Lot 108: Gillis van Valckenborch (Antwerp c. 1570-1622 Frankfurt)

A moonlit landscape with classical ruins and the Penitent Magdalen
oil on copper
16 1/8 x 23 3/8 in. (41 x 59.4 cm.)

Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, London, 28 October 1987, lot 26.
with Chaucer Fine Arts, London, 1988.

Gillis van Valckenborch emigrated with his family to Frankfurt in 1586. It was there that he probably met Joos van Winghe. In 1590/95, he travelled to Rome with his brother Frederik, with whom he worked in close collaboration on his return to Frankfurt.

The use of vivid tonalities and the eccentric and fantastical nature of the present lot are characteristic of Gillis van Valckenborch's oeuvre. It has been noted that his work pre-empts the paintings of Rombout van Troyen (1605-1656).

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.