The “Antique & Modern Paintings” specialty encompasses a vast artistic landscape, from the Renaissance to the end of the 19th century, offering a captivating journey through the centuries, stylistic movements, and painting techniques that have shaped our cultural heritage.

Each work is a visual testament to its era, whether it is a preparatory drawing, an intimate portrait, or a grand historical composition. The drawing, often considered the artist’s first gesture, reveals raw spontaneity and pure emotion. For example, a delicate drawing by Cornelis Bega, executed in black chalk and white chalk on blue paper and depicting a seated woman playing the mandolin, recently attracted a buyer for €9,100.

In the realm of old master paintings, the great classical masters continue to inspire admiration and command high bids. A presumed Portrait of François Gorsse in a Gray Suit, executed in pastel by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, was sold for €57,600, a testament to the artist’s refinement and technical mastery.

Nineteenth-century artists were not to be outdone. Among the memorable lots was a *Portrait of a Young Girl in a Kokoshnik* by the Russian realist painter Firs Zhuravlev, which sold for over €172,000—a striking work of humanity and delicacy.

More recently, two masterpieces by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, *Diane* and *Callisto*, have been the highlights of the auctions. *Diane* reached the remarkable price of €520,000, while *Callisto* found a buyer for €208,000. These two portraits perfectly embody the emotional depth and timeless grace characteristic of Greuze’s style, confirming his indispensable status in the art market.

Each sale is the result of meticulous curatorial work, in which every painting is studied, documented, and showcased with passion and precision. Thanks to a thorough understanding of the market and a team of dedicated experts, Libert & Associés guarantees sellers and buyers a transaction they can trust.