Lot 3: * FRANS BOELS DIED 1594

signed in gold F. Boels

AN EXTENSIVE WOODED VALLEY WITH JUDAH AND TAMAR IN THE FOREGROUND

5 1/8 by 7 3/4 in.; 13 by 19.7 cm.

gouache on vellum with gold framing lines

Frans Boels was the stepson and pupil of Hans Bol. Both artists concentrated on miniature gouache paintings and both left Mechelen, their native town, to work in the Netherlands. Frans Boels' gouaches present a high level of refinement and are stylistically very close to those of his master. His works are rare and do not come up for auction frequently. Two other examples of his work, dated 1591 and 1587 respectively, were sold at Sotheby Mak van Waay, Amsterdam on November 18, 1980, lot 95 and on April 25, 1983, lot 39.