AMSTERDAM.-A large and interesting private collection from Hanover to be offered at Sotheby’s Amsterdam on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March offers a wealth of old master and 19th century paintings, jewellery, silver, coins, art deco, furniture and works of art.

Imagine a nice, but rather inconspicuous 19th century apartment of relatively modest dimensions, closely sealed from the outside world, discouraging casual intruding glances. The double front door, with extra interior curtains, reveals a veritable fairy tale treasure cove. All rooms, including kitchen and the cellar, are filled to the brim with art, antiques and “preciosi”. The walls are literally “upholstered” with paintings, drawings, prints, mirrors, tapestries and plates. Paintings are piled up in rows against walls, doors and furniture; showcases and shelves are overflowing with porcelain groups, objects and glass; the floor space, corners, table tops and commodes are covered with silver tankards, goblets and works of art; cupboards and commodes are packed with miniatures, precious boxes, objects and jewellery. Humans hardly fit into this picture; they have to tip-toe carefully to avoid tripping over- or bumping into things. Because of its sheer magnitude and variety, the collection is rather difficult to be characterised. The only certain denominator is the focus on quality, artistry, delicacy and fine workmanship. Also the cultural prominence of the immediate Lower Saxony region, centred around Brunswick and Hanover, is visible, with an emphasis on the Renaissance and Baroque period. It is a truly wonderful private collection offering many highlights.

The Old Master Paintings are highlighted by an impressive rendering of Adam naming all animals (Genesis 2:19-21) by Carl Borromäus Andreas Ruthart (1630 - after 1703). Painting animals was Ruthart's specialty. He was trained in Danzig, which is now Gdansk, Poland, and spent two years in Antwerp, studying the works of Flemish animal painters such as Frans Snyders. Other artists, such as Wilhelm van Ehrenberg, called on Ruthart to add animals to their architectural or landscape scenes. His reputation was not only based on his understanding of animal anatomy and his skills at painting fur, but also on his ability to integrate animals smoothly into a variety of settings, from mythological or biblical contexts to idyllic scenes. His work is characterized by restrained, cool colours with alternating light and shadow in the foreground. In 1672 he went to Venice and then to Rome, where he entered the Celestine monastery and painted altarpieces for its church. Later Ruthart moved to the monastery at L'Aquila, where he continued to paint until his death. The oil on canvas of 138.5 by 179.5 cm is signed and dated: Carl Ruthart 1686 and estimated €80,000-120,000.

Equally outstanding and important is a fine 17th century Antwerp Baroque ebony 'kunstkabinet', containing fourteen painted panels with scenes from the Old Testament from the circle of Frans Francken II (Gent 1581-1642) (€40,000-60,000). Paintings by other Dutch master paintings also include works by such masters as Jacob Willemsz de Wet (Haarlem circa 1610-after1671, €25,000-35,000); Hendrick de Meijer (1620-1689, €20,000-30,000), Jan Porcellis (1583-1632, €15,000-20,000) and Jan Wijnants (1632-1684, €15,000-20,000).

The 19th century offers attractive paintings such as a fine view of the Piazza San Marco by Friedrich Nerly (€60,000-80,000), a Panorama of Haarlem by P.L.F. Kluyver (€15,000-20,000), a summer and a winter landscape by Marinus Adrianus Koekkoek and an ice scene by Charles Leickert.

Of great artistic as well historic importance is a delicately carved fruitwood portrait of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, signed Maurice Blanc, from the famous workshop Guiseppe Maria Bonzanigo in Turin and dating from the Revolutionary year XII (1803/4). This fine portrait, measuring 29,5cm by 24,5cm is estimated €12,000-18,000.

The extensive jewellery section includes a remarkable and fine brooch set with a large octagonal-cut Burmese ruby surrounded by eight cushion-shaped diamonds with a detachable natural pearl drop connected by two cushion-shaped diamonds (€32,000-35,000). Attractive is an 19th century Italian micro mosaic and gold parure with ‘Grand Tour’ views of the Forum Romanum, in original box, two gem set tiaras and several solitaire diamond rings.

Silver also comprises an extensive collection of German Renaissance and Baroque tankards (Deckelhumpen). A large late 17th century South German Baroque ivory and silver armorial tankard is carved in relief with the story of the Good Samaritan, Bacchic putti and vinery (€ 25.000-40.000). There is an ample choice of boxes, objects of vertu and (portrait) miniatures; a fine example being a large 19th century probably Russian painted portrait miniature of Tsar Nicolas I (5.000-7.000).

The Russian section is highlighted by a fine icon depicting the Nikopeia by the workshop of Carl Fabergé, dated 1908 (€ 20.000-30.000).

Furniture contains various very specific Lower Saxon pieces such as - no less then - seven tables with glass bead tops by the Brunswick artist Johann Michael van Selow who was a specialist is this; prices range from 4.000-6.000 to 12.000-18.000. There is a fine and rare large Brunswick Rococo walnut commode-sideboard on six high legs, profusely inlaid with various woods and ivory floral marquetry, dating from the mid 18th century (€30,000-40,000) and an equally fine Brunswick Baroque walnut two-door cupboard with engraved ivory inlay from circa 1720 (€ 20.000-30.000). Of interest is a large and important 17th century North German, probably Lübeck, Renaissance/early Baroque bronze ten-light chandelier (€ 20.000-30.000).

The collection also offers a large section of European ceramics and glass, such as a large 18th century Ludwigsburg group allegorical for Africa, many (most) 18th century and (most) Meissen porcelain groups, plates, plaques, vases and objects. Asian ceramics include an 18th century Chinese Qianlong armorial dish.

Sale: Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March, daily at 10.30am, 2pm and 7pm
Viewing: 23 to 25 March 2007, daily from 10am to 5pm.