Arte Fact Fine Art | old master paintings

Welcome to Arte-Fact Fine Art, a dealership specialised in Old Master paintings.

Founded out of a love for Old Master paintings, we aim, through research, archival study, and thoughtful restoration, to uncover hidden and forgotten layers of the past, allowing the beauty and stories of these works to come to light.

With expertise in both the art market and legal aspects of collecting, we help clients navigate acquisitions with confidence, ensuring each piece aligns with their vision, passion, and long-term goals. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey.

To us, art is more than an object of beauty; it is a dialogue between history and the present that continues to inspire and enrich.

Presenting you a Brafa highlight ✨✨

Catharina van Knibbergen
before 1630 - after 1671
Grotto with Mountain Stream
Oil on panel. 23,5 x 20 cm.

Provenance: Montefiore collection, SØR-Ruschke collection

Catharina van Knibbergen was an accomplished yet long-overlooked landscape painter active in The Hague from the early 1630s until after 1671. Likely trained by her father, the painter François van Knibbergen, she pursued a professional artistic career at a time when few women were formally
recognized as painters. Her contemporary reputation is confirmed by a poem from 1634, in which she was praised as a “famous and highly skilled woman painter.”

Catharina was married twice, first to Lucas de Hen, a surgeon who was also active as an art dealer, and
later to the officer Gerard de Witte. In 1648, she became a member of the Hague Guild of Saint Luke, where she was registered under her husband’s name, reflecting the period’s conventions surrounding female artists. She later joined the prestigious Confrerie Pictura, affirming her status within the city’s artistic community.

The present panel, a dramatic and mesmerising landscape depicts the dark interior of a grotto opening onto a rocky gorge, where a mountain stream flows toward the viewer. The strong contrasts of light and shadow, the monumental rocks, and the refined palette create a powerful, almost romantic vision of nature. Light, water, and figure are held in a powerful harmony; a testament to her artistic personality
preserved in time ❤️

On view at stand 132, looking forward to seeing you!

#femaleoldmaster #brafaartfair #arthistory #femaleartists #oldmasters

BRAFA has officially started 🥳 We are looking forward to seeing you and sharing our “Forgotten Stories” with you!

Forgotten Stories unfolds as a journey across Europe: from the splendour of the Dutch Golden Age, through Antwerp’s artistic brilliance (including a special Louis de Caullery and heart-warming Daniel Van den Queborn) and Brussels’ courtly culture (Portrait of Anna-Maria de Camudio), to creative exchanges with Spain and Italy (with our Madonna by Domenico Puligo and a captivating St. Jerome). A special focus highlights female voices as artists, muses and patrons (with amongst others a very rare work by Catharina Van Knibbergen).

We would be delighted to welcome you at BRAFA and to share these stories with you in person.

Stand 132
January 25 – February 1, 2026 Brussels Expo
Thank you for the photo @carlavandeputtelaar

#brafaartfair #Arthistorylovers #oil #portrait #brafa2026

Master I.S. @museumdelakenhal

His full name might remain a mystery, but by uniting the works attributed to “I.S.” the curators reveal something more compelling than a name alone: a vivid sense of the artist himself.

Across the oeuvre emerges a sharply observant, inquisitive mind with a genuine curiosity and love for humanity in its many facets. His empathy shines through; each figure appears in their full individuality, in what felt to me as a celebration and tribute to the beauty of being. Not chasing perfection behind fake and polished masks, but honouring the beauty of the unfiltered. Exactly that uniqueness and individuality, what makes us “us”, deserves to be celebrated just as much today as I.S. believed back then.

Respect to the team who brought this exhibition together based on years of research and dedication, making the artist behind those initials feel unmistakably present. Exhibition runs until 8 March 2026.

#MuseumDeLakenhal #MasterIS #17thcentury #ArtHistory #Leiden #OldMasters #HiddenGems #17thcenturyfashion #ArtHistory #Leiden #Exhibition #OldMasters #HiddenGems
#oldmasterspainting #oldmasters #tableauxanciens #portrait #oudemeesters #kunstgeschiedenis

The Wybrand de Geest exhibition @friesmuseum is a feast for portrait lovers and reveals forgotten stories at the heart of 17th-century Dutch portraiture 🦉

Born in Leeuwarden, De Geest became Friesland’s leading portraitist, painting the elite in all their splendour ✨ He trained with Abraham Bloemaert and travelled through Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Rome, before returning to his native city, where he became a highly respected and admired painter.

An intriguing connection: De Geest’s wife, Hendrickien, was related to Saskia van Uylenburgh, Rembrandt’s wife. In the early thirties, De Geest painted Wytze van Cammingha (portrait dated 1634) and Sophia van Vervou (dated 1632); in 1634, Rembrandt painted Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit 👢As the curator noted, it’s fascinating to imagine the family gatherings where these painters met and to ponder about the sparks of inspiration that must have flown; exchanges leaving a lasting mark on Dutch Golden Age portraiture.

The exhibition runs until March 1st, 2026, highly recommended and there are many hidden gems to visit in the area.

#WybrandDeGeest #Friesland #Rembrandt #DutchGoldenAge #ArtHistory #ForgottenStories #OldMasters #Portraiture #FrisianHeritage #CulturalConnections #tableauxanciens #oldmasters #oldmasterpaintings #oudemeesters #oldmasterportrait #portraitpaintings

Stepping into @plantinmoretus feels always like stepping back in time ✨ The historic rooms with their creaking floors invite to wonder about all the illustrious figures who once walked there.

Today was the opening of the new exhibition Zakenvrouwen/Vrouwenzaken which brings forgotten stories back to life, stories which resurfaced thanks to diligent archival research. These rediscovered voices from the past are a beautiful reminder that art history is very much a human story as well and that many stories are still lingering in dusty archives waiting to be rediscovered.

One of the joys of the exhibition is searching for the small labels scattered through the museum. Each one shares a historical anecdote uncovered in the archives like a playful treasure hunt. For those interested, there’s an engaging program this weekend with lectures and events.

Wonderful to see so many people touched by old masters ❤️
#Zakenvrouwen #MuseumPlantinMoretus #AntwerpMuseums #ArtHistory #CulturalHeritage #ForgottenStories #ArchivesAlive #OldMasters #MuseumVibes #LivingHistory #oldmasters #oldmasterpaintings #tableauxanciens

A kaleidoscope of human characters, that’s how last week’s trip to Amsterdam for the exhibition of @theleidencollection at @hart.museum felt. The people depicted seemed as alive as the presence of the artists themselves ✨

That all these treasures belong to one collection feels almost unbelievable. But it’s beautiful that their guardianship is taken so seriously, and that they are shared with the world instead of hidden away. As the painters would likely have hoped for.

The Vermeer, placed at the very end, was a perfectly fitting conclusion. The large shadow-silhouette of the figure beside it felt like the closing scene of a film; a quiet yet striking reminder of how these paintings, many modest in scale, continue to make profound impressions throughout the centuries.

Paintings are by: Govert Flinck & Rembrandt, Rembrandt ( 2-4), Van Mieris, Rembrandt, Gerard Dou, Jan Lievens, Caspar Netscher, Gerard Ter Borch, Van Mieris, Cornelis De Man, Lievens, Mieris and Vermeer.

#LeidenCollection #AmsterdamArt #DutchMasters #Rembrandt #Vermeer #GovertFlinck #GoldenAgeArt #ArtExhibition #MuseumLovers #ArtCollectors #PaintingOfTheDay #ArtHistory #OldMasters #BaroqueArt #HumanityInArt #oldmasters #oldmasterpaintings #tableauxanciens #oudemeesters

The Old Masters galleries @kunsthallehamburg house treasures from Cranach to Jan Massys, Rubens, Tiepolo and many more.

Some portrait highlights; all three full of life, yet so different in their execution and the emotions they evoke.

Van Dyck, Portrait of a man. Though the sitter’s identity is listed as unknown, the work is anything but anonymous. The psychological immediacy, the way the light touches the face, and that glint in his eyes give the sense of standing in front of someone very real; a living and breathing personality; dignified, self-aware and mysterious. The emotions, thoughts and ambitions that once lived behind his gaze, still live on through the painting.

Abraham Van den Tempel, Portrait of a family. The painter beautifully captures warmth and formality, each figure full of presence and individuality. The young girl is looking the viewer straight into the eyes, almost inviting us to join the family gathering.

A small portrait by Rembrandt stands in quiet contrast: understated but magnetic. Its subtle expression and textured brushwork pull you inward, not with grandeur, but with sheer intensity.

#HamburgerKunsthalle #OldMasters #VanDyck #Rembrandt #CaesarVanEverdingen #VanTempel #Cranach #Goya #BartelBeham #PortraitPainting #FlemishMasters #DutchGoldenAge #ArtHistory #MuseumVisit #EuropeanArt #KunsthalleHamburg #CulturalTravel #SlowArt #Arthistorylovers #HiddenGems #BaroqueArt #RenaissanceArt #oldmasters #oldmasterpaintings #tableauxanciens #oudemeesters

A happy belated birthday to Rembrandt who turned 419 yesterday!
Some Amsterdam memories from earlier this month @museumrembrandthuis 🇳🇱 Although I had quietly hoped to see more of Rembrandt’s own paintings, the experience offered something equally revealing: a glimpse into his inner world.

The house itself, located on Jodenbreestraat, was Rembrandt’s home and workshop for nearly 20 years, during the height of his career. Carefully restored to its 17th-century appearance, it offers an immersive step back in time.

The paintings on display, from works by his teacher Pieter Lastman to his contemporaries and several of his students, beautifully visualised the artistic ripple effect that made a profound and unforgettable impact on art history.

His vast collection of curiosities was equally captivating: Roman busts, seashells, taxidermy, weapons, and exotic objects from across the globe. Rembrandt spent heavily on these and often used them as props or references in his paintings, revealing a mind with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and visual richness.

Pigments and materials are demonstrated as they would have been used in his time, bringing his creative process vividly to life. Even the printmaking room reflects the rhythm of daily work, from engraving plates to preparing inks and plates.

A fascinating visit that made the artist feel very close 👨🏻‍🎨

#AmsterdamMoments #RembrandtHouse #RembrandtVanRijn #DutchGoldenAge #ArtHistory #MuseumVisit #AmsterdamArt #OldMasters #PieterLastman #JanLievens #HistoricArchitecture #CabinetOfCuriosities #CulturalTravel #Arthistorylovers #SlowTravel #HiddenGems #Rembrandthuis #InTheFootstepsofRembrandt #oldmasters #oldmasterpaintings #tableauxanciens #altemeister

The living legacy of friendship’s fruits blossoms vividly in Cassel at the “Brueghel and Van Balen” exhibition @museedeflandre

It begins with masterful works by Jan Brueghel the Elder, among which a rare reunion of four delicate copper paintings from 1601. As one visitor beautifully put it, “They look so alive, as if painted yesterday.”

Next, the exhibition reveals treasures by Hendrick Van Balen, including stunning rediscoveries and a magnificently restored masterpiece from the @m.leuven , unveiled for the first time shining again in all its glory after spending years hidden beneath wax (due to a conservation treatment).

Together, the friends’ collaborative creations illuminate the extraordinary power of friendship, inspiring brilliance that still radiates across centuries. Their shared journey is a celebration of beauty, creativity, and unwavering positivity.

As the visit comes to an end, you can also discover the work of Jan Van Balen, Hendrick’s son, who developed his own unique artistic style, a beautiful example of how artistic legacy continues through generations.

The museum is closed between 12:30 and 2 pm, giving you a great chance to explore the charming streets of Cassel. From the peaceful plateau around the “Moulin de Cassel”, you can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, where the history of this area still feels very present.

The exhibition runs until September 28th and is a perfect summer destination. With so many intricate details in each painting, be sure to set aside enough time to fully appreciate the art, and enjoy the tranquil, picturesque surroundings that make Cassel an ideal road trip destination 😎☀️

#BrueghelAndVanBalen #Cassel #ArtExhibition #JanBrueghel #HendrickVanBalen #ArtLegacy #MuseumVisit #SummerTrip #ArtLovers #ArtRestoration #HistoricArt #TravelDestination #HiddenGems #ArtAndHistory #ArtInspiration #oldmasterpainting #tableauancien #altemeister #PaintingDetails #CulturalHeritage #oudemeesters

The title “Fêtes et célébrations Flamandes” couldn’t be more fitting; the exhibition @pbalille a true feast

Works by the Brueghels, Rubens, Jordaens, Vrancx, Van Bredael, Teniers the Younger, and many others are united into a celebratory display which unfolds across four evocative themes: from scenes of war and triumph, to urban processions and ceremonial celebrations; from lively kermissen, weddings, and village feasts, to a vibrant finale of courtly and royal festivities.

The immersive scenography, with its giant festival heads (just like those seen in the paintings), historical tableware and instruments, creates a genuine feeling of celebration. It’s equally a beautiful reminder that celebration has always been both a spectacle and necessity; a way to nourish and cherish our shared communities and to toast to the joy of living. Something we perhaps sometimes tend to forget in the rush of life 🥂

On view until September 1st. While you’re there, don’t miss the equally remarkable permanent collection.

#FêtesEtCélébrationsFlamandes #KMSKA #FlemishMasters #Brueghel #Rubens #Jordaens #BaroqueSplendor #StillSoRelevant #ArtAndCelebration #Kermis #OldMasters #MuseumVisit #ArtAcrossTime #tableauxanciens #altemeister #oldmasterpaintings

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"Let yourself fall in love with something that simply makes you happy. If there's a place for it in your heart, there's a place for it in your home"

- Art collector Mary Carter

The portrait to the left depicts Lady Mary Bertie, Countess of Carnarvon by Willem Wissing

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- Art collector Mary Carter

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The portrait to the left depicts Lady Mary Bertie, Countess of Carnarvon by Willem Wissing

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