17th-Century French School, A Celebration Near The Alps

17th-Century French School, A Celebration Near The AlpsA charming 17th century French school oil painting depicting a celebration within ancient ruins. Could it be a wedding? In the centre of the composition, our eyes are drawn towards a young couple who are conducting a formal dance. Is this the bride and groom? Are the musicians playing for them? If so, perhaps the figures on the left are the family with the patriarch sitting at the head of the table. This fascinating old piece is full of intriguing

It seems that Heath was an industrious fellow as he then turned his hand to photography and worked for many years as a professional photographer - even creating a new technology involving instant processing

An exceptional 17th-century Italian portrait of a bearded philosopher deep in thought

while a splash of royal blue gives depth to the composition

Henrik Jespersen trained at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen and was known for his fine landscapes depicting views from the Alps and Zealand

An impressionistic landscape painting depicting a rustic old farm building with a thatched roof by Danish artist Svend Aage Melchior Hansen (1908-1978)

Artist’s auction highlight: £17

Very worn with holes

Larsen-Saerslov was primarily a landscape artist but his paintings often include figures

Christie’s and Bonhams

The portrait is monogrammed ABR in the top left

He was an accomplished colourist and known primarily for his vibrant still lifes

This beautiful painting captures the subject’s expression with a deft touch and careful attention to detail