Synopses & Reviews
During the years 1627 and 1628, Charles I of England purchased the cream of the Gonzaga art collection, belonging to the dukes of Mantua, in what would become the greatest art deal of the 17th century. Among the treasures sold were ancient statues and stunning paintings by Titian, Raphael, Correggio, and Rubens. This book examines this fascinating and significant art sale from the perspective of the man who orchestrated itandmdash;Daniel Nijs (1572andndash;1647), a Flemish merchant, collector, and dealer living in Venice. Christina M. Anderson brings Nijs to life, asserting that he was more than the avaricious and unscrupulous trader that most modern writers and scholars deem him to be. Andersonandrsquo;s evocative text describes Nijsandrsquo;s unique talent as a dealer, rooted in superior commercial skills, connections to artistic and diplomatic circles, and a deep love of art. The narrative reveals that Nijs was ultimately the pivotal figure involved with the Gonzaga sale, though alsoandmdash;when he later fell into bankruptcy and dishonor due to a deal gone awryandmdash;the most tragic.and#160;
Synopsis
In 1649, following his defeat in the civil war, Charles I was executed, and his personal effects, including his great collection of works of art, were put up for sale. Over the next four years, masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Mantegna, Veronese, and other famous artists were covertly acquired by the Spanish ambassador in London. He shipped them to Madrid, where they were divided between the collections of Philip IV and his principal minister, Luis de Haro. In this book distinguished historians and art historians trace the political and artistic relationship of Britain and Spain in the first half of the seventeenth century, culminating in this "Sale of the Century." The book includes portraits and biographies of the leading figures, contemporary representations of the major historical events, and an account of many of the masterpieces that moved from London to Madrid.
Synopsis
This fascinating study of the 17th centuryandrsquo;s greatest art sale reveals the crucial influence and true character of the man who orchestrated it, collector and dealer Daniel Nijs.
About the Author
Christina M. Anderson is a British Academy postdoctoral fellow in the history faculty at the University of Oxford and the research fellow in the study of collecting at the Ashmolean Museum.
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