Paul Bril painting discovered in Hampshire collection

The work by Paul Bril (1554–1626), a key figure in landscape painting during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, was found in the private collection of the Charrington family of Winchfield House, near Hook.

The painting was brought in for valuation at Woolley and Wallis auctioneers in Salisbury after it had been miscatalogued by another auction house.

Art specialists Victor Fauvelle and Ed Beer examined the painting and spotted certain features in the work that led them to the discovery.

The painting by famous Flemish landscape artist Paul Bril was discovered following a valuation by Salisbury-based Woolley and Wallis auctioneers. (Image: Woolley and Wallis) Mr Beer said: “The coastal landscape had all the hallmarks of a work by Bril; the luminous skies, rhythmic composition and delicate atmospheric depth.

“The painting stood out straightaway as something special.”

Their findings were further verified through consultation with Dr Luuk Pijl, the leading expert on Paul Bril.

Dr Pijl confirmed its authenticity and highlighted its historical significance as it was previously unknown to Bril scholarship and absent from any existing catalogues or academic publications.

He said: “The present coastal landscape is a fine and significant addition to a small group of oil on canvas harbour landscapes painted on canvas by Bril.

“None of the small group of harbour landscapes were dated, but in the context of Bril’s overall stylistic development, a date of 1610-1615 is feasible for this painting.”

It comes from the private collection of the Charrington family of Winchfield House in Hampshire. (Image: Woolley & Wallis) Specialist Mr Beer highlighted Bril’s pivotal role in the evolution of landscape painting, particularly in Rome around 1600.

He said: “Paul Bril was one of the most important landscape painters working in Rome around 1600.

“Born in Antwerp, he brought Northern precision to Italianate views and his richly atmospheric landscapes had a formative influence on later masters, including Jan Brueghel the Elder, Adam Elsheimer and Claude Lorrain.

“Bril was also a favourite of the Papal court and received commissions from several popes, decorating the Vatican Palace and other major Roman landmarks.

“This rediscovered painting sheds new light on a transitional period in Bril’s career, revealing his growing interest in classical narrative and the poetic potential of landscape.

“The work has never before been exhibited or published and we expect it to attract strong institutional and private interest at auction.”

The painting will be offered in a sale of old masters, British & European paintings at Woolley and Wallis on Wednesday, September 3.