alexander iii plate
Paul Storr was an English goldsmith and silversmith working in the Neoclassical and other styles during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His works range from simple tableware to magnificent sculptural pieces made for royalty.
Alexander Wilson was a Scottish-born American naturalist, ornithologist, illustrator, and poet.
Wilson emigrated from Scotland to America in 1794, spent several years teaching in Philadelphia and New Jersey, and then became interested in studying native birds. He traveled extensively in the American wilderness and captured and studied over 300 different birds, including several previously unknown. He made his own drawings and detailed descriptions, supported by reading scientific literature.
The results of his research were published under the title American Ornithology in eight volumes beginning in 1808. The ninth volume was published after his death in August 1813. One of the first subscribers was President Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Wilson was a member of the Society of Artists of the United States and the American Philosophical Society. The Wilson Ornithological Society is named in his honor, and a monument is erected in Abbey Close, Paisley. Several species of birds are named in his honor.
Pierre Bonnard was a distinguished French painter and printmaker, recognized as one of the foremost colorists of modern art. Born on October 3, 1867, in Fontenay-aux-Roses, France, Bonnard initially pursued law studies before embracing his true calling in art. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian, where his journey as an artist began in earnest.
Bonnard's art is characterized by its vibrant use of color and the portrayal of intimate, sunlit domestic interiors and gardens. His works often include scenes populated with friends and family, creating a narrative that is both personal and relatable. His distinctive style was influenced by Japanese prints, evident in his use of bold patterns and flat color planes. This influence earned him the nickname "Le Nabi très japonard" among his peers in the Les Nabis group, an avant-garde artists' group he joined in his twenties.
His early work, such as "Woman in Checkered Dress" (1890), showcases the influence of Japanese prints. Bonnard's talent was evident from the beginning of his career, with Claude Roger-Marx noting in 1893 his ability to capture fleeting poses and expressions. His work evolved over time, moving towards a style that resonated with the Intimists' focus on personal and intimate spaces.
Bonnard's wife, Marthe, was a recurring subject in his paintings, often depicted in everyday scenarios. Their relationship, spanning several decades, was a significant influence on his work. His paintings, such as "Dining Room on the Garden" and "Landscape at Le Cannet," demonstrate his mastery in capturing light and color, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Bonnard's work remains influential and celebrated, with his paintings held in esteemed collections worldwide. His ability to transform everyday scenes into vibrant, color-filled canvases has made him a beloved figure in the world of modern art.
Art collectors and experts in the field will find Bonnard's work a study in the transformative power of color and composition. For those interested in staying updated on sales and auction events related to Pierre Bonnard's works, signing up for updates would provide valuable insights into this remarkable artist's enduring legacy.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a distinguished French Post-Impressionist artist, renowned for his deep insights into Parisian nightlife and the world of entertainment in the 1890s. Born into an aristocratic family in Albi, France, Toulouse-Lautrec faced significant health challenges. He suffered from a rare condition, possibly pycnodysostosis, which stunted the growth of his legs following two fractures during his adolescence, leading to a notably short stature as an adult.
Despite his physical limitations, Toulouse-Lautrec immersed himself in art, becoming a key figure in the Post-Impressionist movement alongside artists like Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. He is particularly celebrated for his vibrant and expressive depictions of the bohemian lifestyle in late 19th-century Paris, often featuring scenes from brothels and nightlife venues. His unique style combined elements of Art Nouveau and lithography, as evidenced in famous works such as "Moulin Rouge: La Goulue" and "At the Moulin Rouge: The Dance".
Toulouse-Lautrec's work offers a window into the Parisian entertainment scene of his time, marked by a vivid use of color and a candid portrayal of his subjects. His ability to capture the essence of Parisian society, from dancers to prostitutes, in an era of great artistic and cultural dynamism, makes his work particularly valuable to art collectors and experts.
For those interested in the art and life of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, staying informed about sales and auction events is essential. Sign up for updates to receive the latest news on pieces by Toulouse-Lautrec available for purchase or auction. This subscription focuses exclusively on new product sales and auction events related to Toulouse-Lautrec, ensuring that enthusiasts and collectors don't miss out on any opportunity to acquire pieces from this iconic artist.
Théophile Alexandre Steinlen was a French painter, graphic artist, etcher, and illustrator of Swiss origin who worked in the Realist and Art Nouveau styles.
Athanasius Kircher was a German scholar, inventor, professor of mathematics and oriental studies, and a friar of the Jesuit order.
Kircher knew Greek and Hebrew, did scientific and humanities research in Germany, and was ordained in Mainz in 1628. During the Thirty Years' War he was forced to flee to Rome, where he remained for most of his life, serving as a kind of intellectual and information center for cultural and scientific information drawn not only from European sources but also from an extensive network of Jesuit missionaries. He was particularly interested in ancient Egypt and attempted to decipher hieroglyphics and other riddles. Kircher also compiled A Description of the Chinese Empire (1667), which was long one of the most influential books that shaped the European view of China.
A renowned polymath, Kircher conducted scholarly research in a variety of disciplines, including geography, astronomy, mathematics, languages, medicine, and music. He wrote some 44 books, and more than 2,000 of his manuscripts and letters have survived. He also assembled one of the first natural history collections.