Philip Mould has an eye for authenticity. As one of the world’s leading specialists in Old Master paintings and an authority on British portraiture, Mould is sharing his expertise in an innovative and revealing exhibition opening this June in London.

Located in the heart of fashionable Mayfair, Philip Mould Fine Paintings has assembled an impressive array of recently discovered Old Masters, as well as loans from private collectors and national institutions.

On view from June 15 to July 13, 2011, the exhibition 'Finding Van Dyck' will examine why paintings lose their attribution or identities and in the process become art history’s orphans.

Unearthing long-lost, mis-attributed, or forgotten works of art is what Mould is known for. (This summer's scholarly exhibition may well cement his reputation over the din from a recent revelation that injurious falsehoods about Mould were concocted by a rival dealer.)

Coinciding with Master Paintings Week in London, the exhibition aims to educate both novices and art connoisseurs about the differences between genuine works by Old Master painters, such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck (Dutch, 1599-1641), and works attributed to ‘the studio of’ an artist and copies of their work.

One highlight will be Van Dyck’s magnificent last self-portrait, painted by the artist shortly before his death, and bought by Philip Mould Ltd in 2009 for £8.4-million. 

Paintings by some of Van Dyck’s immediate followers such as the court portraitist Sir Peter Lely (Dutch, 1618-1680) and the miniaturist Samuel Cooper (English, 1609-1672) will also be on display.

A recently-attributed work by Titian (Italian, 1488/90-1576), "Portrait of an Admiral," which had once been questioned as by the artist’s hand due to a dubious restoration and over-paint, will demonstrate the research involved with art identification. Mould knew that Van Dyck saw this painting in around 1623 when he recorded it in his Italian notebook. With Van Dyck’s attribution in mind, Mould confidently purchased the painting, which, after conservation and the removal of later over-paint, is now recognized as an important late portrait by Titian.

Mould says, “We occupy a world which is full of risk both financially and academically. With this event we hope to convey to art lovers the excitement and challenges asscociated with uncovering lost treasures.” 

There will be a free lunchtime talk on Friday, July 8, at the gallery.

"Finding Van Dyck"

15 June – 13 July 2011

Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturdays 12 noon – 4pm

Philip Mould, 29 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NA

Enquiries: +44 (0)207 499 6818 or email: art@philipmould.com or visit: www.philipmould.com