manner of PETER PAUL RUBENS (Flemish 1577-1640) TWO ROMAN EMPEROR PORTRAITS, "Ivlius-Ceser I," AND "Claudius, " 17TH/18TH CENTURY, oil on canvas, comprising two portraits, one of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar (100 BC - 44 BC) in a three-quarter profile, and the other example of Roman Emperor Claudius (10 BC - 54 BC) in profile, each with title banners below oval trompe l'oeil painted frames, 25" x 18 3/4", framed, 31 1/4" x 23 1/4". Note: The popularity of the masculine portraits of Roman Emperors as a series of cabinet paintings within the princely courts of Europe took almost two centuries to mature. The use of ancient Roman emperors as a princely aesthetic ignited with a series of emperors painted originally by Titian in the late 16th century. Though lost to history, Aegidius Sadeler engraved copies after Titian's portraits. Peter Paul Rubens, revived by patronage requests, painted his portrait series around 1625. The present portrait of Claudius (10 BC - 54 BC) is painted with short powered hair curls, a slight moustache and vein protruding neck; the overall fashion is compared with an engraving of the playwright Molière, who played the role of Caesar in Corneille's The Death of Pompey debuting in 1642. The present paintings were likely once part of a larger series, which both captures and resonates the nearly two hundred year decorative influence of the Caesar series. Reference: Libby, Alexandra. “Julius Caesar” (2017). In The Leiden Collection Catalogue, 3rd ed. Edited by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr. and Lara Yeager-Crasselt. New York, 2020–. https://theleidencollection.com/artwork/juliuscaesar/ (accessed January 10, 2022).

Losses, inpainting, repairs, creases consistent with rolling canvas throughout both, unstretched canvas pressed under glass, overall in fair condition. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."