kolkata on 9th july 2014 sothebys london evening sale of old master and british paintings will be spearheaded by rare masterworks from some of the worlds most eminent aristocratic and private collections combining fascinating history with exceptional provenance these works represent important moments in the artistic development of many schools and nations from an early 14th century panel by giovanni da rimini from the celebrated collections of the dukes of northumberland to dramatic portraits from the collection of the earls of warwick renaissance and baroque masterpieces from the collection of barbara piasecka johnson and flemish old master paintings from the coppe collection a further highlight of this summers sale is one of george stubbs most celebrated works and an exceptionally rare example of his big cat paintings comprising 63 lots the evening sale is estimated to achieve a total in excess of 39 million this summer sothebys will also stage contemplation of the divine the first ever sellingexhibition of old master paintings and sculpture held in our new bond street galleries from 5th until 16th july 2014 discussing the forthcoming auction alex bell joint international head and cochairman of sothebys old master paintings department said in an email statement this sale is exceptional on many levels having remained in the same collections for centuries most of the works carry the imprimatur of the greatest art patrons of the day such as the dukes of northumberland and the earls of warwick or bear witness to the discerning eye of some of the most important collectors of the 20th century including baron coppe and barbara piasecka johnson these masterworks are coming to light this summer with their powerfully evocative beauty unaltered by the passage of time botticellis genius radiates through the extraordinarily important study for a seated st joseph pieter brueghel the youngers three iconic works from the coppe collection encapsulate the artists unambiguously stark view of the human condition while george stubbs unequalled eye for capturing the animal form is reflected down to the delicate whiskers of his leopards cubs today collectors from all horizons look for rare works of fantastic quality with a powerful aesthetic and both this sale and our first ever selling exhibition of old master paintings and sculpture in london have been curated with this in mind