Ferdinand Bol inspired by Rembrandt

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Of these two artists, Rembrandt is the master, undoubtedly. But Ferdinand Bol, who was ten years younger, is nevertheless an important painter, to the extent that some of his paintings were long attributed to Rembrandt.

A characteristic of Bol artwork is the large size of his biblical scenes inspired by the Old Testament. By consulting Artvalue, we see a dynamic Angel appearing to Elijah, 162 x 178 cm, sold £ 1.36 million inclusive by Sotheby's in London on 5 December 2007.

The expert Eric Turquin, well known in the auctions in France, introduces Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well, in a very interesting video in French on Interencheres.tv. The scene shows the young woman drinking the traveler, in the presence of her servant. The two main characters, attentive to one another, have a great psychological presence.

This large oil on canvas, 185 x 170 cm, dating from 1650 - 1660, will be sold by Versailles Enchères on June 14 at Versailles, in the condition where it was found. Mr. Turquin demonstrates how it has suffered from time. It was resized two hundred years ago, the harmony of colors and lights is tarnished by a centenary varnish that has yellowed, and the seam between the two canvas panels became visible.

In these conditions, the estimate of K € 400 seems reasonable.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Here is a very interesting result: € 1.3 million including expenses.

The beauty and authenticity of this painting have prevailed on its condition. This condition may even have been an advantage because the fans of ancient art love the works that are fresh on the market.

Ancient art is often the field of such added value between the estimate and the result, but it is always difficult to predict on which lots it will happen. Interencheres and Eric Turquin convinced me that this would be the case for this one.