Artists Art Nouveau
Jenny Fikentscher (born Nottebohm) was a German painter and graphic artist associated with the Art Nouveau movement. She studied at the School of Women Painters in Karlsruhe and later became part of the Grötzingen artist colony. Fikentscher married animal painter Otto Fikentscher and raised five children in an unconventional artistic household. She was known for her botanical motifs and lithographs, often featuring local plants. Fikentscher also created collectible images for the Stollwerck chocolate company.
Hans Henning Otto Harry Baron von Voigt, best known by his nickname Alastair, was a German artist, composer, dancer, mime, poet, singer and translator. He is best known as an illustrator.
His drawings, which are often decadent in spirit and have the look of Art Nouveau, are influenced somewhat by the drawings of the English artist Aubrey Beardsley.
His drawings were in black and white ink, sometimes with one colour added. Alastair's illustrations show a strong influence from the Decadent movement in art and poetry that had begun decades earlier, with the "perverse and sinister" a recurring theme. Intricate decorative elements and fine detail are apparent in his works.
Yury Pavlovich Annenkov (Russian: Юрий Павлович Анненков) was a prominent Russian artist, renowned for his avant-garde book illustrations and portraits, as well as his work in theater and cinema. Born in 1889 in Petropavlovsk, Russian Empire, and passing away in 1974 in Paris, France, Annenkov's artistic journey was shaped by the tumultuous times he lived in. His work is celebrated for capturing the essence of an era marked by revolution and change, employing a style that is both dynamic and reflective of the Synthetism movement, emphasizing the synthetic essence of his subjects.
Annenkov's early years were spent in St. Petersburg, where he was influenced by prominent figures and movements of the time. He honed his skills in Paris, working in the studios of Maurice Denis and Félix Vallotton, and later, his talents led him to design iconic works for the Bolshevik government, such as the staging of "The Storming of the Winter Palace". His acclaimed book "Portraits," published in 1922, featured 80 pictures of key Russian art figures, showcasing his exceptional talent in capturing personalities through his art.
In 1924, Annenkov left Soviet Russia, eventually settling in Paris, where he continued to flourish as an artist, working on landscapes, female portraits, interiors, and achieving success in the film industry as a costume designer, notably receiving an Academy Award nomination for his work.
Among his notable works are "Dreams of a Provincial (Borovichi)," "Portrait of Elena Borisovna Annenkova," "June. Forest," "Portrait of Miron Abramovich Sherling," "Portrait of A.M. Gorky," and the "Illustration for the poem 'The Twelve' by A.A. Blok," each piece highlighting his ability to blend academic drawing with avant-garde techniques.
For collectors and art and antiques experts, Annenkov's works offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of 20th-century Russian art, marked by its innovation, depth, and historical significance. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
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Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, born Joseph Gabriel Rousseau, was a French sculptor, ceramicist and master glassblower who contributed to the rediscovery of pâte de verre as the primary art of glass in the early twentieth century.
Maurice Paul Jean Asselin was a French painter, watercolourist, printmaker, lithographer, engraver and illustrator, associated with the School of Paris. He is best known for still lifes and nudes. Other recurring themes in his work are motherhood, and the landscapes and seascapes of Brittany. He also worked as a book illustrator, particularly in the 1920s. His personal style was characterised by subdued colours, sensitive brushwork and a strong sense of composition and design.
He was awarded the rank of Officier de la Légion d'honneur in 1939.
Qi Baishi was a Chinese painter, noted for the whimsical, often playful style of his works. Born to a peasant family from Xiangtan, Hunan, Qi taught himself to paint, sparked by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden. After he turned 40, he traveled, visiting various scenic spots in China. After 1917 he settled in Beijing. Some of Qi's major influences include the early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren (八大山人) and the Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei (徐渭).
The subjects of his paintings include almost everything, commonly animals, scenery, figures, toys, vegetables, and so on. He theorized that "paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness, much like today's vulgarians, but not like to cheat popular people". In his later years, many of his works depict mice, shrimp or birds. He was also good at seal carving and called himself "the rich man of three hundred stone seals" (三百石印富翁). In 1953, he was elected president of the China Artists Association (中國美術家協會).
Leon Bakst (Russian: Лев Самойлович Бакст) was a prominent Russian painter and stage designer, celebrated for his innovative contributions to the world of art and theater. Born in the late 19th century, Bakst became a central figure in the cultural renaissance that swept through Russia and Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the visual and performing arts.
Bakst's work is distinguished by its rich use of color, intricate patterns, and imaginative compositions, which brought to life the exotic and often fantastical themes of the ballets and operas for which he designed. His association with the Ballets Russes, a groundbreaking ballet company that performed across Europe and America, solidified his reputation as a visionary artist. The costumes and sets he created for productions like "The Firebird" and "Scheherazade" were celebrated for their creativity and exoticism, influencing not only the world of theater but also fashion and interior design.
His art extends beyond the stage, with paintings and illustrations that capture the same vibrancy and innovation found in his theatrical work. Museums and galleries around the world, including the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, house his works, allowing art lovers to experience the magic of Bakst's creations.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Leon Bakst's work offers a unique glimpse into a transformative period of cultural history, where the boundaries of art and performance were reimagined. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate, making his pieces highly sought after in the art world.
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Fritz Baumgarten was a German illustrator.
He illustrated countless children's books in light pen works, coloured richly and very painterly with watercolours. His style was very modern, loose and impressionistic, but still with strong roots in life-drawing, animals drawing and academic composition.
Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an English artist and illustrator, whose brief yet impactful career left an indelible mark on the art world. Born in Brighton, England, in 1872, Beardsley's work was instrumental in the development of the Art Nouveau movement, and he is often remembered for his bold, innovative illustrations that challenged Victorian sensibilities with their erotic and often grotesque imagery.
Beardsley's artistic journey was characterized by his unique ability to blend influences from Japanese woodcuts with the aesthetic of the English Art Nouveau movement. His illustrations are distinguished by their stark contrasts of black and white, intricate details, and the absence of middle tones, creating a dramatic and unmistakable style. He was particularly known for his illustrations for the limited edition of "Le Morte D'Arthur," which were celebrated for their elaborate detail and pre-Raphaelite influences, despite their sometimes grotesque details. This work, along with his contributions to "The Yellow Book" and illustrations for Oscar Wilde's "Salome," showcased his talent for capturing the decadent and the macabre, earning him both acclaim and controversy (Wikipedia, The Collector).
Beardsley's career, though short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 25 from tuberculosis, was marked by significant contributions to various publications, including "The Studio" and "The Savoy," which he co-founded. His work for "The Yellow Book," where he served as art editor, was particularly influential. The magazine, using the latest image-reproduction technology of the time, allowed Beardsley to make dramatic use of black and white space, reflecting his vision of modern life and aesthetics (V&A Museum).
Despite facing health challenges and controversies, including being dismissed from "The Yellow Book" during the scandal surrounding Oscar Wilde's arrest, Beardsley continued to work on projects that pushed the boundaries of conventional morality and art. His illustrations for works like Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" and his retelling of the Tannhäuser legend are testament to his enduring creative spirit and his willingness to explore themes of decadence, sexuality, and the grotesque.
Beardsley's legacy extends beyond his death, influencing not only the Art Nouveau movement but also future generations of artists and illustrators. His work continues to be celebrated for its daring originality and its challenge to the norms of his time. The Victoria and Albert Museum, among others, has celebrated Beardsley's contributions to art and culture, showcasing his ability to intertwine the beautiful and the grotesque in ways that remain provocative and engaging to this day.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Beardsley's work offers a fascinating glimpse into the aesthetic and cultural shifts of the late 19th century. His influence on poster art, illustration, and the broader Art Nouveau movement underlines the significant impact he had during his brief career. To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Aubrey Vincent Beardsley's work, signing up for updates can provide exclusive access to the continuing legacy of this remarkable artist.
Alexandre Nikolayevich Benois (Russian: Алекса́ндр Никола́евич Бенуа́) was a distinguished Russian artist, art critic, and historian, celebrated for his pivotal role in the art world, particularly in painting and stage design. Born into a family deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Russia, Benois was instrumental in the development of the Russian artistic movement at the turn of the 20th century. His contributions to art and culture extend beyond his vivid paintings; he was a founding member of the World of Art (Mir iskusstva), a significant art movement and magazine that sought to elevate Russian artistry on the global stage.
Benois' work is notable for its intricate detailing, vibrant use of color, and the ability to convey deep narratives within each piece. His designs for ballets such as "Petrushka" and "The Sleeping Beauty" remain iconic, showcasing his mastery over the fusion of visual art and performance. This synthesis not only enhanced the ballets’ visual appeal but also deepened the audience's engagement with the narrative. Museums and galleries around the world, including the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg and the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, house his works, underscoring his global recognition and the enduring appeal of his artistic vision.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Benois' oeuvre represents a fascinating exploration of early 20th-century Russian culture, art, and the avant-garde movement. His ability to blend traditional Russian themes with the modernist trends of his time makes his work a valuable study in the evolution of modern art. Those interested in the rich tapestry of Russian cultural history and the interplay between art and performance will find Benois' contributions invaluable.
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Karl Biese was a German landscape painter, draftsman, and lithographer. After initially working as a theater painter, he received a scholarship to study at the Karlsruhe Academy of Fine Arts in 1883. Biese later returned to Hamburg, where he became a master painter and established his own business. Biese was one of the founders of the Karlsruhe Artists' Association and created lithographs for the association's print workshop. He found inspiration for his nature-themed works during his travels around Karlsruhe, the Black Forest, the Moselle region, and northern Germany. Biese was particularly known for his atmospheric paintings, especially his winter scenes. He primarily worked with oil painting and lithography mediums. Biese also designed collectible images for Stollwerck chocolate company's albums.
Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin (Russian: Ива́н Я́ковлевич Били́бин) was a Russian illustrator, stage designer, and teacher, famed for his fairy tale illustrations and stage designs that drew heavily from Russian folklore and traditional art. Born in 1876 in St. Petersburg and passing away in 1942 during the Siege of Leningrad, Bilibin's career spanned a period of great change in Russia, from the pre-revolutionary times through to the Soviet era. His work is celebrated for its intricate detail, vibrant colors, and deep homage to Slavic myths and legends.
Bilibin's journey into the world of art and folklore began after his studies at the St. Petersburg University and the Munich art school. He was deeply influenced by Russian folklore, as well as modern French and Japanese art. This amalgamation of influences resulted in a unique style that made his work stand out. His illustrations for Russian folk tales, such as "The Frog Princess," "Vasilisa the Beautiful," and "Marya Morevna," are among his most celebrated works, encapsulating the essence of Russian narrative traditions.
Bilibin's career was not confined to illustration. He made significant contributions to the world of theater, designing sets for operas and ballets that further entrenched his reputation. His work took him beyond Russia, with periods spent in Egypt and France, where he continued to produce work for the Russian émigré and European communities. Despite the political turmoil of his time, Bilibin remained deeply connected to his roots, returning to Soviet Russia in 1936, where he continued his artistic and academic pursuits until his death in 1942.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Bilibin's works represent a bridge between the mystical past and the artistic innovations of the early 20th century. His legacy is preserved in museums and galleries worldwide, offering a glimpse into a world where folklore and art intertwine.
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Frank William Brangwyn was a Welsh artist, painter, watercolourist, printmaker, illustrator, and designer.
As well as paintings and drawings, he produced designs for stained glass, furniture, ceramics, glass tableware, buildings and interiors, was a lithographer and woodcutter and was a book illustrator. It has been estimated that during his lifetime Brangwyn produced over 12,000 works. His mural commissions would cover over 22,000 sq ft of canvas, he painted over 1,000 oils, over 660 mixed media works (watercolours, gouache), over 500 etchings, about 400 wood-engravings and woodcuts, 280 lithographs, 40 architectural and interior designs, 230 designs for items of furniture and 20 stained glass panels and windows.
Hans Andersen Brendekilde, born Hans Andersen, was a Danish impressionist painter and representative of the Socialist Realist style.
Hans was a distant relative of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen and also from a very poor family. However, his abilities were noticed, and he was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, from which he graduated with honors, becoming a sculptor. However, Hans immediately began to paint, and depicted the harsh conditions of life in rural Denmark between 1880 and 1920. This was the beginning of the social realist style.
In 1884 he was living in Copenhagen with his friend, the painter Laurits Andersen Ring (1854-1933), at which time Hans took a second surname, Brendekilde, to avoid confusion.
Brendekilde was a committed socialist and produced many paintings depicting poor people working in the fields or in their homes at tragic moments in life. His most famous painting is The Weary One, which he completed in 1889. Through his work, Brendekilde had a great influence on many of his contemporaries, including Edvard Munch.
The talented and versatile artist also worked as an illustrator and gave a movement to arts and crafts in Denmark. Working for many years in the famous ceramics factory of Herman A. Koehler, he attracted other artists to this activity. And at the end of his life, the artist began to paint more positive pictures: flowers, playing children, fields under the sun.
Isaak Israelievich Brodsky (Russian: Исаак Израилевич Бродский), a distinguished Russian artist, was renowned for his contributions to painting and teaching. Born in Sofievka, Russian Empire, Brodsky's artistic journey led him to become a pivotal figure in the Soviet art scene, primarily recognized for his realistic portraits and social realist works. His dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects, combined with a unique sensitivity to color and form, allowed his art to transcend mere representation, offering insights into the culture and political climate of his time.
Throughout his career, Brodsky was closely associated with significant cultural and political developments in Soviet Russia, becoming an official artist of the Soviet regime. His works, such as the iconic portraits of Lenin and other political figures, not only exemplify his skill but also serve as historical documents, offering a glimpse into the era's social fabric. His commitment to realism and the portrayal of Soviet ideals earned him a prominent place in the art world, influencing generations of artists through his role as a teacher and mentor at the Repin Institute of Arts.
Brodsky's legacy is preserved in numerous museums and galleries, with his masterpieces forming an integral part of Russia's cultural heritage. His ability to intertwine art with historical narrative has made his work a subject of study for art collectors and experts alike. For those intrigued by the depth and historical significance of Soviet art, Brodsky's oeuvre offers a fascinating exploration into the power of visual storytelling.
For collectors and experts keen on delving deeper into the rich tapestry of Russian art, staying informed about Isaac Israelievich Brodsky's work is essential. Signing up for updates ensures exclusive access to news on product sales and auction events dedicated to Brodsky's art, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the history and culture he so vividly depicted. Join us in celebrating the legacy of a true maestro of painting, whose works continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Umberto Brunelleschi was an Italian artist. He studied at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence and moved to Paris in 1900 with Ardengo Soffici where he soon established himself as a printer, book illustrator, set and costume designer.
Frederick Carder was an English-born artist and designer who is best known for his work in glassmaking and his role in co-founding the Steuben Glass Works in the United States. He was a prominent figure in the American art glass movement and made significant contributions to the field.
In 1903, Carder immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in Corning, New York. In collaboration with Thomas G. Hawkes, he co-founded the Steuben Glass Works in 1903. Carder served as the artistic director and chief designer of Steuben for several decades. Under his guidance, Steuben became renowned for producing high-quality art glass known for its elegance, craftsmanship, and innovative designs.
Carder experimented with various glass-making techniques and was skilled in creating a wide range of glass objects, including vases, bowls, lamps, and tableware. His designs showcased a diverse range of styles, from delicate and intricate Art Nouveau-inspired pieces to bold and modern Art Deco designs. Carder's work often featured vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and intricate glass techniques such as iridizing and acid etching
Léon Georges Jean-Baptiste Carré was a French Orientalist painter and illustrator known for his contribution to the Fauvist movement.
Carré's style was characterized by bright colours and bold strokes. He sought to express his emotions and convey the essence of the subject through intense and unnatural colours. Carré's paintings often depicted landscapes, still lifes and portraits.
Léon Carré also experimented with other artistic movements such as Cubism and Post-Impressionism. This allowed him to develop a unique artistic language which combined elements of different currents.
Giannino Castiglioni was an Italian sculptor and medallist. He worked mostly in monumental and funerary sculpture; his style was representational, and far from the modernist and avant-garde trends of the early twentieth century.
