A 16th Century Garden Party

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

On October 14 in New York, Christie's is emptying the residence of a connoisseur of archaeology, ancient art and top furnishings. The collector's taste was impeccable, which is always a guarantee of success for such a sale.

Indeed, it is not a problem that the painting which until very recently hung above the fireplace in the lounge is not signed by a great master but only monogrammed OM, an artist who has not been identified.

This large oil on canvas, 171 x 236 cm, is representing a party in the gardens of an Italian-style villa. Scores of dancers are acting there. At the center is a pyramid of ten acrobats on four levels. Gentlefolks are watching the scenes from the balconies and galleries of the villa.

This scene is busy as in Flemish style. The painting is dated 1566. The auction house did not dare saying that the artist is a contemporary of Pieter Brueghel the Elder. The lot is estimated 600 K$.

I invite you to see it by following this link shared by AuctionPublicity.com.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This painting had three handicaps: the monogram was not known, the villa was not localized and the topic was atypical. It had pleased its collector, it no longer pleases the market. Unsold.