AFTER PETER PAUL RUBENS (Dutch, 1577-1640). DIANA RETURNING FROM THE HUNT, an early 19th century rendition of the original at the Gemaldegalerie, Dresden. Oil on canvas. - 63 in. x 78 in. Estimate $800-1,200
This painting originally hung in the former location of the German Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, DC prior to World War II.
Property of a European gentleman of royal title, collaterally descended from Marie Antoinette.
Not lined, canvas is rippled. Pulling away from the stretcher in numerous areas, especially along top and left and right sides. Uneven heavy yellowed varnish. Taped repaired tears near left center edge, large v-shaped one extending through Diana's head, ear, neck, and across shoulder up into background above. Patched repair on her chest and in head of dark brown dog at right. Few small 3" tears near upper right edge. Stretcher stress evident. UV: Areas of inpainting in background at upper right, in face and hair of figure at right, in aforementioned repairs to Diana and in her gown, on chest of middle male figure, in face of male at extreme left
