Original oil painting
This is an original oil painting that has been in my family for a very long time (likely over 100 years). I cannot find any signature or indication of who the artist is. The frame has been damaged over the years, and the canvas has a few tears because of being so old.
My father owned it before me and he inherited it from his mother when she died and she inherited from her mother. I do not know if it has ever been exhibited.
Inherited
Yes
Dear Sean,
Thank you for your patience and I excuse for the delay. I updated the estimation again with the hope that you can see it now.
The presented object appears to be a painting made in oil paint on canvas with unknown measurements.
The painting depicts a woman with an elaborated hairdress and jewelry holding the cut-off head of a man. In the background, we see the reddish fabric of a tent or curtain. There are two senes common for this iconography. First this could be Judith who decapitates the Babylonian general Holofernes in a tent. The second possibility would be Salome, the daughter of Herodes, who was responsible for the decapitation of John the Baptist. In this case, the fabric in the background and the simple dress of the woman is a hint that this scene depicts Judith holding the head of Holofernes.
The style of the depiction localizes this artwork in Italy perhaps in the city of Bologna or Rome. The dark background, the costume, and the soft depiction of the skin and the facial features date this piece stylistically in the second third of the 17th century or shortly later. There is a possibility that this piece was made later after a not known original.
This piece is in bad condition and there are serious damages visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 2.500 to 5.000 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Hello Georg!
It has been more than 48 hours since I submitted. Can you please let me know when you will have the appraisal completed.
Thanks
Dear Sean,
I am sorry for the long reply. The research of such an Old Masters artwork is more complicated than a signed painting. This painting appears to be from Italy probably Northern Italy perhaps Bologna or Venice made at the end of the 16th or 17th century.
Can you tell me what does she have in the left hand? Sadly there is a reflection on the images?
With kind regards,
Georg
I cannot tell what is in her left hand. It is very dark in the painting. I have uploaded several more pictures of that area of the painting.
Frame: 30.5” wide x 39” tall
Canvas: 26” x 34”