The Ann & Gordon Getty Collection: Volume 1 | Important Pictures and Decorative Arts, Evening Sale
Édouard Manet, a French modernist painter born in 1832, was one of the pioneering artists of the 19th century who ventured into painting modern life, marking a significant transition from Realism to Impressionism. His notable works, such as "The Luncheon on the Grass" and "Olympia," both created in the early 1860s, were radical for their time and sparked controversy for their unconventional subject matter and depiction of modern life. These pieces, among others, have been recognized as milestones in the development of modern art.
Manet's background was one of privilege and connection, coming from an upper-class family with strong political ties. Despite expectations for him to pursue a career in law or the navy, Manet was drawn to painting from a young age, influenced by his uncle and the works of Old Masters like Diego Velázquez and Francisco José de Goya during his visits to the Louvre. His early rejection from the naval academy led him to fully commit to an art education under Thomas Couture, where he developed his unique style characterized by loose brush strokes and a focus on contemporary subjects over traditional historical, religious, or mythological themes.
Throughout his career, Manet's work was often met with criticism for its apparent disregard for traditional painting techniques and its bold choice of subject matter. Despite this, his exhibitions, including a self-organized one across from the Exposition Universelle in 1867, gradually gained the recognition and support of fellow artists and critics. His relationships with contemporaries like Émile Zola, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet were crucial in his development and in establishing his legacy as a forerunner to the Impressionist movement, despite never formally joining their exhibitions.
Manet's influence on modern art cannot be overstated. His works are housed in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, which holds "The Luncheon on the Grass," a testament to his enduring impact on the art world. Manet's ability to capture the essence of modern life, combined with his innovative techniques, positioned him as a central figure in the transition towards modern artistic expressions.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Manet's work represents not just the innovation of the 19th century but also the enduring appeal of an artist who dared to challenge the status quo. His paintings are not just artifacts of their time but also serve as a bridge between traditional and modern art, offering insight into the evolution of artistic expression.
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Edgar Degas, a French artist, was a master of painting, sculpture, and drawing, celebrated for his profound influence on the Impressionist movement despite his preference for being called a realist. Degas was born into a well-off family in Paris, France, and demonstrated a keen interest in art from an early age, eventually shaping his path to become one of the most sophisticated draftsmen of his time. His rigorous academic training and close study of classical art initially aimed him towards a career in history painting, but Degas soon pivoted towards contemporary subject matter, thus cementing his role as a classical painter of modern life.
Degas is renowned for his dynamic portrayals of movement, particularly in his depictions of dancers, racehorses, and everyday Parisian life. His works are characterized by their psychological depth and the isolation of his figures, showcasing his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both empathy and critical distance. More than half of his oeuvre focuses on dancers, reflecting not only his fascination with the ballet but also his innovative approach to composition and form. This focus on the human figure, explored in various media including oil, pastel, and sculpture, underscores Degas's commitment to studying the nuances of human movement and expression.
Degas's artistic career is marked by his experimentation with various techniques and materials, as seen in his bronze sculptures and pastel nudes. One of his most famous sculptures, the study of the young ballet student Marie van Goethem, showcases his pioneering use of real objects in sculpture, a practice that prefigured later artistic innovations. Despite the controversies that sometimes surrounded his work, particularly in his depictions of the female nude, Degas's legacy as an artist who bridged the gap between traditional academic art and the modern movements of the early 20th century remains undisputed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Degas's work offers a fascinating study in the evolution of modern art, highlighting the artist's deep engagement with the cultural and social dynamics of his time. His pieces, whether in the form of paintings, sculptures, or prints, continue to captivate audiences with their complexity, beauty, and innovative spirit.
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Mary Stevenson Cassatt was an influential American painter and printmaker known for her pivotal role in the Impressionist movement. Born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent much of her adult life in France, where she formed a significant professional relationship with Edgar Degas and exhibited with other Impressionists. Despite her family's initial reluctance, Cassatt pursued art from a young age, attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at fifteen and later moving to Paris to continue her education under private tutors, including the renowned Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Cassatt's art mainly focused on women and children, encapsulating intimate moments with a profound sense of dignity and depth. Her works, such as "The Boating Party" and "Mother and Child," showcase her skill in portraying the nuanced interactions of everyday life. Cassatt's technique evolved from the light brushstrokes of early Impressionism to a more structured form, emphasizing solid figures and clear contours.
A prominent figure not just in art but also in art advocacy, Cassatt was instrumental in advising American collectors, including the Havemeyers, which helped enrich public and private American art collections significantly. Despite challenges related to her gender and later, her failing eyesight, Cassatt's contributions to art remain influential, reflecting her unique perspective and unyielding dedication to Impressionism.
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Oscar-Claude Monet, a French painter, revolutionized the art world with his Impressionist style, fundamentally altering the path of modern art. Born in Paris on November 14, 1840, Monet's journey into art was a defiance of his father's business aspirations for him, fueled instead by his mother's support. His early education in the arts began at Le Havre secondary school, where he honed his skills through charcoal caricatures and later, under the mentorship of Eugène Boudin, delved into outdoor painting, a technique that would later define his career.
Monet's works, characterized by their vibrant light and brushed color, are renowned for capturing the essence of their subjects. He often painted the same scene multiple times to depict the changing light and seasons, which is vividly displayed in his series of Haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and the famed Water Lilies. These pieces, among others, showcase his unique ability to blend color and light, bringing scenes to life in a way that was never seen before.
His most notable works, including "Impression, Sunrise" and the "Water Lilies" series, are celebrated worldwide and remain an integral part of major museum collections, such as the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Monet's dedication to capturing the natural world around him led him to reject traditional approaches to composition, color, and perspective. This approach not only set a new standard for art but also laid the groundwork for the Impressionist movement, influencing generations of artists to come.
As an art collector or enthusiast, the legacy of Monet offers an unparalleled glimpse into the genesis of modern art. His works are not just paintings; they are historical landmarks that mark the transition of art from traditional to modernist ideologies.
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Canaletto, born Giovanni Antonio Canal, was an illustrious Italian painter celebrated for his masterful cityscapes, particularly of Venice and London. Emerging as a topographical painter after 1719, Canaletto became renowned for his detailed and atmospheric views, known as vedute, which captured the essence of Venice and London with a unique blend of accuracy and artistic embellishment. Despite using a camera obscura to achieve precision in his architectural details, Canaletto often infused his paintings with creative adjustments to enhance their appeal.
His early works, such as "The Stonemason's Yard," are particularly prized for their vivid portrayal of Venice's daily life and architectural beauty. Canaletto's paintings were highly sought after by English aristocrats during their Grand Tours, leading him to spend a significant period in England, where he continued to produce esteemed works capturing the English landscape and urban scenes.
Despite his international success, Canaletto's work was less appreciated in his native Venice during his lifetime, only gaining broader recognition and appreciation in later years. His legacy, however, has had a lasting impact on landscape painting, influencing future generations of artists.
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Bernardo Bellotto was an Italian painter, celebrated for his urban landscapes and detailed vedute, particularly of European cities like Dresden, Vienna, and Warsaw. He was born in Venice in 1722 and exhibited prodigious talent from a young age. Under the tutelage of his uncle, the renowned Canaletto, Bellotto honed his skills in capturing the essence of cityscapes with a unique style characterized by a cooler palette and a distinct use of impasto, especially in depicting skies and horizon lines.
In 1747, Bernardo Bellotto's career took him to Dresden, where he served as Court Painter to Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony. His stay in Dresden was marked by the creation of panoramic views, highlighting his knack for architectural detail and the interplay of light and shadow. Following his tenure in Dresden, Bellotto spent the last 16 years of his life in Warsaw, where his works played a significant role in the city's post-World War II reconstruction.
Bernardo Bellotto's works are lauded for their precision and the manner in which they blend his Venetian roots with influences from Dutch landscape painting. His later works in Warsaw, characterized by their vibrant color palette and historical themes, underscore his evolution as an artist. Today, Bellotto's paintings are celebrated for their historical value and artistic merit, housed in prestigious collections in cities like Dresden and Warsaw.
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Francesco Lazzaro Guardi was an Italian painter, nobleman, and a member of the Venetian School. He is considered to be among the last practitioners, along with his brothers, of the classic Venetian school of painting.
In the early part of his career he collaborated with his older brother Gian Antonio in the production of religious paintings. After Gian Antonio's death in 1760, Francesco concentrated on vedute. The earliest of these show the influence of Canaletto, but he gradually adopted a looser style characterized by spirited brush-strokes and freely imagined architecture.
Jean-Étienne Liotard was a Swiss painter, art connoisseur and dealer. He is best known for his portraits in pastel, and for the works from his stay in Turkey. A Huguenot of French origin and citizen of the Republic of Geneva, he was born and died in Geneva, but spent most of his career in stays in the capitals of Europe, where his portraits were much in demand. He worked in Rome, Istanbul, Paris, Vienna, London and other cities.
Jean-Antoine Watteau was a French painter and draughtsman whose brief career spurred the revival of interest in colour and movement, as seen in the tradition of Correggio and Rubens. He revitalized the waning Baroque style, shifting it to the less severe, more naturalistic, less formally classical, Rococo. Watteau is credited with inventing the genre of fêtes galantes, scenes of bucolic and idyllic charm, suffused with a theatrical air. Some of his best known subjects were drawn from the world of Italian comedy and ballet.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a prominent French Rococo painter, left an indelible mark on the art world with his vivacious and hedonistic approach to painting. Born in Grasse, France, in 1732, Fragonard's journey into the art world was marked by his early apprenticeship under François Boucher, whose influence is evident in the young artist's work. Fragonard's talent and skill were recognized early on when he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1752, which allowed him to study at the French Academy in Rome.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard's work is characterized by a remarkable facility, exuberance, and a penchant for themes of love and voluptuousness that resonated with the opulent and pleasure-seeking milieu of Louis XV's court. His paintings, such as "The Swing" (Wallace Collection), "Blind Man's Bluff," and "The Bolt," are celebrated for their tender beauty, vibrant color, and the virtuosity of his brushwork. These works encapsulate the essence of Rococo art with their playful themes, intricate compositions, and luminous palette.
Despite the initial success and the king's patronage, which saw his piece "Coresus et Callirhoe" being bought and reproduced at the Gobelins factory, Jean-Honoré Fragonard's career took a turn as the French Revolution upended the social order and the artist's private patrons were guillotined or exiled. This period forced Fragonard to leave Paris, seeking refuge in Grasse. He returned to the capital in the early 19th century, where he died in 1806, almost forgotten. It wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Fragonard's work was re-evaluated, cementing his position among the masters of French painting. His influence on the Impressionists, particularly Renoir and his grandniece Berthe Morisot, is undeniable, showcasing his lasting impact on the trajectory of art history.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Jean-Honoré Fragonard's oeuvre represents the pinnacle of Rococo art, offering a glimpse into the opulent and sensuous world of 18th-century France. His paintings are not just artistic achievements but are also historical documents that reflect the cultural and social dynamics of his time.
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Josef Baumhauer is a French cabinetmaker (ébéniste) of German origin.
Philippe Caffiéri was a French sculptor. The son of Jacques Caffieri, he was received as a maître fondeur-ciseleur, joined his father's workshop and sometimes signed his independent works, especially after the death of his father in 1755, P.CAFFIERI.
Odilon Redon was a prominent French artist, renowned for his unique contributions to the Symbolist movement. His artistic journey began with a focus on charcoal and lithography, creating works known as "noirs" that reflected a deep, dream-like quality. Redon's art evolved to incorporate vibrant colors and themes, often inspired by Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Notably, his paintings such as "The Death of Buddha" and "The Buddha," alongside others, displayed his fascination with Eastern philosophies and their integration into his art.
Redon's works are celebrated for their evocative, almost mystical qualities, blending elements of the natural world with fantastical, often surreal imagery. His attention to detail in portraying flowers, plants, and imaginary creatures reflected his interest in natural sciences and botany. This interplay between the real and the imagined is a hallmark of his work, making him a pivotal figure in the Symbolist movement.
His influence is evident in various collections and museums. For instance, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris houses some of his most significant works, including his decorative panels for the Château de Domecy-sur-le-Vault. These panels marked a transition in his style from ornamental to more abstract painting. Additionally, the Getty Museum in California and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art hold significant collections of Redon's works.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, Odilon Redon's work represents a blend of imagination, deep emotional resonance, and a unique interpretation of Symbolist ideas. His ability to capture the unseen and give it form on canvas or paper makes his work a valuable addition to any collection.
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Henri Matisse, a renowned French visual artist, was celebrated for his vibrant use of color and fluid, original draughtsmanship. Born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, Matisse initially pursued a career in law before turning to art. He first began painting in 1889, a change inspired by convalescence art supplies his mother provided. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become a leading figure in modern art.
Matisse's career is notable for its stylistic evolution yet consistent aim to capture the "essential character of things." His early works, characterized by intense colorism, earned him recognition as one of the Fauves, or "wild beasts." The period from 1908 to 1913 was marked by significant developments, with works like "Reclining Odalisque" and "The Red Studio" showcasing his mastery in balance and serenity. In the 1920s, his style evolved to more relaxed forms, with a focus on light, color, and decorative patterns in paintings like his odalisque series.
Matisse's exploration of various mediums, including sculpture and paper collage, reflects his innovative spirit. His later years were dominated by cut paper collages, as health challenges limited his ability to paint. These works, alongside his bold drawings and sculptures, cemented his status as a pioneer in visual art.
For collectors and art experts, Matisse's work remains a testament to creative evolution and expressive use of color and form. His masterpieces can be found in prominent museums and galleries worldwide, continuing to inspire and fascinate art enthusiasts.
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Henri Fantin-Latour was a French painter and lithographer renowned for his exquisite flower paintings and insightful group portraits of Parisian artists and writers. His artistic journey began in Grenoble, where he was born in 1836, but it flourished in Paris, where he moved at a young age to study art. Despite his associations with Impressionists like Édouard Manet and Claude Monet, Fantin-Latour carved his unique path, focusing on still life and portraiture rather than adopting the Impressionist style.
Henri Fantin-Latour's knack for capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in his group portraits, which were not just mere representations but insightful depictions of the artistic and literary circles of his time. His notable works like "A Studio at Les Batignolles" illustrate the camaraderie among artists like Manet, Renoir, and Monet, offering a window into the vibrant Parisian art scene of the 19th century. His still lifes, particularly his flower paintings, are celebrated for their realism and delicate precision, making them a favorite among collectors and art enthusiasts.
In addition to his painting, Henri Fantin-Latour's lithographs, inspired by classical music and imbued with a poetic and symbolic quality, reveal another dimension of his talent, showcasing his ability to transcend the boundaries of realism and delve into the realm of imagination.
For art collectors and experts, Henri Fantin-Latour's works offer a blend of technical mastery and a deep understanding of the interplay between art, music, and literature. His contributions to the art world are remembered and celebrated in museums around the globe, where his works continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
For those interested in exploring more about Henri Fantin-Latour's life and works, visiting exhibitions or keeping abreast of auctions featuring his art can provide valuable insights into his creative genius. To stay updated on related events and opportunities, consider subscribing to updates from art institutions or galleries specializing in 19th-century French art.
Giovanni Boldini was an Italian genre and portrait painter who lived and worked in Paris for most of his career. According to a 1933 article in Time magazine, he was known as the "Master of Swish" because of his flowing style of painting.
Josef Baumhauer is a French cabinetmaker (ébéniste) of German origin.
Jean-François Leleu was a leading French furniture-maker (ébéniste) of the eighteenth century who was trained alongside his rival Jean-Henri Riesener, in the workshop of Jean-François Oeben. After his master's death, he became the workshop's lead and became a master ébéniste in 1764. Leleu had the patronage of wealthy aristocrats, including the Prince de Condé, Louis-Joseph de Bourbon. His furniture was known for its high quality, elegance, and restraint, with inlays of diamonds, roses, or floral bouquets. When working for marchands-merciers, he also used inlays of Sèvres porcelain and lacquer. Leleu's clients included the Prince de Condé and Madame du Barry.
René Dubois was a French cabinetmaker and furniture designer. He followed his father Jacques Dubois, becoming a master ébéniste when he was only eighteen years old. René Dubois continued to work for his father and directed the family workshop with his mother after Jacques's death in 1763. Nine years later Dubois's mother relinquished control of the workshop, selling the existing stock to her son, who agreed to pay her an annuity.
