£500 - £1,500
ATTRIBUTED TO THE VAN BLARENBERGHE FAMILY, PROBABLY LOUIS-NICOLAS VAN BLARENBERGHE (1716–1794)
A Hunting Party in a Wooded Landscape
A fine late 18th-century French miniature depicting an animated hunting party moving through a densely wooded landscape, with mounted figures, attendants and hounds beneath a pale atmospheric sky.
Finely executed in gouache/bodycolour on a thin fibrous support, apparently paper or possibly vellum, mounted onto card, approximately 6cm diameter, within a gilt-metal slip and fitted oval leather case.
The lower edge bears a partially abraded signature or inscription, the surviving portion appearing to read “V. B…”, and possibly “V. Bla…”, with the remainder largely lost through surface wear.
Catalogue note:
The miniature was initially catalogued conservatively as a late 18th / early 19th-century Continental work in the French manner. Following further examination outside its mount and additional close photography, considerably more of the inscription has become visible.
The surviving lettering appears compatible with recorded signatures and monograms used by members of the Van Blarenberghe family, while the minute handling of the mounted figures and hounds, densely articulated woodland setting, scale, format and subject matter invite close comparison with the miniature landscapes and hunting scenes of Louis-Nicolas van Blarenberghe (1716–1794) and his son Henri-Joseph van Blarenberghe (1741–1826).
On present evidence, we consider an attribution to the Van Blarenberghe family, probably Louis-Nicolas, worthy of serious consideration; however, the work has not been independently authenticated and the attribution remains subject to further specialist research.
Condition:
Age-related craquelure and surface wear, with rubbing and small paint losses, particularly around the margins and lower edge, affecting portions of the inscription. Some general age-related discolouration and wear. The case with rubbing and wear commensurate with age. Please refer to the additional photographs, including detailed images of the inscription, edge and reverse.
CATALOGUE AMENDMENT – 29 SEPTEMBER 2026:
Following further examination of the miniature out of its mount, additional photography and subsequent research, the attribution and catalogue description have been revised from the original catalogue entry.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
30% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
33.6% inc VAT*
33.6% inc VAT*
*These fees include buyers premiums and internet surcharges. Other fees may apply.
