ZURICH.- At times the bidding seemed to know no bounds in Koller’s Old Master Paintings auction on 23 March. Numerous works sold for multiples of their pre-sale estimates, providing ample evidence (if any was needed) that the market for good-quality works in this field is still going strong. The top lot was a memento mori painting by 17th-century Flemish artist Carstian Luyckx, charged with fascinating symbolic imagery related to the politics of war. Estimated at CHF 30 000 – 40 000, the bidding soared to CHF 538 000, the second highest price ever realized by a work by Luyckx at auction. This rediscovered painting was a major revelation within the artist’s oeuvre.

Another sleeper was Anthony van Dyck’s portrait of an Italian noblewoman. Its imperfect condition prevented it from selling for much more than $50 000 the last time it was offered in New York in 1999, but this time it elicited extraordinary interest, and a battle between two telephone bidders finally ended at CHF 264 500. Further 17th-century works by Bernardo Strozzi, Meindert Hobbema and Clara Peeters also attained six-figure results amidst spirited bidding.

Several 19th century paintings also sold well beyond expectations, such as a charming work by German artist Eduard Grützner depicting three monks happily examining an erotic engraving, which doubled its estimate at CHF 102 500, and a luminous Isle of Capri architectural scene and landscape by Leo von Klenze which sold for CHF 78 500 against an estimate of CHF 25 000 – 35 000.

Koller’s next Old Master & 19th Century auctions in September of this year will be a part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, which will commence during the Modern & Contemporary auctions this June.