Live Auctions

Old Master, British & European Pictures

Tuesday 10 March 2026 10:00

Roseberys’ March Old Master, British and European Pictures auction features over 480 hand-selected paintings, drawings and prints, and represents a particularly strong collection of works by artists across art historical movements, genres, and centuries.

Amongst the most noteworthy lots are two original watercolours for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, produced in 1902/3 by the Detmold twins (Maurice and Edward). From the original set of 16 watercolour illustrations for the 1903 and subsequent publications, only four are known to have survived. These works are therefore highly important rediscoveries to add to that number.

Another standout lot is Philip de László's dazzling three-quarter length portrait of Mrs Philip Astley, née Madeleine Carroll. The actress was best known for starring in Alfred Hitchcock's ‘The 39 Steps’ where she originated the ‘ice cold blonde’ role in his films, and, at the peak of her success in 1938, was the world's highest-paid actress.

Treasures from the 18^th century include a magnificent portrait by British painter and co-founder of London’s Royal Academy Francis Cotes, which hasn’t appeared publicly since it was exhibited in 1971; an exceptional floral still life by the Dutch master Paul Theodor van Brussel; and an extremely fine equine portrait by the English equestrian painter John Boultbee.

The auction also features an impressive offering of earlier works including important oils by Samuel van Hoogstraten, the Studio of Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Pieter de Bloot,  a new discovery in the oeuvre of Girolamo da Treviso, as well as copies of oils by Raphael and Titian of outstanding quality.

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