This frame, delightfully chaotic and full of movement, is incredibly close to the work of the Flemish artist Gérard van Opstal. Van Opstal, who worked most of his life in Paris, was known for similar, mostly lower-relief, scenes of putti in various charming and humorous pursuits. There are many reliefs of putti similar to the present frame, as well as van Opstal’s engravings, but nothing appears to match exactly. The four groups of putti have been potentially identified as representing the four virtues of Justice, Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence. However, due to their scant attributes, it is hard to be certain.
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AN EBONY-INLAID BOXWOOD FRAMEPOSSIBLY BY OR AFTER GERARD VAN OPSTAL (1594/97-1668), FRANCO-FLEMISH, LATE 17th / EARLY 18TH CENTURY AND THE DRAWING, ITALIAN, 17TH CENTURYEstimate: USD 5,000 - 8,000
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall with some fine scratching and west to the highpoints of the sculptural elements of the frame. Visible separation at the joins and some visible cracking in places. Several extremities and limbs of the putti broken off and reattached, now slightly loose. Some fingers now lacking. Some limbs possibly replaced, such as the upper most puttos raised arm. Various old holes to the reverse from a series of hanging figments. The drawing not examined out of frame. Light staining, scattered foxing, thin stains and some rubbing to the medium evident.
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Lot 33Sale 19740
AN EBONY-INLAID BOXWOOD FRAMEPOSSIBLY BY OR AFTER GERARD VAN OPSTAL (1594/97-1668), FRANCO-FLEMISH, LATE 17th / EARLY 18TH CENTURY AND THE DRAWING, ITALIAN, 17TH CENTURYEstimate: USD 5,000 - 8,000
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