$1,599
After Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640) Sketch for Henry IV of France Freeing the Goddess of Might and Power Unsigned, identified on a typed label affixed to the reverse. Oil on canvas, 18 1/8 x 12 7/8 in. (46.2 x 32.8 cm), framed. Condition: Retouch, craquelure, surface grime. N.B. This oil sketch is likely based in some way on Rubens' cycle of painting of the life of Henry IV of France. Between 1627 and 1631 Rubens was engaged on a series of large paintings celebrating the life of Henry IV, intended to complement the famous cycle commissioned by and devoted to Marie de' Medici, Henry's second wife, who served as Regent after his assassination. Tumultuous politics prevented Rubens from completing the commission, and six of the full-scale canvases were still in the artist's studio at his death. With a partial Parisian artist's materials supplier stencil to the reverse.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2012-10-06
