Established in 1945, P.F. Windibank is an auction house based in Surrey specialising in fine arts and antiques. Their forthcoming ‘Antique & General Auction’ is taking place on 4 September and offers close to 900 lots in the categories of Pottery, Porcelain & Glass; Oils, Watercolours and Prints; Silver & Plated Items; Jewellery, Watches & Coins; Miscellaneous, Metalwork & Collectors’ Items; Longcase, Clocks & Other Instruments; and Antique & Reproduction Furniture.
If you’re looking to furnish your home or get on to early Christmas shopping, P.F. Windibank’s auction is filled with bargains and beautiful objects. Here is a selection of our highlights from the sale.
Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723), born in Lübeck, Holy Roman Empire, was the leading portrait painter in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His accomplishments included serving as court painter to English and British monarchs from Charles II to George I. Today, his works are included in top collections, including The Chinese Convert (1687) in the Royal Collection, London. Kneller completed a series of four portraits of Isaac Newton and ten portraits of reigning European monarchs, including King Louis XIV of France.
Here, we have a portrait of a gentleman in three-quarters, with sword and dog at his side. He is wearing an emerald-green costume with white ruffled blouse and has red-pink fabric wrapped around him, exemplifying his riches and high taste. The man is pale and round faced, with rosy cheeks suggesting good health. The work is unsigned but the carved gilt-wood frame is inscribed ‘Sir G Kneller’.
Another three-quarter-length portrait of the late 17th/early 18th centuries is this large oil on canvas by Michael Dahl (1658-1743). The work depicts Mary Bentinck Countess of Essex and is signed and fitted in a gilt frame. The countess wears a beautiful blue dress with golden sleeves and detailing. She stares directly at the viewer, her elbow propped on a red velour, gold-trimmed fabric.
Michael Dahl (1656/59-1743) was a Swedish portrait painter. He lived and worked in England for most of his career and passed away there. He was one of the most internationally known Swedish painters of his time, completing portraits of many aristocrats and some members of royal families, such as Queen Anne of Great Britain, Prince George of Denmark and the exiled Queen Christina of Sweden.
This beautiful carved gilt-wood table has been produced in the c. 18th century, in the manner of William Kent. The console table has a green-speckled marble top, carved frieze of scrolls and flowers, a centre shell motif with pierced and carved acanthus leaves, anchor and scroll decoration, on six scroll S-shaped legs with fish-scale decoration, on square platform feet. A high quality statement piece for any sitting room, it measures 2 m 42 cm in width, 74 cm in depth, and 94 cm in height.
Moving into wearables is this 1853 French royal gold-and-blue enamelled scallop brooch. If you’re looking for a beautiful object to wear on your front, why not acquire a piece that comes with history? The brooch is set in the centre with a natural pearl, surrounded by four small diamonds marked to the back with Reine Des Amelie Français (Queen Maria Amelia, wife of Louis Philippe I), Madame S.C.Hall 1853. It is 5 cm wide and comes with written notes of provenance.
Lastly is this Duke of Wellignton 19th-century chalcedony and gold mourning Maltese cross pendant. Some people keep mementos of their loved ones, why not stretch that to locks of hair? This pendant features a lock of hair at its centre, is inscribed ‘Moor Arthur Goethe’ and comes with a fitted leather case and handwritten note of provenance.
As a reminder, P.F. Windibank’s all-encompassing auction is taking place on 4 September. Be sure to make the most of their e-catalogue while you have the chance.
