art from east and west
Andrea Soldi was an Italian portraitist active in Britain.
.jpeg)
Jean Dunand was a Swiss and French painter, sculptor, metal craftsman and interior designer during the Art Deco period. He was particularly known for his lacquered screens and other art objects.
.jfif)
Joseph Fernand Henri Léger was a French artist renowned for his innovative approach to Cubism and his transition towards a figurative, populist style. Born in Argentan, Orne, Lower Normandy, Léger's early career was marked by a stint as an architectural draftsman and a series of educational pursuits that eventually led him to Paris, where he embraced painting seriously. His artistic journey was significantly influenced by the bold abstractions of Cubism, characterized by geometric shapes and a vibrant palette, distinguishing his work from his contemporaries with what came to be known as "Tubism".
Léger's service in World War I profoundly impacted his artistic direction, leading him to adopt a 'mechanical' style that depicted the modern industrial world with sleek, tubular forms. This period saw creations like "Soldier with a Pipe" and "The Card Players," reflecting his war experiences and the mechanical aesthetics of the time. The post-war era encouraged Léger to explore the mechanical style further, evident in works like "The Bargeman" and "Mechanical Elements," highlighting the pace of technological advancement.
Throughout his career, Léger's work evolved, notably in the 1920s, where he aligned with Purist ideas, blending classicism with modernity. This phase is exemplified in "Woman with a Cat," showcasing a classical form with a modern, polished finish. By the 1930s, Léger's art took a more figurative, populist turn, aiming to democratize contemporary art and make it more accessible. His commitment to art education, especially for the common worker, underscored his belief in the social role of art.
For those intrigued by Joseph Fernand Henri Léger's groundbreaking contributions to modern art, his works can be found in prestigious museums worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire art collectors and enthusiasts alike. To stay updated on exhibitions and auction events featuring Léger's work, sign up for updates and embrace the unique opportunity to explore the richness of his artistic endeavors.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, full name Johann Chrysostomus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was an Austrian composer and virtuoso musician. Mozart is one of the greatest composers in music history on par with Beethoven and Haydn.
Wolfgang was born into the family of violinist and composer Leopold Mozart (1719-1787), at the age of five he had already begun composing and gave his first public performance. His older sister Maria Anna (1751-1829) was also a prodigy, and from 1763 Leopold and his children began traveling around Europe with performances.
Mozart had a phenomenal musical ear, memory and was a superb improviser. Unlike any other composer in music history, he was versatile and wrote in all musical genres of his time. During his short life, Mozart composed more than 800 works, many of which are recognized as the pinnacle of the symphonic, concert, chamber, opera and choral repertoire. The general public is familiar with the composer's three operas: The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute.
Society did not immediately appreciate the scale of Mozart's genius. It was only many years later that the vivid image of a prodigy, a refined salon composer who could miraculously think through an entire work in his head, gave way to the image of a serious, meticulous and brilliant creator of music.
Louis Renard was a Dutch painter, printmaker and book publisher born in France.
Renard published map atlases and illustrated works of natural history popular in 18th-century Europe. In Amsterdam he acquired many cartographic plates by Frederick de Wit, which he combined with minor updates and corrections into an Atlas of Navigation and Commerce and published in 1715. He later sold the plates to R. & J. Ottens, who republished it in 1745.
In 1718 -1719 Renard published the first edition of his most famous multi-volume work, Poissons, écrevisses et crabes... que l'on trouve autour des Isles Moluques, et sur les cotes des Terres Australes ("Fish, crayfish and crabs, of varied colors and unusual forms, which are found around the Moluccas Islands and on the coasts of the southern lands."). This book was the world's first encyclopedia of fish illustrated in color. While working on it, Renard copied drawings by other artists, notably the talented Dutch artist Samuel Fallors. The result was 460 hand-colored copperplate prints.
The creatures in Renard's book are so fanciful that they may seem fictional, but only about 10 percent are, including the depiction of a mermaid. Most likely, these fantasies were included for the sake of attracting buyers. The work is now believed to be an important part of eighteenth-century scientific literature.
Reinier & Joshua Ottens was a Dutch printing publishing partnership of two brothers.
The publishing house was founded in 1726 in Amsterdam by brothers Reinier Ottens (1698-1750) and Joshua Ottens (1704-1765). After the death of Reinier I, his son Reinier II continued the business until 1765. Much of the activity of this business consisted of reissuing old plates.
Graham Vivian Sutherland was a prolific English artist. Notable for his paintings of abstract landscapes and for his portraits of public figures, Sutherland also worked in other media, including printmaking, tapestry and glass design.
Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault was a French painter and lithographer, celebrated for his pivotal role in the Romantic movement. Born in Rouen, France, in 1791, and educated among the elite in Paris, Géricault developed a profound connection with art from a young age, influenced by his training under notable figures like Carle Vernet and Pierre-Narcisse Guérin. This foundation set him on a path that diverged significantly from the classical traditions of his time.
Géricault's artistry is best known for its vibrant energy and emotional intensity, characteristics that marked a departure from the Neoclassical style predominant in the early 19th century. His most famous work, "The Raft of the Medusa" (1818–19), is a monumental canvas that dramatizes the tragic aftermath of the French shipwreck, Méduse, capturing the public and critical imagination for its raw portrayal of human despair and resilience. This painting not only criticized the French government but also showcased Géricault's masterful handling of drama, becoming an iconic symbol of Romanticism.
Throughout his career, Géricault remained deeply engaged with contemporary issues and the human condition, exploring themes of mental illness, social injustice, and the raw power of nature versus human vulnerability. His series of portraits depicting patients with mental illnesses, created towards the end of his life, highlighted his empathy and innovative approach to capturing human emotion and psychological depth.
Géricault's fascination with the dynamic forms and emotional potential of horses also led to some of the most stirring equestrian art of his time, reflecting his personal passion for horseback riding and his exceptional understanding of equine anatomy. This interest is evident in works like "A Horse Frightened by Lightning", showcasing his ability to capture motion and emotion in both human and animal forms.
Despite his premature death at the age of 32, Géricault's legacy endures, with his works residing in prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris. His artistic vision and dedication to portraying the realities and turbulences of his era have cemented his status as a pioneer of Romanticism, influencing subsequent generations of artists, including his contemporary and friend, Eugène Delacroix.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Géricault's oeuvre offers a profound insight into the Romantic spirit, embodying the tumult, passion, and innovation of an era on the cusp of modernity. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of art to provoke thought and evoke deep emotional responses.
To stay updated on exhibitions and auction events featuring Géricault's works, sign up for updates. This subscription will keep you informed on new discoveries and sales related to this influential artist, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to engage with the legacy of Jean-Louis André Théodore Géricault.
