5 x 36
Heinrich Wilhelm Trübner was a German realist painter of the circle of Wilhelm Leibl.
Alexander Calder was an American artist celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to modern sculpture, including his invention of the mobile. Born into a family of artists on July 22, 1898, in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, and passing away on November 11, 1976, in New York, Calder harnessed his background in mechanical engineering to create kinetic sculptures that moved with air currents, alongside his monumental stationary sculptures known as "stabiles".
Calder's early life was marked by his creation of toys and various objects, showcasing his inherent talent and creativity from a young age. Despite initially pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, Calder's true calling in the arts was undeniable. He moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the Art Students League, laying the groundwork for his iconic artistic style. In 1926, Calder relocated to Paris, which became a pivotal moment in his career, leading to the creation of "Calder's Circus," a whimsical assembly of wire figures that gained him entry into the avant-garde art circles of Europe.
Throughout the 1930s and beyond, Calder's work evolved from figurative painting to abstract sculptures that brought motion into the realm of art, a transition influenced by his visit to Piet Mondrian's studio. His innovative mobiles and stabiles were celebrated for their ingenuity and aesthetic appeal, earning Calder international recognition and numerous accolades. Among his well-known public commissions are the .125 mobile for John F. Kennedy Airport and the monumental red-painted steel stabile, "Flamingo," for the Federal Center Plaza in Chicago.
Calder's legacy extends far beyond his sculptures; his work encompassed painting, printmaking, jewelry design, and even set and costume design for theatre productions. His influence on modern art is profound, inspiring future generations of artists to explore the kinetic possibilities of sculpture.
For art enthusiasts and collectors interested in Alexander Calder's groundbreaking work, staying informed about upcoming sales and auctions is essential. Sign up for updates to never miss an opportunity to own a piece by this influential American sculptor, highlighting his unique contributions to the art world.
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Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as Sassoferrato, was an Italian Baroque painter born in 1609 in Sassoferrato, from which he derived his name. He is celebrated for his deeply devotional images, particularly of the Virgin Mary, rendered with an elegance that echoes the works of Renaissance masters like Raphael and Perugino. Salvi's commitment to these older styles, amidst the 17th-century Roman art scene, marked his work as consciously anachronistic, emphasizing traditional religious themes and the serene beauty of his subjects.
Sassoferrato's training under his father and possibly under Domenichino in Rome, as well as influences from Guido Reni and Francesco Albani, equipped him with a unique blend of styles. He concentrated on creating multiple copies of devotional images, catering to the private market's demand during the Counter-Reformation. Despite a few public commissions, his legacy includes works in major collections such as the National Gallery in London and the British Royal Collection. Sassoferrato's art, particularly noted for its immaculate execution and spiritual aura, was highly regarded until the mid-19th century and has seen a revival in interest since the late 20th century.
One of his most revered works, "The Virgin in Prayer," showcases Sassoferrato's mastery in portraying the Virgin Mary with a life-like presence, using minimal but vibrant colors to highlight her contemplative grace. This piece, along with others, reflects the Catholic Church's 16th-century reforms advocating for personal devotion, a theme Sassoferrato adeptly captures through his intimate and contemplative religious scenes.
Despite the breadth of his work, Sassoferrato remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, with his art often overshadowing the details of his life and career. Yet, his paintings continue to be a source of admiration for their serene beauty and spiritual depth, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
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Kaspar Heinrich Merz was a Swiss draftsman and copper and steel engraver. From 1821, with the help of "a few patrons", he was "apprenticed" to the copper engraver Johann Jakob Lips in Zurich for four years. He also worked as an engraver for the magazine Historical Entertainment. Merz had also acquired a reputation for his color engravings, some of which he created over years of individual work.
