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Maître François was a French illustrator who worked in Paris in the 1460s-1480s.
The identity of Maître François as an artist is first mentioned in a letter written by Robert Gauguin in 1473. Most of the prestigious commissions from the court and leading ecclesiastical figures of the time were carried out in François' studio. In Paris in the second half of the fifteenth century, one can trace the predominant style of illumination by the works of Master Jean Rolin, Maître François, and Master Jacques de Besançon. Bibliophiles close to the royal court encouraged the work of miniaturists through private commissions. In particular, Jacques d'Armagnac owned six manuscripts of Maitre Francois and his entourage.
Boccaccio's De casibus virorum illustrium was very popular in the 15th century, where the author retells the fates and downfalls of famous personalities from the Bible, antiquity and medieval history, ending with Boccaccio's own contemporaries in 14th-century Florence. For a long time this book was even more famous and successful than Boccaccio's Decameron. The text was translated into French in 1409 for Jean, Duke de Berry, by his secretary Laurent Premieffe. And the illustrations for the book were later created in the workshop of the then respected Maître François.
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.
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.
Robert Hennell was an English silversmith and engraver, best known for his work during the Georgian era. He was apprenticed to the silversmith John Scofield before setting up his own workshop in 1763.
Hennell's silver pieces were highly sought after for their quality and craftsmanship. He produced a wide range of objects, from tea services to candlesticks, and his designs were characterized by their elegant simplicity and attention to detail. He also created a number of commemorative objects, including the silver casket presented to Lord Nelson by the City of London in 1800.
In addition to his work as a silversmith, Hennell was also an accomplished engraver, and his work can be found on a number of coins and medals from the Georgian era. He was a member of the Royal Academy and exhibited his work at the Royal Academy exhibitions throughout his career.
Today, Hennell's silver pieces and engravings can be found in the collections of museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His work continues to be admired for its beauty, quality, and historical significance.
Jacopo da Valenza was an Italian Renaissance painter.
He worked between 1485 and 1509 in many churches in the Belluno and Vittoria districts of Veneto, creating altarpieces and altarpieces. Two of his most important works are now preserved in Vittorio Veneto, in their original locations: the Madonna and Child on the Throne in the cathedral of Ceneda, 1484, and the Madonna and Child in the church of San Giovanni Battista di Serravalle, 1502. Some works are in museums in Italy.
