AN OLD MASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1928, Page 4

AN OLD MASTER

valuable painting IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, Jan. 4. It was learned to-day that a picture which has come into possession of a Wellington resident is believed to be the work of an Old -Master, possibly Rubens. The present owner of the picture has been advised to send it to London for expert examination. One of tho names prominently associated with music in Wellington during the period between some thirty and fifty years ago was that of Mr AY. H. Spiller, who after an absence of some thirty years from this city, died in Hobart (Tasmania) in August, 1926. In the realisation of the estate of the late Mr Spiller, the Tasmanian Public Trustee took over - the effects of deceased. which have .since come into the possession of members of tbc family in New Zealand. Messrs F. and AV. Spillor, of AA'cllington and Mrs Hnggott, of 'Christchurch (formerly Miss Leila Spiller). These effects include, among other things a remarkably fine oil painting, believed to be a very valuable Old Master of tbe Rations school. It is a very strongly conceived and beautifully executed painting of “Christ AVashing the Feet of His Disciples.” St. Peter, silver-haired and massive in head, body a'luLlimbs, is actually the central figure. It is bis feet that are being washed in a large brass vessel, the rim of which cleverly suggests the glint of that metal. The kneeling figure o.f Christ suggests self-abnegation and humility, the face being small and the features delicate, whilst even the halo round the head, only faintly luminous, does not seek to attract especial attention ta the figure. The disciples, ten of whom appear in flic painting, almost life-size, are painted with rare skill and a fine sense of harmony in colour. Bending over St. Peter with faces alive with curiosity are four of the disciples. Another group of three on the opposite side are plainly excited, or rather exalted, hv the action of tho Master, whilst another tVo, one of whom is -plainly the ruddy-headed Judas, are still seated at the table, where all have latelv eaten.

AA'hoever was the painter, it can be said that this notable subject lias been treated with a boldness of design and technical skill that expose the master hand.

.Some forty years ago “Christ AA'ashing the Feet of His Disciples” was exhibited throughout New Zealand as a possible Rubens. Later it was shown in the big Melbourne Exhibition, when the art writer of the “Age” attributed the work to Caspar de Crneycr, a celebrated Flemish artist, who, in his day, was esteemed scarcely second to the great Rubens himself. The canvas measures 7ft. K)in. in. width by .Aft. "in. in length,• and is appropriately framed, certainly a painting that would adorn and diguifv any gallery. OLD VIOLINS. ' The late Air Spiller also loft nine violins some of which are supposed to he very valuable. One is probably an Ainat ior Strad. AVlicn played b.v ZimLalist in AA'cllington. that artist said that it was certainly an instrument of great value and one of the sweetest toned violins he had ever played. Messrs Spiller have been advised to send l>oth painting and violins to London for identification and sale, but so Eli no definite course- of action lias been decided upon by the beneficiaries