At the same time, this approach makes it possible to preserve and communicate the original context of the works, an element that is often decisive in enhancing their value. Finally, the results achieved confirm the effectiveness of this approach, with sell-through rates ranging from 70% to 80%.

Furthermore, over the course of its auctions, the Department has achieved significant results for works dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with particular attention to Italian and European painting. In particular, for the late Renaissance and the early seventeenth century, important auction results have been recorded in portraiture and figure painting, including “Ritratto di gran dama”, attributed to Alessandro Allori, known as Bronzino (€35,960), together with works from central Italy such as “Figura di giovane nelle vesti di Apollo” by a Master of Central Italy (€73,750).

In particular, the seventeenth century represents one of the most significant areas of the department, with results connected to the period of Italian Baroque painting. For example, the works presented include “San Filippo Neri”, attributed to Guercino (€81,840), “L’Annunciazione” by Bernardo Strozzi (€47,500), “La Predica del Battista” by Luca Giordano (€33,480) and “Il ritrovamento della tomba di San Giacomo” by Giacomo Bolognini (€41,250). Furthermore, these are joined by works attributed to Simone Brentana, Jan Harmensz van Bylert and artists from the Emilian and Venetian areas, as well as paintings connected to the circle of Guido Reni and Domenichino, which testify to the spread and success of the Baroque language in Italy and Europe.

Likewise, the eighteenth century is represented by particularly significant results in the field of Venetian painting and view painting. In particular, the works presented include “Veduta del Bacino di San Marco” by Francesco Tironi (€64,480), together with paintings connected to the Venetian tradition of view painting and the school of Canaletto. Furthermore, works by Claude Joseph Vernet stand out internationally, including “Marine con personaggi (€29,760)”, together with paintings depicting landscapes and harbour scenes, which are highly appreciated by European collectors.

Furthermore, the eighteenth century also includes works with religious subjects, such as “Due santi Vescovi” by Giovanni Battista Pittoni (€34,720), and paintings of a mythological and narrative character, such as “Selene e Endimione” by Girolamo Donnini (€31,980). Overall, these works are consistent with the decorative and collecting culture of the period.

In summary, the department’s auction results present a rich and varied panorama, characterised by a significant variety of schools, cultural contexts and collecting backgrounds. Furthermore, the presence of works from important private collections has enabled the auction house to develop over time a network of active clients both nationally and internationally. Consequently, this offers consignors the opportunity to present their paintings to a broad, selected and knowledgeable audience, capable of generating genuine competition at auction and contributing to the achievement of significant sale results.

Evaluation

Would you like to know the value of your artworks and explore their potential sale on the market?

Our experts are available to provide free and confidential valuations, whether for individual works or entire collections.

You will receive qualified advice and be guided through every stage of the sale process, whether at auction or through private negotiation, with a careful and personalised service.

Images and information regarding your artworks can be sent via:

• email or WeTransfer: aste@gregorysaste.it
• WhatsApp: +39 051 2960945

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