AMSTERDAM - A large and interesting private collection from Hanover to be offered at Sotheby’s Amsterdam on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March offers a wealth of old master and 19th century paintings, jewellery, silver, coins, art deco, furniture and works of art.

Imagine a nice, but rather inconspicuous 19th century apartment of relatively modest dimensions, closely sealed from the outside world, discouraging casual intruding glances. The double front door, with extra interior curtains, reveals a veritable fairy tale treasure cove. All rooms, including kitchen and the cellar, are filled to the brim with art, antiques and “preciosi”. The walls are literally “upholstered” with paintings, drawings, prints, mirrors, tapestries and plates. Paintings are piled up in rows against walls, doors and furniture; showcases and shelves are overflowing with porcelain groups, objects and glass; the floor space, corners, table tops and commodes are covered with silver tankards, goblets and works of art; cupboards and commodes are packed with miniatures, precious boxes, objects and jewellery. Humans hardly fit into this picture; they have to tip-toe carefully to avoid tripping over- or bumping into things. Because of its sheer magnitude and variety, the collection is rather difficult to be characterised. The only certain denominator is the focus on quality, artistry, delicacy and fine workmanship. Also the cultural prominence of the immediate Lower Saxony region, centred around Brunswick and Hanover, is visible, with an emphasis on the Renaissance and Baroque period. It is a truly wonderful private collection offering many highlights.

The Old Master Paintings are highlighted by an impressive rendering of Adam naming all animals (Genesis 2:19-21) by Carl Borromдus Andreas Ruthart (1630 - after 1703) (pictured). Painting animals was Ruthart's specialty. He was trained in Danzig, which is now Gdansk, Poland, and spent two years in Antwerp, studying the works of Flemish animal painters such as Frans Snyders. Other artists, such as Wilhelm van Ehrenberg, called on Ruthart to add animals to their architectural or landscape scenes. His reputation was not only based on his understanding of animal anatomy and his skills at painting fur, but also on his ability to integrate animals smoothly into a variety of settings, from mythological or biblical contexts to idyllic scenes. His work is characterized by restrained, cool colours with alternating light and shadow in the foreground. In 1672 he went to Venice and then to Rome, where he entered the Celestine monastery and painted altarpieces for its church. Later Ruthart moved to the monastery at L'Aquila, where he continued to paint until his death. The oil on canvas of 138.5 by 179.5 cm is signed and dated: Carl Ruthart 1686 and estimated €80,000-120,000.

Source: artdaily.com