Christie’s has announced that it will offer the Sir Peter Paul Rubens masterpiece “Lot and his Daughters” (circa 1613-1614) as the centerpiece of its Class Week sales in London where it will lead the auction house’s Old Master & British Paintings Evening Sale on 7 July.Hidden from public view for over a century, the painting is one of the most important works by the artist to have remained in private hands. It will be exhibited during Christie’s New York Classic Week (8 – 12 April 2016) and in Hong Kong (26 - 30 May 2016), before being offered in London.The painting also boasts a distinguished provenance, once forming part of the collections of wealthy Antwerp merchants; a Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands; Joseph I Holy Roman Emperor; and the Dukes of Marlborough.According to Christie’s, “Lot and his Daughters” is an outstanding example of Ruben’s early maturity. Exploring the themes of vice and virtue, the cautionary story of Lot and his Daughters is one that Rubens returned to throughout his career. “The impact of this painting in the flesh is overwhelming: we look forward to seeing the reactions of those who come to view it when we exhibit it in New York, Hong Kong and London,” said Paul Raison, Deputy Chairman, Old Master Pictures”“After the historic private sale of two Rembrandt Portraits to the French and Dutch states earlier this year, Christie’s is leading the masterpiece market by offering this monumental work by the other stellar artist of the Northern School, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.”
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