The Legacy of Galerie Sanct Lucas
Located within the Palais Pallavicini, an 18th-century palace in the historical center of Vienna, Galerie Sanct Lucas operates as a specialized venue for Old Master paintings and antiquities. The gallery occupies a space defined by its architectural history, maintaining a presence in the city since its establishment. The institution has transitioned through generations of management, moving from the initial partnership of Carl Herzig and Fritz Mont to the current leadership of Roman Herzig. Its position in the art market is defined by a focus on expertise and access to private and public collections.
The gallery's history is tied to the movement of art across borders. During the 1930s, the institution functioned as an auction house, and the emigration of its leadership to New York during that decade helped establish connections within the transatlantic art trade. Today, the gallery remains a fixture in the international circuit, appearing at major fairs such as TEFAF in Maastricht and New York, as well as Frieze Masters in London.
The Cataloged Works
The collection held by Sanct Lucas consists of specific works from the 17th century, primarily focusing on still life and landscape traditions. These pieces represent the technical precision of the era, often dealing with themes of mortality and the natural world.
- Landscape with Balaam and his ass, 1624 - Jasper van der Lanen
- Still life with game, 1660 - Jan Fyt
- Still life of smoked herring, bread, berkemeyer, tazza, and stoneware jug, 1646, 1646 - Gerret Willemsz. Heda
- Vanitas Still Life with Overturned Gilded Cup and Chain, 1630 - Pieter Claesz
- Flowers in a glass vase on a table, 1639 - Philips de Marlier
Artistic Focus
The works in the catalog demonstrate a commitment to the Dutch and Flemish traditions. The presence of 17th-century still lifes, such as those by Gerret Willemsz. Heda and Jan Fyt, highlights a focus on the detailed rendering of textures and objects. These paintings often utilize the vanitas motif, using objects like overturned gilded cups to address the transient nature of life. The selection includes landscapes and floral studies, providing a breadth of subject matter within the Old Master period.
