contemporary history
Washington Irving was an American Romantic writer, historian, and diplomat.
Irving has been called "the first American writer" to be recognized in Europe. In 1815, he traveled to England on family business. A huge success in England and the United States was The Sketch Book, published in several installments during 1819-1820, which contained two of the author's most famous works, Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and which made him a literary star in both England and the United States.
He continued his literary endeavors and worked at the U.S. Embassy of Great Britain. Returning to the United States in 1832, Irving visited some little-known territories near the western fringes of the country, and this journey inspired his works Journey on the Prairie (1835), Astoria (1836), and The Adventures of Captain Bonneville (1837). Late in life he published several historical and biographical works, including the five-volume Life of George Washington (1855-1859).
Thomas Jefferys was an 18th-century British cartographer and geographer, engraver and publisher.
As the best in the business of map-making, Jefferys held the honorary title of "King George III's geographer". He is known for his detailed and large-scale maps of the districts and counties of Great Britain as well as North America, particularly Virginia (1776). He was the leading map supplier of his day, engraving and printing maps for government and other official bodies.
Andy Warhol, born as Andrew Warhola Jr., was an American visual artist, film director, and producer, who played a pivotal role in the development of the Pop Art movement. His art delved into the interplay between artistic expression, advertising, and celebrity culture, especially prevalent in the 1960s. Warhol was renowned for his diverse range of media, which included painting, silkscreening, photography, film, and sculpture.
Warhol's journey began in Pittsburgh, where he was born and raised, initially making a name for himself as a commercial illustrator. His New York studio, "The Factory," became a famous hub for intellectuals, celebrities, and various artistic minds. He was known for creating the notion of "Warhol superstars" and popularized the phrase "15 minutes of fame."
His contribution to the art world is significant, with notable works like "Campbell's Soup Cans" (1962) and "Marilyn Diptych" (1962), as well as his experimental films like "Empire" (1964) and "Chelsea Girls" (1966). These works not only define his career but also underscore the essence of the Pop Art movement.
Warhol's influence extended beyond his artwork. He managed and produced the experimental rock band The Velvet Underground, founded Interview magazine, and wrote several books, including "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol" and "Popism: The Warhol Sixties." Living openly as a gay man before the gay liberation movement, Warhol's personal life was as influential as his professional endeavors.
Tragically, Warhol's life was nearly cut short in 1968 when he was shot by radical feminist Valerie Solanas. He eventually passed away in 1987 due to cardiac arrhythmia following gallbladder surgery. His legacy continues, with The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh standing as the largest U.S. museum dedicated to a single artist.
Warhol's art remains highly collectible and valuable. His works, like the "Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)" and "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn," have fetched staggering amounts at auctions, signifying his enduring impact on the art market.
For art collectors and experts, Andy Warhol's work represents a crucial intersection of pop culture and fine art, offering a unique perspective on consumerism and celebrity. His pieces are not just art; they are historical landmarks that capture a transformative era in both art and society.
To stay updated on new products, sales, and auction events related to Andy Warhol, sign up for our updates. This subscription will keep you informed about all things Warhol without overwhelming you with unnecessary information.
James Rizzi was a renowned American artist, celebrated for his vibrant and playful Pop Art style. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Rizzi's unique approach to art combined childlike whimsy with bold, animated creations. His 3D artworks, characterized by their intricate detail and lively city scenes, set him apart in the art world.
James Rizzi's artistic journey was marked by a series of notable achievements and contributions. He gained recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing his works at prestigious venues like the Brooklyn Museum and creating album covers and animations for the Tom Tom Club. His style evolved into creating 3D constructions, where he meticulously sketched scenes, added vibrant colors, and transformed them into three-dimensional art pieces. This method resulted in captivating prints that exuded a sense of movement and playfulness, drawing viewers into the energetic and diverse atmosphere of New York City.
Throughout his career, James Rizzi undertook various notable projects, including designing for the Montreux Jazz Festival, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics. His works were not only limited to canvases but also extended to designing cars for Volkswagen and contributing to charity projects. The "Happy Rizzi House" in Braunschweig, Germany, stands as a testament to his architectural creativity.
Art enthusiasts and collectors will find James Rizzi's work particularly intriguing due to his unique process and the joyous portrayal of urban life. His art is celebrated globally, and his influence remains significant in the Pop Art movement.
If you are a collector or an expert in art and antiques, and James Rizzi's work intrigues you, sign up for updates. Stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to James Rizzi without any pompous flair. Just the essential information, directly to your inbox.
![B.R. KHRESHCHATISKII. Istoriia Leib-gvardii Kazach’iago Ego Velichestva Polka [History of His Majesty’s Life Guards Cossack Regiment]. St Petersburg: 1913. Folio, plates and illustrations, some colour, original cloth, upper cover with silver badge, printe](/assets/image/picture_908296/555aa/56fe95c59651ec538c3d2215b45a2b851593590400jpg__fix_374_244.jpeg)
![B.R. KHRESHCHATISKII. Istoriia Leib-gvardii Kazach’iago Ego Velichestva Polka [History of His Majesty’s Life Guards Cossack Regiment]. St Petersburg: 1913. Folio, plates and illustrations, some colour, original cloth, upper cover with silver badge, printe](https://veryimportantlot.com/assets/image/picture_908296/555aa/56fe95c59651ec538c3d2215b45a2b851593590400jpg__fix_374_244.jpeg)
Eleazar Albin was a British naturalist and author of illustrated books on birds and insects.
Albin wrote and illustrated a number of books, including A Natural History of English Insects (1720), A Natural History of Birds (1731-38), and A Natural History of Spiders and Other Curious Insects (1736). His work was based on careful observation and artistic talent. Eleazar Albin has been called one of the "great illustrators of entomological books of the 18th century".
Some of the illustrations in these books are by Albin's daughter Elisabeth. Eleazar Albin himself proudly wrote of his drawings that they were all painted from life, with all the accuracy of a sketch, unlike the sketches of other scientists, who did them either from memory or from stories.
