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Brave Fine Art
Tel01684 304487Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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+44 1684 304487
Portrait Of A Gentleman With A Fly, 17th-Century
A fine early 17th-century portrait of a bearded continental gentleman with a fly on his collar. It’s almost certainly a fragment of a larger work as it’s an unusual landscape composition.
The fly on the gentleman’s collar is an intriguing mystery but we have two possible theories. The first relates to the eminent 14th-century Florentine master, Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337), who is said to have painted a fly on the face of a portrait by his teacher, Cimabue. This mischievous addition was so realistic, that when Cimabue noticed it, he immediately tried to swat the fly away. Since then, throughout the ages, many artists have demonstrated their skill by adding insects to their own portraits. Perhaps this is another example.
Or alternatively, the fly could be a clue as to the sitter’s profession… In the 17th-century, spies were also known as ‘flies’ due to their ability to gain access to private areas in a clandestine manner. This analogy is still preserved today with the phrase ‘a fly on the wall’.
Or perhaps you have your own ideas? Either way, it’s a fascinating portrait by a trained and skilful hand.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 18” x 13” / 46cm x 32.5cm
Year of creation: c. 1628
Condition: Very good. Restored and relined within the last 50 years. Craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable. Brave Fine Art is a boutique art dealership based in the picturesque Malvern Hills, England. Established in 2017, our clients include private collectors and interiors designers throughout the UK, USA and Canada.
We tend to focus on decorative art that captures the imagination - from monumental 17th-century portraits through to characterful vintage landscapes. Every piece in the collection has an interesting story to tell and we work hard to discover the hidden history behind each one.
You may have seen us mentioned in popular magazines such as Vogue, Livingetc and Homes & Gardens. It’s always exciting to spot a piece we recognise in a beautiful home or place of work.
Do feel free to contact us as we’re always happy to share further information. We also offer a finding service if you’re working on a project for a client or need that special piece for your home.
SellerBrave Fine Art
View all stock from
Brave Fine Art
Private dealer
By appointment only
Birmingham
England, UK
Tel : 01684 304487
Non UK callers : +44 1684 304487
The fly on the gentleman’s collar is an intriguing mystery but we have two possible theories. The first relates to the eminent 14th-century Florentine master, Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337), who is said to have painted a fly on the face of a portrait by his teacher, Cimabue. This mischievous addition was so realistic, that when Cimabue noticed it, he immediately tried to swat the fly away. Since then, throughout the ages, many artists have demonstrated their skill by adding insects to their own portraits. Perhaps this is another example.
Or alternatively, the fly could be a clue as to the sitter’s profession… In the 17th-century, spies were also known as ‘flies’ due to their ability to gain access to private areas in a clandestine manner. This analogy is still preserved today with the phrase ‘a fly on the wall’.
Or perhaps you have your own ideas? Either way, it’s a fascinating portrait by a trained and skilful hand.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 18” x 13” / 46cm x 32.5cm
Year of creation: c. 1628
Condition: Very good. Restored and relined within the last 50 years. Craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable. Brave Fine Art is a boutique art dealership based in the picturesque Malvern Hills, England. Established in 2017, our clients include private collectors and interiors designers throughout the UK, USA and Canada.
We tend to focus on decorative art that captures the imagination - from monumental 17th-century portraits through to characterful vintage landscapes. Every piece in the collection has an interesting story to tell and we work hard to discover the hidden history behind each one.
You may have seen us mentioned in popular magazines such as Vogue, Livingetc and Homes & Gardens. It’s always exciting to spot a piece we recognise in a beautiful home or place of work.
Do feel free to contact us as we’re always happy to share further information. We also offer a finding service if you’re working on a project for a client or need that special piece for your home.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 5/SEP/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Oil Paintings
Date c. 1628
Early 17th Century Antiques Material Oil Painting on Canvas
Origin Continental
Item code as951a077
Status Sold
£795.00 
$1046.06 
€944.14 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 5/SEP/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We're able to ship internationally and offer free delivery throughout the UK, USA, EU & Canada.
Terms and conditions
Please be assured that we inspect every painting, drawing or print to check for issues relating to its condition during its time here with us. When we notice a fault or potential problem, we will note this down on the item's condition report, which can be found within each listing. We take various steps to ensure that your artwork will stand the test of time but we're unable to offer any warranties or guarantees as we're just one custodian in a potentially long line of previous owners.
Our inspections include a check for any signs of woodworm, historic or otherwise, as this is not unusual in antique frames or stretchers. If we discover any small holes, we treat the wood with a solution which states that "its deep penetration ensures effective protection for many years and prevents re-infestation". With this in mind, it's very unlikely that any future issues will occur, especially given that the wood may also have been treated by previous owners. However, as mentioned above, we are unable to provide any warranties or guarantees - just be assured that we care.
Also, many of the paintings include hanging equipment, namely wire or string. Sometimes this is already present when we purchase an item so we check to see if it's been attached correctly. However, we can't test the durability of this equipment as many of the paintings are sold quickly. So please do seek any advice if you're unsure how to hang your paintings correctly, especially if they're heavy, and do check on them from time to time.
If you have any questions at all, please just ask.
Our inspections include a check for any signs of woodworm, historic or otherwise, as this is not unusual in antique frames or stretchers. If we discover any small holes, we treat the wood with a solution which states that "its deep penetration ensures effective protection for many years and prevents re-infestation". With this in mind, it's very unlikely that any future issues will occur, especially given that the wood may also have been treated by previous owners. However, as mentioned above, we are unable to provide any warranties or guarantees - just be assured that we care.
Also, many of the paintings include hanging equipment, namely wire or string. Sometimes this is already present when we purchase an item so we check to see if it's been attached correctly. However, we can't test the durability of this equipment as many of the paintings are sold quickly. So please do seek any advice if you're unsure how to hang your paintings correctly, especially if they're heavy, and do check on them from time to time.
If you have any questions at all, please just ask.
View all stock from
Brave Fine Art
Private dealerBy appointment only
Birmingham
England, UK
Tel : 01684 304487
Non UK callers : +44 1684 304487
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Cottage at Whittington oil painting by W Swindell
Small romantic landscape French painting
italian religious painting Passion of Christ
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