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HOTEL DES VENTES DE SAINT OMER

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Description
CAULLERY Louis de Caullery c. 1580 – Antwerp 1621 Carnival scene in a Flemish town Oil on panel. Oak. Panel mounting. H. 54; W. 75.5 cm A pupil in Antwerp from 1593 of the landscape and figure painter Joos de Momper (1564 – 1635), Louis de Caullery (or Caulery) was admitted as a Master of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1602. Alongside his religious works – which for a time earned him the title ‘Master of the Crucifixions’ (Pau Museum) and which are characterised by his ‘Adorations of the Shepherds’ and ‘Rest of the Holy Family’ – Louis de Caullery left behind an original body of work as a painter of Carnival scenes (Hamburg Museum, c. 1615), banquets and balls (Rennes Museum), his fanciful views of Venice or Rome (Paris, Musée du Petit Palais), his Allegories of the Seasons, and his Triumphs of Venus or Bacchus. In this Carnival Scene, where gentlemen and elegant ladies mingle with the middle classes, townspeople and people from the East, one notices in the foreground figures clearly inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte. Set back on the right, winding his way round the palace and followed by tambourine players, the figure of Carnival himself, enthroned on his chariot, is probably preparing to face off against the figure of Lent, as in the famous painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the Vienna Museum. Horsemen brandishing a banner, a drummer beating his drum or a horn-blower, and an archer attempting to hit a doll perched high on a façade complete this extraordinary carnival scene, teeming with figures, rendered with a lively and confident brushstroke, drawing constantly on a typically Flemish palette of vivid and luminous tones. (See F.C. Legrand, Flemish Genre Painters of the 17th Century. Louis de Caulery, pp. 76– 84. – Brussels 1963). Expert: Patrice Dubois Expert in Old Master paintings and drawings Member of the French Union of Professional Experts in Works of Art and Collectors’ Items. Would you like to consign an item or a collection for sale? The Saint-Omer Auction House welcomes you by appointment for free and confidential valuations. For any consignments, valuation enquiries or to make an appointment, please contact us on 03 21 93 23 11 or by email at [email protected]
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About the sale Inaugural Sale (in preparation)
Auction location
Auction time 11/07/2026 at 9:00 AM
Lot description modified on 10/04/2026 at 11:46 AM
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