Albert Savereys - River [1930-37]

Albert Savereys - River [1930-37], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

[Oil on canvas, 76 x 100 cm]

Jacob Isaaksz van Ruisdael - Seashore [c.1666-75]

Jacob Isaaksz van Ruisdael - Seashore [c.1666-75], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

In this small canvas we are amazed by the balanced proportions of the vast dome of the sky and the majestic spaces of the sea. We can pick out both far off sails on the horizon and little rowboats and vessels nearer the foreground, from which a boat sets off towards the shore loaded with cargo. Taking advantage of the low tide and the small waves, gentlemen and ladies are walking on the shore, paddling in the water; a few daring fellows are even swimming. The wind puffs at leaden clouds through which we can just see patches of the cold, blue sky.
In the colouring there is a fine play between the transparent green of the water and the white ridges of the waves, the yellow sand dunes and the steel-grey tone of the sinister clouds reflected in the water. Ruisdael (Dutch, c.1628 – 1682) painted with a flowing, liquid stroke, from beneath which the white ground seems to light up the surface, like some magical glittering in the depths.
The figures were delicately painted by Adriaen van de Velde, for in his later years Ruisdael concentrated solely on the depiction of nature.

[Oil on canvas, 52 x 68 cm]

Canaletto - The Doge's Palace and the Riva degli Schiavoni [late 1730s]

Canaletto - The Doge's Palace and the Riva degli Schiavoni [late 1730s], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

The buildings are (from left to right): the column of St Mark; the Doge's Palace; the Ponte della Paglia; the prisons; the uncompleted church of the Pietà (St. Maria della Visitazione) can be seen along the Riva degli Schiavoni. The architecture in this area is a generalised version of that which can actually be seen there. In front of the Ponte della Paglia is a temporary hut and a knife-grinder's stall. Previously thought to be a studio work, recent cleaning makes it clear that the painting is an autograph work (a painting which is thought to have been painted entirely by the specified artist, rather than being, for instance, partly, or wholly, by studio assistants), probably of the late 1730s.

[Oil on canvas, 61.3 x 99.8 cm]

Francesco Guardi - The Punta della Dogana, Venice [1780s]

Francesco Guardi - The Punta della Dogana, Venice [1780s], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

This scene shows the entrance to the Grand Canal with the Dogana da Mar, the Customs House of Venice, built by Benoni about 1677. On top of the gateway is a golden ball, with a weather vane representing Fortune. 

[Oil on canvas, 18.7 x 23.8 cm]

Unknown Artist - The Grand Canal Facing Santa Croce [after 1738]

Unknown Artist - The Grand Canal Facing Santa Croce [after 1738], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

To the right of the Grand Canal is the church of Santa Croce. Further in the distance are the dome of Saint Simeone Piccolo and, beyond, the campanile of Saint Geremia. The composition for this work may be derived from part of an engraving by Visentini. 

[Oil on canvas, 38.8 x 46.3 cm]

David Teniers the Younger - An Old Peasant Caresses a Kitchen Maid in a Stable [c.1650]

David Teniers the Younger - An Old Peasant Caresses a Kitchen Maid in a Stable [c.1650], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

The reverse of the panel is branded with the coat of arms of the city of Antwerp. Bawdy scenes like this were popular with the more affluent collectors, who were proud of their good manners. In the background an old woman beckons to a cat which is walking in front of a butter churn. This work was probably painted in Antwerp in about 1650, just before Teniers moved to Brussels. It can be compared with the earlier posting 'An Old Woman Peeling Pears' by an unknown artist.

[Oil on oak, 43.2 x 64.9 cm]

Henri Charles Manguin - Walk in Saint Tropez [1905]

Henri Charles Manguin - Walk in Saint Tropez [1905], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

Henri Charles Manguin (Paris, March 23, 1874 – Saint Tropez, September 25, 1949) was a French painter. Manguin was very much influenced by impressionism as is seen in his use of bright pastel hues. He married in 1899 and made numerous portraits of his wife, Jeanne, and their family. In 1902, Manguin had his first exhibition at the Salon des Independants and d'Automne. Many of his paintings were of Mediterranean landscapes; these represented the height of his career as a Fauve artist.

[Oil on canvas, 73 x 91.5 cm]