Ventes Christie's Paris : charbons ardents et cercles de l'enfer
Christie's Paris is offering a painting by Guido Reni depicting Porcia, the wife of Brutus, who died by swallowing burning charcoal after learning of her husband's suicide. The sale, scheduled for June 11, 2026, also includes a rare work by Johannes van Bronchorst, a largely forgotten Dutch artist whose paintings are often misattributed to his father, Jan Gerritsz. van Bronchorst. The article highlights the historical and artistic significance of these works, with the Reni painting being one of several versions of the composition, as shown in a recent exhibition at the Musée d'Orléans.
This sale matters because it brings attention to lesser-known Old Master works and artists, offering collectors a chance to acquire pieces with rich historical narratives. The inclusion of van Bronchorst's painting underscores the ongoing rediscovery of overlooked artists in the art market, while the Reni piece connects to broader themes of classical heroism and artistic tradition. The auction reflects Christie's strategy of leveraging historical and literary associations to enhance the appeal of its sales in Paris.