429 - François D'ORBAY (before 1731–after 1752)

François D'ORBAY (before 1731–after 1752) The Brawl Oil on canvas Signed and dated 1731 in the center right Unframed Approx. 69 x 88 cm (Paint loss, flaking, craquelure, marks, heavily oxidized varnish, and stains. Restored and re-stretched. Further loss may occur. Sold as is) Related work: François d’Orbay, The King Drinks, oil on canvas, 72.3 x 90.3 cm, signed and dated lower left “D’Orbay 1749,” Dôle, Musée des Beaux-Arts. François d’Orbay was a genre painter active in the first half of the 18th century. We know of several of his signed and dated paintings, allowing us to establish a body of work spanning the years 1730 to 1750 and primarily focused on genre scenes. He carried on the tradition of inn scenes and village festivals established by Flemish artists of the previous century. Our painting is an interesting addition to the artist’s body of work and is, to date, the oldest known painting by him. --- Cabinet Artéon, Appraisals of Old Master Paintings and Drawings