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Lasting Values: Old Master paintings flex their art-market muscle at the start of the Dorotheum Auction Week
Willem Kalf
Jan Brueghel d. J.
A painting of true museum quality became the undisputed star of the Dorotheum Vienna's auction of Old Master paintings on 14th October 2008: Willem Kalf's Still life with ginger pot and porcelain bowl was knocked down for 467.300 Euro.
Considered by many to be the most important Dutch painter of still lifes of the 17th century, the so-called "golden age", Kalf is renowned for the opulence of his paintings. This is one of his major works in the genre. Kalf's mastery becomes evident in the expert use of light, reflected off metal and glass objects, and in his charming arrangements of fruit, Oriental carpets, and Chinese porcelain. The bidding contest for this painting was eventually won by a collector from Germany (Cat. No. 44).
Other paintings likewise appreciated far beyond expectations, e.g. a work from the studio of Peter Paul Rubens (Cat. No. 112, € 145.300), one by Jan Brueghel the Younger (Cat. No. 83, € 139.100), by Jacopo del Sellaio (Cat. No. 17, € 133.800), or one by Tintoretto (Cat. No. 93, € 67.400). „Ecce Homo“ from the studio of Guido Reni (Cat. No. 97, € 67.400) was similarly sold for several times the original estimate.
Subtle tempera paintings by Giovanna Garzoni continue to enjoy considerable popularity at the Dorotheum; her autumnal Still life of apples and nuts rose to 67.400 Euro and tripled its expected sales price as it was acquired by a Czech buyer (Cat. No. 13).
Press Office: Mag. Doris Krumpl, Tel. + 43 1/515 60-406, doris.krumpl@dorotheum.at
 | Willem Kalf |
| Jan Brueghel d. J. |
| Giovanna Garzoni |
| Studio of Peter Paul Rubens |
 | Press information |
