Nicolaes Maes (Dutch, 1634-1693) Lot n° 21

Nicolaes Maes (Dutch, 1634-1693) Portrait of a young gentleman, half-length, in a gold embroidered coat, lace stock and red mantle, his left hand resting on a pedestal; Portrait of a lady, half-length, in a gold-embroidered white dress and blue wrap a pair, both signed 'Maes', oil on canvas 48 x 37cm (2) Provenance: Ann Page Croft, née Page, of Fanhams Hall, Ware, Hertfordshire. She started enlarging the house in the 1890s, and to that end, she purchased the contents of a palace in the Hague which was being demolished. There is no record of whether the portraits were acquired then or on another of her trips to Holland; thence by descent. Nicolas Maes, a Dutch Golden Age painter, is celebrated for his masterful portraits that capture the subtleties of human expression and character. A pupil of Rembrandt, Maes initially gained acclaim for his intimate domestic scenes, capturing everyday life with warmth and subtlety. In the 1660s, he began to devote himself to small-scale, detailed portraiture, marking a significant shift in his artistic focus. His portraits are distinguished by their intimate realism and attention to detail, often portraying middle-class individuals with a dignified, yet approachable air. Maes' work reflects a profound understanding of his sitters' personalities, blending technical prowess with psychological insight. His prolific output during the second half of the 17th century enriched Dutch portrait painting, and his works have continued to be admired since. Condition Report: Overall: 66 x 55cm Craquelure. There are some spots of retouching visible to the background of both works. The portrait of a lady has a light superficial scratch crossing the sitter's nose and also her forehead. Examined under UV light both portraits have patches of restoration to the background. The portrait of a gentlemen has small spot of retouching to the sitter's left eyelid. There is a layer of varnish over both portraits which many obscure further restoration. Please refer to additional condition images.