Écoles du Nord: Dutch & Flemish works on paper from 1550 to 1800

These were the words the Roman author Pliny the Elder (AD 23/24 – AD 79) used to describe the mythical Greek painter Apelles, who practiced his art every day, no matter how busy he was: no day without a line (Natural History, XXXV, 84). Practice makes perfect, as every artist knows. Although originally referring to ‘linea’ as a drawn line, and not a line of text, many a writer later took Pliny’s phrase as their motto, most famously Émile Zola, who had it inscribed on the lintel of the fireplace in his office in his house in Médan. After all, writing, too, is an art that requires regular practice. 

 

In the present catalogue, however, it is Apelles’ lines that take center stage. These lines, drawn in pen and ink, brush and washes, watercolour, chalk or oil, make up compositions ranging from the quickest of scribbles to the most intricate designs. Whether intended as studies, preparatory drawings or independent artworks, every work in the present selection invites us to take a closer look at their author's creative process - providing us with a degree of intimacy with the artist and his (the present selection sadly contains no works by female artists) inner workings that is often lacking in their definitive works.

 

For Écoles du Nord, I have carefully chosen a representative selection of some of the best Dutch and Flemish works from our stock, ranging from ca. 1550 to 1800. It has been a pleasure to discover, collect and research these works; I hope you will derive at least as much pleasure from looking at them. Should you find yourself in Paris during Drawing Week (18 - 25 March 2024), don't miss the chance to see these works in person. If not, please enjoy our online presentation, and do not hesitate to get in touch if anything in particular has caught your eye.