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Matthäus Merian the Elder was a Swiss engraver and draftsman, renowned for his detailed and intricate works during the Baroque era. Born in Basel in 1593, he made significant contributions to art, particularly through his engravings and illustrations. Merian's artistic journey led him to Frankfurt am Main, where he produced a plethora of engravings depicting various subjects, including battles, hunts, and topographic views of European towns.
One of his notable contributions is his work on "Theatrum Europaeum," a series that chronicled contemporary history. Merian's legacy continued through his family, with his children, particularly Matthäus Merian Jr. and Caspar, taking over his publishing house after his death in 1650. They preserved and extended their father's artistic heritage, continuing to publish significant works like the "Topographia Germaniae."
Matthäus Merian the Elder's artistry was not confined to historical and topographical subjects; he also excelled in creating alchemical illustrations, demonstrating his versatility and depth as an artist. His works, such as those found in the "Musaeum Hermeticum" and "Atalanta Fugiens," display the finesse and detail that characterize his style. Today, Merian's works are preserved in various museums and collections, offering a window into the artistic and cultural milieu of the 17th century.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Merian's works represent a significant chapter in the history of engraving and illustration, reflecting the rich cultural and historical narratives of his time. If you are keen on exploring more about Matthäus Merian the Elder's contributions to art and history, consider signing up for updates on sales and auction events related to his works.
Publius Ovidius Naso, known as Ovidius (Ovid), was an ancient Roman poet who lived during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Most of the information about the life and work of Ovid, scholars have drawn from his own works, as well as from the works of Seneca the Elder and Marcus Fabius Quintilianus. Ovid was from a fairly high class of "horsemen", studied rhetoric at the maestros of oratory of the ancient Roman Empire, and then went traveling, visiting Athens, Asia Minor and Sicily. As a young man, Ovid held minor public offices, was a member of the college of civil affairs, and served in an office that performed spiritual and secular duties at the state level.
However, Ovid was much more attracted to poetry, and he resigned and about 29-25 BC joined the circle of those chosen under the patronage of Marcus Valerius Messala Corvinus. After publishing Amores, a collection of love-erotic lyrics, around 15-16 BC, Ovid became one of Rome's most popular poets. He became famous for his works in the genre of elegy, as well as for his epic poem Metamorphoses (8 AD), which became one of the most important sources in the study of classical mythology.
For reasons unknown to us, in 8 A.D. Ovid was disgraced and exiled for the rest of his life to Tomes on the Black Sea, where he wrote his "Mournful Elegies" and a poem cycle entitled "Letters from Pontus". A contemporary of Virgil and Horace, Ovid was one of the three canonical representatives of Latin literature.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso, a Spanish artist renowned for his revolutionary contributions to the 20th-century art scene, is a figure that resonates profoundly with collectors and art experts. His unique blend of talents in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramic art, infused with his time in France, positioned him as a pivotal character in modern art history.
Picasso's artistic journey was marked by distinct periods, each showcasing his evolving style and genius. His early years were characterized by the Blue Period (1901-1904), followed by the Rose Period (1904-1906), and then the African-influenced Period (1907-1909). Picasso's name is synonymous with Cubism, a movement he co-founded, which significantly altered artistic perspectives and methods. Works like "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and "Guernica" (1937) are emblematic of his cubist legacy, the latter being a poignant anti-war statement that remains influential.
His later years saw a return to more traditional styles, with neoclassical and surrealist influences becoming evident. Works from these phases reflect a deep engagement with mythological themes, as seen in "Faun with Stars" (1955), symbolizing his late-life romance with Jacqueline Roque, his second wife.
Picasso's prolific output and innovative spirit made him a legend in his own time, a status that only grew after his death. His works, housed in major museums and private collections worldwide, continue to captivate and inspire.
As a collector or expert in art and antiques, staying informed about Picasso's works, their auction events, and sales is essential. To stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities related to Pablo Picasso, sign up for our specialized updates. Rest assured, this subscription will focus solely on new product sales and auction events pertaining to Picasso's art, ensuring that you receive only the most relevant and valuable information.
Niklaus Stoecklin was a Swiss painter and graphic artist, representative of the New Objectivity and magic realism.
After the Munich School of Arts and Crafts Niklaus entered the Basel School of Arts and Crafts, worked extensively, actively participated in exhibitions and traveled. In 1917, Stoecklin created his masterpiece Casa Rossa. His favorite genres were still life, portraiture, and landscapes, particularly city views. For many decades, Stoecklin also worked as a poster designer, designing stamps. Some of his posters have become icons of international poster art.
