bears of north
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.
John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist and painter, renowned for his groundbreaking illustrations of American birds. Born in 1785 in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), Audubon is remembered for his keen observation skills and innovative artistic techniques.
Audubon's most famous work, "The Birds of America," transformed the field of ornithology by presenting birds in lifelike poses and detailed backgrounds. Published between 1827 and 1838, it contained 435 hand-colored engravings, showcasing over 489 bird species. His unique approach to illustrating birds in their natural habitats was a departure from traditional methods, which often portrayed birds in rigid poses.
Audubon used a wire armature to position freshly-killed specimens, allowing him to depict birds with a sense of movement and vitality. This innovative technique was truly revolutionary and set him apart from his contemporaries. Additionally, Audubon's artistic skill and attention to detail made his illustrations highly sought after, with surviving copies of "The Birds of America" considered valuable collectibles today.
For art collectors and enthusiasts, Audubon's work continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration. His legacy endures through his contributions to ornithology and the art world, with museums and galleries showcasing his work. If you're interested in learning more about John James Audubon and his famous illustrations, consider subscribing to our newsletter for updates on new product sales and auction events related to his work.
Laura Keene, born Mary Frances Moss, was a British and American stage actress and theater manager.
Mary made her London debut in 1851 as Laura Keene, joining the Madame Vestris Theater Company, where she soon became well known in comedies and feuds. In 1852, Keene arrived in New York City, where she performed with the troupe of James W. Wallack, a year later at the Charles Street Theater, and in 1854 in San Francisco. Here she had already begun staging her own productions.
In 1855, Keene returned to New York to play at the Metropolitan Theater, which she renamed the Laura Keene Variety Theater, and built her own theater. Within eight years she was a major theater producer and director at her theater. Laura Keene's productions were an enduring success, attended by distinguished audiences and fans. But once during her performance there was a tragedy that shook the whole country.
April 14, 1865 at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. was a performance of Laura Keene's company "Our American Cousin", where President Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln were present. Actor John Wilkes Booth shot and mortally wounded President Lincoln, then fled the theater. Laura Keene snuck to the presidential box and placed the mortally wounded president's head in her lap. The blood-stained cuff was later donated to the National Museum of American History. Laura Keene welled up Booth and later identified him under questioning.
