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Josef Baumhauer is a French cabinetmaker (ébéniste) of German origin.
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.
Sandro Botticelli, an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, was renowned for his exquisite works that beautifully merged classical mythology with religious themes. Born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi in Florence around 1445, Botticelli became a pivotal figure in the Florentine art scene under the patronage of the Medici family. His education under Filippo Lippi honed his skills in painting, leading to a unique style that emphasized linear grace and ethereal beauty. Botticelli's art is celebrated for its elegance and for capturing the spirit of the Renaissance, a period marked by a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity and humanistic values.
Botticelli's oeuvre includes iconic mythological paintings like "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," both housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These masterpieces are distinguished by their allegorical complexity and the delicate portrayal of figures that seem to transcend the earthly realm, reflecting Botticelli's interest in blending myth with a narrative style that appeals to the viewer's sense of wonder and contemplation. His religious works, characterized by expressive emotion and devotional intensity, also earned him acclaim, particularly his contributions to the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Despite his success, Botticelli's later years were marked by a shift in style influenced by the somber preachings of Savonarola, leading to a preference for more devotional themes. His reputation waned posthumously until the late 19th century, when a resurgence of interest in his work restored Botticelli to his rightful place as a master of the Renaissance. Today, Botticelli is regarded as an artist whose works encapsulate the innovative spirit of his time, bridging the Gothic tradition with the emerging Renaissance aesthetic. His legacy endures, inspiring art lovers and collectors who are drawn to the ethereal beauty and rich symbolism of his paintings.
For those captivated by the allure of Renaissance art, subscribing for updates on new discoveries, sales, and auction events related to Sandro Botticelli can enrich your appreciation and knowledge of this remarkable artist's contribution to the world of art and culture.
François Auguste René Rodin was a French sculptor, generally considered the founder of modern sculpture. He was schooled traditionally and took a craftsman-like approach to his work. Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, and deeply pocketed surface in clay. He is known for such sculptures as The Thinker, Monument to Balzac, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell.
Many of Rodin's most notable sculptures were criticized, as they clashed with predominant figurative sculpture traditions in which works were decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic. Rodin's most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory. He modeled the human body with naturalism, and his sculptures celebrate individual character and physicality. Although Rodin was sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, he refused to change his style, and his continued output brought increasing favor from the government and the artistic community.
Ker-Xavier Roussel was a French painter, renowned for his distinctive post-impressionist style and his affiliation with the Nabis, an avant-garde artist group. Born in 1867, Roussel's artistic journey began in his teens and continued robustly into the 20th century, leaving a legacy celebrated for its mythological and bucolic themes.
Roussel's art is characterized by its vivid portrayal of mythological scenes and landscapes, often infused with a sense of eroticism and joy. His work frequently depicts Greek myths set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, featuring figures like women, nymphs, centaurs, and fauns. These large, brightly colored paintings, such as "Rural Festival, Summer" and "The Seasons of Life," marked a departure from the smaller formats typical of the Nabis, showcasing his evolution towards a more expansive and expressive style.
A master of pastels, Roussel's work from the 1890s, such as "La Barrière," displayed at the Musée d'Orsay, reflects the Nabi style with its Japanese print influences, absence of perspective, and contrasting values. His later works, created between 1930 and 1944, often depicted violent mythological deaths, revealing a darker aspect of his artistic expression.
Roussel's contributions extended beyond canvas, as he created large paintings for public spaces and private clients, including a significant panel for the Palais des Nations in Geneva and the front curtain of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. His recognition peaked in the 1930s, with a multi-panel scheme for the Palais de Chaillot and winning the Carnegie Prize for art in 1926.
Despite a period of obscurity, Roussel's work regained attention through exhibitions like "Ker-Xavier Roussel, Private Garden, Dreamed Garden" at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny, showcasing his significant contributions to art history.
For art collectors and experts, understanding Roussel's work offers insights into the evolution of post-impressionism and the Nabis' influence on modern art. His unique blend of mythological themes and vibrant landscapes represents an important chapter in art history. For those interested in exploring Roussel's work further or keeping updated on related art sales and auctions, signing up for updates is a valuable opportunity to deepen your engagement with this influential artist's legacy.
Mary Stevenson Cassatt was an influential American painter and printmaker known for her pivotal role in the Impressionist movement. Born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent much of her adult life in France, where she formed a significant professional relationship with Edgar Degas and exhibited with other Impressionists. Despite her family's initial reluctance, Cassatt pursued art from a young age, attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at fifteen and later moving to Paris to continue her education under private tutors, including the renowned Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Cassatt's art mainly focused on women and children, encapsulating intimate moments with a profound sense of dignity and depth. Her works, such as "The Boating Party" and "Mother and Child," showcase her skill in portraying the nuanced interactions of everyday life. Cassatt's technique evolved from the light brushstrokes of early Impressionism to a more structured form, emphasizing solid figures and clear contours.
A prominent figure not just in art but also in art advocacy, Cassatt was instrumental in advising American collectors, including the Havemeyers, which helped enrich public and private American art collections significantly. Despite challenges related to her gender and later, her failing eyesight, Cassatt's contributions to art remain influential, reflecting her unique perspective and unyielding dedication to Impressionism.
For updates on exhibitions and sales related to Mary Stevenson Cassatt's works, consider signing up for our newsletter. This subscription will keep you informed about the latest auction events and product sales directly linked to Cassatt's enduring legacy.
Edgar Degas, a French artist, was a master of painting, sculpture, and drawing, celebrated for his profound influence on the Impressionist movement despite his preference for being called a realist. Degas was born into a well-off family in Paris, France, and demonstrated a keen interest in art from an early age, eventually shaping his path to become one of the most sophisticated draftsmen of his time. His rigorous academic training and close study of classical art initially aimed him towards a career in history painting, but Degas soon pivoted towards contemporary subject matter, thus cementing his role as a classical painter of modern life.
Degas is renowned for his dynamic portrayals of movement, particularly in his depictions of dancers, racehorses, and everyday Parisian life. His works are characterized by their psychological depth and the isolation of his figures, showcasing his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both empathy and critical distance. More than half of his oeuvre focuses on dancers, reflecting not only his fascination with the ballet but also his innovative approach to composition and form. This focus on the human figure, explored in various media including oil, pastel, and sculpture, underscores Degas's commitment to studying the nuances of human movement and expression.
Degas's artistic career is marked by his experimentation with various techniques and materials, as seen in his bronze sculptures and pastel nudes. One of his most famous sculptures, the study of the young ballet student Marie van Goethem, showcases his pioneering use of real objects in sculpture, a practice that prefigured later artistic innovations. Despite the controversies that sometimes surrounded his work, particularly in his depictions of the female nude, Degas's legacy as an artist who bridged the gap between traditional academic art and the modern movements of the early 20th century remains undisputed.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Degas's work offers a fascinating study in the evolution of modern art, highlighting the artist's deep engagement with the cultural and social dynamics of his time. His pieces, whether in the form of paintings, sculptures, or prints, continue to captivate audiences with their complexity, beauty, and innovative spirit.
If you are keen to stay updated on sales and auction events related to Edgar Degas, signing up for updates is a prudent choice. This subscription service ensures that you remain informed about new opportunities to acquire works by this pivotal figure in the art world, without overwhelming you with unnecessary information.
François Auguste René Rodin was a French sculptor, generally considered the founder of modern sculpture. He was schooled traditionally and took a craftsman-like approach to his work. Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, and deeply pocketed surface in clay. He is known for such sculptures as The Thinker, Monument to Balzac, The Kiss, The Burghers of Calais, and The Gates of Hell.
Many of Rodin's most notable sculptures were criticized, as they clashed with predominant figurative sculpture traditions in which works were decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic. Rodin's most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory. He modeled the human body with naturalism, and his sculptures celebrate individual character and physicality. Although Rodin was sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, he refused to change his style, and his continued output brought increasing favor from the government and the artistic community.
Carlos Schwabe (born Émile Martin Charles Schwab) was a Swiss Symbolist painter and printmaker.
Mary Stevenson Cassatt was an influential American painter and printmaker known for her pivotal role in the Impressionist movement. Born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent much of her adult life in France, where she formed a significant professional relationship with Edgar Degas and exhibited with other Impressionists. Despite her family's initial reluctance, Cassatt pursued art from a young age, attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at fifteen and later moving to Paris to continue her education under private tutors, including the renowned Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Cassatt's art mainly focused on women and children, encapsulating intimate moments with a profound sense of dignity and depth. Her works, such as "The Boating Party" and "Mother and Child," showcase her skill in portraying the nuanced interactions of everyday life. Cassatt's technique evolved from the light brushstrokes of early Impressionism to a more structured form, emphasizing solid figures and clear contours.
A prominent figure not just in art but also in art advocacy, Cassatt was instrumental in advising American collectors, including the Havemeyers, which helped enrich public and private American art collections significantly. Despite challenges related to her gender and later, her failing eyesight, Cassatt's contributions to art remain influential, reflecting her unique perspective and unyielding dedication to Impressionism.
For updates on exhibitions and sales related to Mary Stevenson Cassatt's works, consider signing up for our newsletter. This subscription will keep you informed about the latest auction events and product sales directly linked to Cassatt's enduring legacy.
 Пьер Боннар. «Автопортрет», 1889.jpg)
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.