ANTIQUESANDFINEART.COM The Catalogue of
Early Summer 2003
WALLACE NUTTING’S
Colonial Revival Legacy page 142
Trendy WINE
FURNITURE page 125 MAURICE PRENDERGAST Paintings of America page 130
$5.99US $7.99CAN
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74470 01782
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William Merritt Chase Sunset at Shinnecock Hills (Long Island), ca. 1895 Courtesy of Spanierman Gallery, LLC
Cosmopolitan Country Home page 32
Oval Federal Mirror American, about 1800 Pine, gessoed and gilded, with wire, and compo ornament, and mirror plate 25½ in. high, 14½ in. wide
Specializing in American and European Paintings, Watercolors, Drawings, Prints, and Sculpture, 18th Century to the Present, as well as American Decorative Arts, 1810 ‒1910. 21 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212.535.8810 Fax: 212.772.7237 www.hirschlandadler.com
www.antiquesandfineart.com/hirschlandadler
email: gallery@hirschlandadler.com
C. L. PRICKETT Fine Authenticated American Antiques
Rare and Outstanding Chippendale Figured Mahogany Chest-on-Chest having a beautifully molded cornice above three over two over three overlapping graduated drawers flanked by fluted canted corners all over a lower section with a “folding slide” above three overlapping graduated drawers also flanked by fluted chamfered corners all on nicely executed platformed ogee bracket feet.
In an outstanding state of preservation being all original, including the brasses, and retaining a fine mellow surface and patina. Construction notes: This piece displays white cedar drawer bottoms running front to back, poplar drawer sides, cedar dust proofing, and rose head nails throughout. Philadelphia, circa 1765.
Height 79", width 42⅝", depth 23"
930 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, (Bucks Co.), PA 19067 Phone: (215) 493-4284 Fax: (215) 493-6142 Website: www.clprickett.com E-Mail: info@clprickett.com
Clarence, Craig, and Todd Prickett Located just 25 minutes north of Philadelphia and 75 minutes south of NYC at the Newtown Exit, #49, of I-95. Hours: 10 to 5 daily, closed Sunday.
american folk painting of custer’s last stand “battle
of the little big horn june 25, 1876 ”
Painted by an unidentified artist, circa 1880. Exhibited in numerous museums, and published in Where Liberty Dwells: 19th Century Art by the American People, Collection of Peter Tillou, Illustrated, Number 84; Custer’s Last, by Don Russell, Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, 1968. Oil on canvas, 28½ x 54½ inches
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Early Summer
17th and 18th century American and European Furniture, Antique Carpets, American Folk Art, Arms and Armor, Early African Sculpture, Pre-Columbian Art, European Old Master Paintings, American Paintings and Sculpture, Classic Cars 1928‒1934, Rare Coins and Medals, and Early American Blown Glass. Established 1953 By appointment in Litchfield, Connecticut Tel: 860.567.5706 www.antiquesandfineart.com/ptillou email: tillou@sprynet.com
american still life of fruit and flowers Painted in a wonderful stylized manner. New England, circa 1830 Period stenciled frame Watercolor on paper, 18 x 22 inches
exceptional american folk art gilt and painted wood gaming wheel Superb original condition. Southern, circa 1880 Diameter 25 ½˝ 2003
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ARGENTUM
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The Leopard’s Head Fine Antique Silver
Pair of Sterling Candelabra London, 1878/9 By Garrards
414 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 415-296-7757 • Fax 415-296-7233 Catalogue Web Site www.argentum-theleopard.com Our website contains the largest priced selection of antique silver on the world wide web
HOLLIS TAGGART GALLERIES Specializing in 19th and 20th century American Paintings, including Hudson River School, Impressionism, Ashcan, Modernism, Post-War, and Contemporary. Established 1975 Hollis Taggart Galleries–Chicago 3 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: 312.475.9300 Fax: 312.475.9303 Hollis Taggart Galleries–New York 48 East 73rd Street New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212.628.4000 Fax: 212.717.4119 www.HollisTaggart.com Exhibiting: Art Chicago Chicago, IL — May 9–12 The International Fine Art Fair New York, NY — May 9–14 Chicago Gallery Exhibitions: Manierre Dawson: New Revelations May 1–June 14 New York Gallery Exhibitions: Dreams and Dramas: Moonlight and Twilight in American Art May 22–July 25
Middleton Manigault: American Modernist May 22–July 25
ROBERT REID (1862–1929) In the Garden, circa 1901 Oil on canvas, 30 x 27 inches Signed lower left: R. Reid
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From the Editor What is it that draws people to museums, historic sites, libraries, and places where human creativity is expressed? While answers vary among individuals, most would agree that it is an emotional need to feel a connection with and an understanding of long-ago peoples and cultures. Many also gain artistic inspiration from their study of historic forms and design, seeing links and making associations between the artwork of the past and that of their own. All the more reason then to bemoan the tremendous and tragic loss of the artistic, cultural, and religious treasures in the museums, libraries, and art centers of Iraq, particularly in Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul, through looting and devastating fires. The cultural vacuum caused by the wholesale pillage and burning of so many of the archaeological and written treasures that belong to the heritage of the world is immeasurable. Gone are hundreds of cuneiform tablets dating from 3000 B.C.—some of the world’s earliest written words that were yet to be deciphered—equal to, as one expert said, “The destruction of the library of an entire civilization.” Among the thousands of art objects missing or destroyed are masterpieces such as the Sumerian carved alabaster Lady of Warka of 3200 B.C., one of the earliest known representations of a human face, uncannily modern in its rendering. The outpouring of international support to halt the trade of stolen Iraqi antiquities is tremendous and stands as a testament to art and its crucial role in society. Several Internet databases are being established through universities (University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, among them) to aid in the recovery of as many objects as possible. The U.S.-based Baghdad Museum Project and an alliance between the British Museum and Paris-based UNESCO are some of the associations formed to aid the return of stolen objects. We urge you to take the time to familiarize yourself with the growing pool of information available about the missing works of art. Perhaps by doing so you could assist in the safe return of a relic and contribute to the rebuilding of Iraq’s cultural heritage. The desire to draw strength from one’s cultural past is universal. Wallace Nutting, the father of the American Colonial Revival movement, sought insight into a wholesome life through the accoutrements of colonial Americans. Through his photographs and furniture, Nutting, about whom you can read in this issue, promoted the importance of looking to the past to gain inspiration for the present and future. It is this timeless need to appreciate and preserve our singular and common cultures that binds us all so strongly to our artistic and cultural heritage, here and around the world. Sincerely,
PUBLISHER & FOUNDER:
John S. Smiroldo
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Johanna McBrien
VICE PRESIDENT/ MANAGING EDITOR: EDITOR-AT-LARGE: COPY EDITOR: PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: CREATIVE DIRECTOR: DESIGN MANAGER: COLOR DIRECTOR:
Julie Carlson Eldred Jonathan L. Fairbanks Lauren Byrne Marianne Litty Phil Lajoie Anthony J. Donatello Hartley Batchelder
COLOR MANAGERS:
Mike Peters James Rogers
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR:
Curtis Harding
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER:
Jonathan Wolf
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS: PHOTOGRAPHERS: IS MANAGER: DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION: VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING: DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EUROPE:
Cathy Fosher Robert Potter J. David Bohl Luigi Pellettieri Savash Kalay Deborah Plunkett John Treworgy Anthony J. Rossi Melinda Martin Nick Vandekar
SENIOR CLIENT MANAGER:
Michelle Tillou
INSIDE SALES:
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TO SUBSCRIBE Call 888.922.0004 from within the US 617.926.0004 from outside the US Within the US 1 year – 6 issues $30 2 years – 12 issues $40
Contributors JULIE ARONSON, Curator of American Painting and Sculpture, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH. Page 170. DAN FINAMORE, Russell W. Knight Curator of Maritime Art and History, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA. Page 163.
SUNAMITA LIM, Freelance journalist/writer, and editor of Santa Fe Trend, Santa Fe, NM. Page 114.
LARA GAVIGAN, Freelance writer in Boston, MA. Page 66.
BRUCE MACLAREN, Assistant Curator of Chinese Art, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA. Page 160.
RUSS GOLDBERGER, Co-owner, with wife Karen, of RJG Antiques, Rye, NH. Page 154.
PATRICIA MCMAHON, Decorative painter, Boston area, MA. Page 168.
DEBORAH HARDING, Independent author and authority on decorative arts, crafts, and vintage textiles. Page 140.
DAN L. MONROE, Executive Director and CEO, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA. Page 158.
MADELIA HICKMAN, Research Associate, Wayne Pratt American Antiques, Inc., Woodbury, CT and Nantucket, MA. Page 150. HENRY JOYCE, Chief Curator, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont. Page 110. 6
(Foreign subscriptions, please add $35 per year)
CHRISTOPHER JUSSEL, longtime English furniture dealer, original host of Antiques Road Show, and formerly Senior Vice President, Sotheby’s, New York. Page 175.
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JESSICA NICOLL, Chief Curator, Portland Museum of Art, Portland, ME. Page 146. MIKE PODMANICZKY, Senior Furniture Conservator, Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE. Page 166.
ADVERTISING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
617.926.0004 125 Walnut Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472, USA
www.AntiquesandFineArt.com The Catalogue of Antiques & Fine Art is published bimonthly by CAFA, 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Contents copyright ©2003 CAFA. All rights reserved. The advertiser seeking the services of The Catalogue of Antiques & Fine Art will indemnify and save harmless The Catalogue of Antiques & Fine Art and its agents from any liabilities, claims, lawsuits, damages, or expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs that may arise out of publication of the advertiser’s/agency ads or materials. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither The Catalogue of Antiques & Fine Art , nor any of its staff, is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Application to mail at periodical postage rate pending at Boston, MA and additional offices. Change of address should be sent to 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
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BELLAMY
Unusual Carved and Painted Eagle Wall Plaque by John Haley Bellamy c. 1880 / Height: 10" Width: 25"
DAVID WHEATCROFT Antiques 220 East Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581 • Tel: (508) 366-1723 Visit our website at: davidwheatcroft.com
2003
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Antiquess an Antique and d Fin Finee Ar Art.com t.com CONTENTS
16 18 32
LIFESTYLE — A COLLECTOR’S COLLECTOR PROFILES
42
HIGHLIGHTS
130
142
WALLACE NUTTING ANTIQUARIAN AND ENTREPRENEUR
by Trina Evarts Bowman and Thomas Andrew Denenberg
by Lara Gavigan
147
WILLIAM BRADFORD: SAILING SHIPS AND ARCTIC SEAS
by Richard C. Kugler
News, Events, and Trends DESTINATIONS — JUNE IN THE UK
152
MUSEUM FOCUS — WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF WATCHMAKERS
by Richard Alan Mones and Sir George White
TRENDY WINE FURNITURE
by Brigitte Fletcher
155
MAURICE PRENDERGAST: PAINTINGS OF AMERICA
CURATOR’S CHOICE — A WATCH OF INTRIGUE
by Sir George White
by Pamela A. Ivinski
135
HANDS ON— SEVENTEETH-CENTURY CARVING TECHNIQUES
by Peter Follansbee
NOTEWORTHY SALES
40
52 126
140
DISCOVERIES
THE WOODWORKERS OF WINDSOR
by Joshua W. Lane and Donald P. White
156
PICTURE PERFECT: LANDSCAPE TOURISM IN NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT
by Ann Smith
UPCOMING SHOWS ANTIQUES CHICAGO…page 66 Chicago, IL — May 9–13 LITCHFIELD COUNTY ANTIQUES SHOW…page 70 Goshen, CT — May 17–18 THE WINE COUNTRY ANTIQUES SHOW…page 124 Napa, CA — May 24–26 TWO RIVERS ANTIQUES SHOW & GARDEN TOUR…page 76 Rumson, NJ — May 30–June 1 8
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THE SUMMER OLYMPIA FINE ART & ANTIQUES FAIR…page 56 London, England — June 5–15 THE WOODBURY ANTIQUES FAIR…page 78 Woodbury, CT — June 14–15 WILTON OUTDOOR ANTIQUES FAIR…page 84 Wilton, CT — June 21–22 PALM BEACH JEWELRY & ANTIQUE SHOW…page 65 Palm Beach, FL — February 13–17, 2004 From Lifestyle — A Collector’s Collector, p. 32
Early Summer
SAILING OFF THE MAINE COAST
Oil on canvas
18 by 24 inches
Signed lower left
Richard Hayley Lever (1876-1958)
AV E R Y G A L L E R I E S A M E R I C A N PA I N T I N G S 522 New Gulph Road, Haverford, Pennsylvania 19041 E m a i l : i n f o @ a v e r y g a l l e r i e s . c o m Te l e p h o n e : 6 1 0 - 2 5 6 - 5 8 0 9 w w w. a v e r y g a l l e r i e s . c o m 2003
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Antiquess an Antique and d Fin Finee Ar Art.com t.com I NDEX
TO
A DVERTISERS Gavin Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . .58 David Dunton . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Peter H. Eaton Antiques, Inc. .71 E & J Frankel, Ltd. . . . . . . . . .21 Richard Gardner . . . . . . . . . . .64 Gemini Antiques, Ltd. . . . . .105 James & Nancy Glazer . . . . . .24 Godel & Co. Fine Art . . . . .11 Russ & Karen Goldberger / RJG Antiques . . . . . . . . . .106 Tracy Goodnow . . . . . . . . . . .85
Bradford King & Co. . . . . . .115 Roger King Gallery . . . . . . . . .48 C. Gus Kollitus . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Eileen Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Lexington Oriental Rugs . . . .119 The Liebsons . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Gloria M. Lonergan Antiques .83 Malcolm Magruder . . . . . . . . .86 Milord Antiques . . . . . . . . . .117 Aileen Minor . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Thurston Nichols . . . . . . . . . .77
Shippan Center for Art & Antiques . . . . . . .120 Spanierman Gallery . . . . . . . .14 Hollis Taggart Galleries . . . . . . .5 Peter Tillou Works of Art . . .2, 3 Jeffrey Tillou . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 N. P. Trent Antiques . . . . . . . .95 Van Tassel/Baumann . . . . . . .104 Vintage Interiors II . . . . . . . .102 Vose Galleries of Boston . . . . .29 Wakelin & Linfield . . . . . . . . .60
57
69
77
David Bernstein Fine Art . . .114
Elinor Gordon . . . . . . . . . . . .39 The Greenwich Gallery . . . . . .46
Black Pearl Antiques . . . . . . . .97
Haley & Steele . . . . . . . . .50, 51
N. Bloom & Son . . . . . . . . . .53
W. R. Harvey & Co.
Stephen B. O’Brien . . . . . . . . .88 Olde Hope Antiques . . . . . . . .31 Oriental Rugs, Ltd. . . . . . . . . .73 Peter Pap Oriental Rugs . . . . .67 Janice Paull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Wayne Pratt . . . .Back Cover, 81 C. L. Prickett . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Priestley & Ferraro . . . . . . . . .63 Questroyal Fine Art . . . . . . . .12 Raccoon Creek Antiques . . . .107 Jackie Radwin . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 Ricco/Maresca . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Camilla Richman Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . . .116, 122 Roughton Galleries . . . . . . . . .94 Running Battle Antiques . . . . .74 SAJE Americana . . . . . . . . . . .69 Sallea Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Schiller & Bodo . . . . . . . . . . .47 David Schorsch . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Thomas Schwenke . . . . . . . . .15
Maria & Peter Warren . . . . . .92
Sara H. Bissell . . . . . . . . . . . .112
John Alexander, Ltd. . . . . . . . .90 Marna Anderson . . . . . . . . . . .83 Antique English Windsor Chairs . . . . . . . . . . .52 Antiqueria Tribeca . . . . . . . . . .91 Argentum– The Leopard’s Head . . . . . . . .4 Autumn Pond Antiques . . . . .72 Avery Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Bauman Rare Books . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover
31 Rich Bottom Antiques . . . . .114
(Antiques), Ltd. . . . . . . . . . .62
Philip H. Bradley Antiques . . .28
Heller Washam Antiques . . . . .38
Brock & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Samuel Herrup . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Brockett’s Row Antiques . . . .122
Hill Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Marcy Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Hirschl & Adler Galleries
G. K. S. Bush, Inc. . . . . . . . . .25
. . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover
The Caldwell Gallery . . . . . . .47
Jonathan Horne . . . . . . . . . . .57
H. L. Chalfant Antiques . . . . .30
Stephen & Carol Huber . . . . .22
Classical-America . . . . . . . . .104
Hudson Antique
Cohen & Cohen . . . . . . . . . . .55 Colletti Antique Poster Gallery . . . . . . . . . . .121
10
Dealers Association . . . . . . .123 Ingham Springs . . . . . . . . . . .111 R. Jorgensen Fine
Mary Corley Antiques . . . . . .103
Period Antiques . . . . . . . . . . .89
De Ru’s Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . .41
Leo Kaplan, Ltd. . . . . . .100, 101
Decorative Arts Trust . . . . . .118
Allan Katz Americana . . . .26, 27
DHS Designs . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Leigh Keno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
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Mia Weiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Ed Weissman . . . . . . . . . . . .108 Jorge Welsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 David Wheatcroft Antiques . . .7 A. Stanley Wheelock . . . . . . .116 Chuck White Folk Art & Antiques . . . . . . .80 Witney Antiques . . . . . . . . . . .54 R. M. Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 R. Lawrence Young . . . . . . . .110 R ESOURCES The Canadian Electric Boat Company . . . . . . . . . .159 Hackman Frames . . . . . . . . .160 John Kovasckitz . . . . . . . . . .160 Jeffrey F. Purtell . . . . . . . . . .160 Betsy Kreig Salm . . . . . . . . . .160 Peter Williams / Museum Services . . . . . . . . .160 Early Summer
WILLIAM BRADFORD (1823-1892)
Morning on the Arctic Ice Fields
Oil on canvas, 29 1⁄2 x 49 1⁄2 inches
This painting will be included in the William Bradford exhibition (to open May 2003) and catalogue being prepared by Richard C. Kugler of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Announcing our new catalogue: The Glorious Quest V, featuring forty-six color illustrations of works by Bierstadt, Buttersworth, Couse, Cropsey, Gifford, Heade, Hennings, Moran, Peto, Prentice, Richards, Roesen, Silva, Wyeth, and many more. $20. Postpaid.
FADA
39A East 72nd Street, New York, NY 10021 (212) 288-7272 www.godelfineart.com Monday - Friday, 10-6 and Saturday, 10 - 5 Open Saturdays in May by appointment.
FINE ART DEALERS ASSOCIATION MEMBER
William Trost Richards (1833–1905)
Sunlight, 1873, oil on canvas, 14 x 26 inches, signed & dated 1873, l.r.
FADA
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Specializing in 18th and early 19th century American Furniture, Decorative Arts, and Paintings. Established 1986 127 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 tel: 212.734.2381 fax: 212.734.0707 www.antiquesandfineart.com/leighkeno www.leighkeno.com email: leigh@leighkeno.com
QUEEN ANNE CARVED WALNUT FLAT-TOP HIGH CHEST OF DRAWERS Massachusetts, probably North Shore Circa 1740 –1760.
2003
Height
74"
Width (upper case)
35 5/8"
Width (lower case)
37 5/8"
Depth (upper case)
19"
Depth (lower case)
20 1/2"
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Flying Shadows
Mountain Lakes
Icebound Brook
November Morning
Now on view at the gallery Important Exhibition May 8 –June 28, 2003
The Last Snow
Willard Metcalf Yankee Impressionist
The Frozen Pool, March
A hardcover catalogue with 57 color plates, and essays by Richard J. Boyle, Bruce W. Chambers, and William H. Gerdts is available for $85 ppd. For further information contact: ralphsessions@spanierman.com
This exhibition can also be viewed online at The Snow-Bearers
www.spanierman.com
Goose Girl No. 2
Spanierman Gallery, llc 45 East 58th Street New York 10022 Telephone (212) 832-0208 Fax (212) 832-8114 Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 to 5:30
Souvenir de Printemps
The Green Canopy
The Golden Hour
Grazing Sheep on the Coast of Maine
The Snake Charmer
October Morning
50 Main Street North Woodbury, CT 06798 Tel: 203.266.0303 Fax: 203.266.0707 www.antiquesandfineart.com/tschwenke www.schwenke.com email:tgs@schwenke.com
FINE HEPPLEWHITE INLAID PEMBROKE TABLE Very fine hepplewhite inlaid mahogany pembroke table, rectangular with ovolo cornered top with string inlaid edge, above a conforming frame with one working and one sham drawer, centered between stiles having oval rosebud inlays, above string inlaid square tapering legs with inlaid ebony cuffs. Mint original condition, including hardware. New York, circa 1795. 31" long, 21" wide, 29" high This pembroke table has a great aspect, with wonderful dry oxidized undercarriage of unusual and distinctive originality, with all original nails and screws undisturbed, and no inlay or veneer replacements or repairs.
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Discoveries
A Forum that Highlights Important Finds, Significant Objects, New Research , and Museum Acquisitions.
WALNUT KIDNEY-SHAPED PEDESTAL DESK Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster London, England, circa 1845 H. 31", W. 52", D. 26" Courtesy of Richard Gardner Antiques This exceptional 19th-century desk is unique and unusually featured. The top, with its tooled-leather writing surface and broad-bordered walnut and brass gallery, surmounts three frieze drawers, the right of which conceals a swivel mechanism enabling the top to turn and reveal secret compartments in each bowed end. Two panelled doors enclose four drawers on each side and the desk’s reverse is finished in book-matched, figured walnut. The plinth base with recessed, patented brass castors also supports a central bookcase section with adjustable shelves. Gillows’ Estimate Sketch Book of 1840 shows designs and costs for a similar desk supplied to the firm of Furguson & Co., recorded in the 1822 Commercial Directory as operating from 117 Oxford Street, London. Two former apprentices at Gillows, James Furguson and Henry Whiteside, formed a partnership selling furniture from these premises. It is unclear whether the firm operated purely as a retail outlet or also had workshops of their own, but the Gillows archives note numerous invoices for furniture supplied to the firm.
ONE OF A PAIR OF LOUIS XV FRAMES Jean Chérin (French, 1733/34–1785) Circa 1770 Stamped on verso CHERIN 43 x 34 1/4 inches (each), sight Courtesy of Julius Lowy Frame & Restoring Company, Inc. This pair of exquisitely carved transitional Louis XV gilt double sweep frames (one shown here) are ornamented with shell centers, acanthus fan corners, and top crested with a ribbon-tied leaf and flower cluster above a cabochon. They are the work of the mid-18th century Parisian framemaker Jean Chérin, and each is identified with his stamp on the verso. A similar frame resides in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. These frames are from one of the very few periods in which framemakers can be identified. In late 17th-century France, the carpenters’ (menuisiers) and cabinetmakers’ (ébénistes) guilds required that framemakers identify their work with stamps. Of the twenty-two artisans that have been identified from these stamps, Chérin is one of only two officially registered members of both guilds; he both built and carved the frames that bear his stamp.
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Discoveries MAUDE DREIN BRYANT (American, 1880—1946) Garden Landscape, circa 1910–1920 Oil on canvas, 25 x 30 inches Signed lower right: Maude Drein Member: Philadelphia Ten Women Painters Provenance: By descent, estate of the artist to Dixon-Hall Fine Art, Malvern, PA. Courtesy of Dixon-Hall Fine Art This recently discovered garden scene from the artist’s estate is reminiscent of Maurice Prendergast (1850–1924) in its decorative surface patterning and bright fauvist palette. A native of Wilmington, Del., Maude Drein Bryant attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1899–1904) where she studied with Thomas Anshutz, Hugh Breckenridge, and William Merritt Chase. The keyed up colors and broad, broken brushstrokes in Garden Landscape pay specific homage to Bryant’s academic training with Breckenridge. Maude Drein Bryant is best known for her still lifes, which frequently include flowers and domestic accoutrements, particularly orientalia, executed in the style of the French postimpressionists. In 1923, she exhibited with the Philadelphia Ten, “large and gorgeous studies of flowers” (see Page Talbott & Patricia Tanis Sydney, The Philadelphia Ten, A Women’s Artist Group, 1917–1945 [Philadelphia, 1998] and American Art Review [1998], 52). Bryant produced over 100 paintings between 1914 and 1930, which were purchased by clients in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and out west. Her Calendulas
and Asters was acquired in 1914 by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where she exhibited annually from 1914 to 1924. For information, ahall63470@aol.com.
WALLACE NUTTING SUDBURY CUPBOARD Wallace Nutting (American, 1861–1941) 1920–1930 H. 55 1/2", W. 54", D. 23 1/4" Oak, inlaid woods Courtesy of Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) has recently acquired a significant piece of Wallace Nutting furniture—the Sudbury Cupboard of 1920–1930. This cupboard is a faithful reproduction of a seventeenth-century cupboard Nutting purchased from the Parmenter family in Sudbury, Mass. (see p. 144). From the number that survive, it seems likely that no more than a dozen such cupboards were made. The piece is labeled and in excellent condition with its original finish. Wallace Nutting was an important early furniture scholar and antiquarian and a key figure in the Colonial Revival. A retired minister, he founded a thriving business in 1905 producing and selling nostalgic hand-tinted photographs depicting “colonial” domestic scenes. After this success, he opened a workshop in 1917 that made finely crafted reproduction furniture. According to SPNEA Curator Nancy Carlisle, “The Sudbury Cupboard is probably one of the two most important seventeenth-century case forms Nutting made.”
2003
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NoteworthySales
Recent Sales by Dealers at the April 2003 Philadelphia antiques shows
CARSWELL RUSH BERLIN INC.
HYLAND GRANBY ANTIQUES
Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia Antiques Show Rare Pair of Restauration “Recamier” Couches in Grecian Plain Style Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1830–1840 Figured mahogany veneer and tulip popular secondary wood H. 33", W. 74", D. 24" each Courtesy of Carswell Rush Berlin Inc.
Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia Antiques Show Carved and Painted Figurehead of a Native American Signed and dated: J BOWERS 1861 H. 29¾", W. 22", D. 24" Courtesy of Hyland Granby Antiques
These couches are outstanding examples of a style that became prevalent in the United States after 1830. This socalled “plain style” was inspired by the furniture forms of Greek antiquity and the Restauration period of the Bourbon monarchy in France.
The pair was not copied directly from English pattern books and show considerable originality. The style may have been inspired in part by examples in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions & Politics, published in 1825. Ackermann’s Repository, published serially in London from 1809 to 1828, was a popular journal referenced by Philadelphia cabinetmakers between 1825 and 1830.
H. L. CHALFANT ANTIQUES
This figurehead is one of a very few known signed and dated American ship carvings. Much of its original paint has been retained as well as a greater amount of original features than most figureheads extant.
Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia Antiques Show Diminutive Walnut Chippendale Four-Drawer Chest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1760 Width 32" Courtesy of H. L. Chalfant Antiques This remarkably small chest remained in the Smith-Coleman family of Philadelphia from 1760 to the present. Bearing ogee feet and a molded overhanging top with notched corners, this piece is only 32 inches across. The average width for similar chests is 38 inches.
The carving quality is exceptional, featuring a lifelike facial expression, large and detailed earrings and necklace, and a medallion at the chest. For similar examples by or attributed to Bower, see Frank Maresca and Roger Ricco’s American Vernacular (Bulfinch, 2002) and American Primitive, American Self-Taught (Knopf, 1988).
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NoteworthySales ALLAN KATZ AMERICANA
JOHN KEITH RUSSELL ANTIQUES, INC.
Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia Antiques Show Paint-Decorated Tall Case Clock Riley Whiting (active first quarter of 19th century) Winchester, Conn., circa 1815 H. 88" Courtesy of Allan Katz Americana This exceptional paint-decorated clock retains its original wooden movement inside a pine case and is in extraordinary condition overall. The movement includes hours, minutes, seconds, and a calendar. The quarter columns on the case enhance the visual presentation. An example with a similar painted case but with works by Silas Hoadley sold at the Howard and Jean Lipman sale at Sotheby’s in 1981. Hoadley was active in Plymouth, Connecticut, during the same period that Whiting worked in nearby Winchester. The similar paint decoration of these two clocks could indicate that a talented casemaker worked with both Whiting and Hoadley.
DAVID WHEATCROFT ANTIQUES Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia Antiques Show Polychrome and Gilt Carving of an Eagle with American Flags and Shield Probably New England, 19th century Pine H. 32", L. 48" Courtesy of David Wheatcroft Antiques The size of this wall plaque indicates that it was probably commissioned for a large public building, possibly to hang above an entrance, either on its exterior or interior.
Sold to a private collector at the 2003 Philadelphia’s Navy Pier Antiques Show Shaker Three-Slat Ladderback Armchair Attributed to Freegift Wells (active mid-19th century) Watervliet, New York, circa 1840 H. 43½" Courtesy of John Keith Russell Antiques, Inc. Shaker craftsmanship typically adhered to strict formulas. This possibly unique chair combines a classic Shaker style with innovative features. The unusual upward scroll of the arm along with a three slat back and applied rockers makes it atypical in Shaker workmanship. With a dark, old varnish over original red paint and probably the original ash seat, this chair is in excellent condition and exhibits no repairs.
Two similar examples have surfaced at recent auctions, including a 38-inch carving at the Julie and Sandy Palley sale at Sotheby’s in January 2002 (lot 926, sold for $170,000 plus premium.) At nearly a foot longer than the Palley piece, this carving is unusual for its great size.
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NoteworthySales
Recent Sales by Dealers
LEXINGTON ANTIQUE ORIENTAL RUGS
SCHILLER & BODO Sold to a private collector Charles Bargue (French, 1825–1883) Negre Assis / The Sentinel Signed and dated: Bargue—72 Oil on panel, 10 x 7¾ inches Courtesy of Schiller & Bodo
Sold to a private collector Antique Serapi Carpet Northwest Persia 9'4" x 11'9" Last quarter 19th Century Courtesy of Lexington Antique Oriental Rugs
MICHAEL SIM Sold to a private collector Mahogany Bracket Clock with Enamel Dials Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy (1780–1854) 1814 H. 1' 4½" Courtesy of Michael Sim of Chislehurst, UK
Most carpets from the weaving center of Northwest Persia, present day Iran, are of geometric design, and Serapi carpets are best known for their large, bold geometric patterns. A wonderful example of its type, this rare antique Serapi has an unusual palette of coral, peach, green, and cream, and contains no blue, a color found in most oriental rugs. It is in its fine original condition with a full pile and full outer border; it has had no repairs.
SAJE AMERICANA Sold to a private collector at the Chester County Historical Society Antiques Show A Federal Washstand Attributed to John Seymour (1738–1818) Boston, Mass., circa 1800 Courtesy of SAJE Americana Antiques
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Royal clockmaker Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy invoiced St. James’s Palace for this clock (on right) in 1814. He described it as “one of the best spring chime quarter clocks…in a neat mahogany case.” Records show that the clock was made to furnish apartments allocated to the King of Prussia who was to arrive in London for a state visit in May 1814. At that time, several sovereigns and other English allies were converging to celebrate the Treaty of Paris and the exile of Napoleon (although peace would not be achieved until his defeat at Waterloo a year later).
One of the first in a series of important small genre oils on panel, this was Bargue’s first orientalist work, no doubt inspired by J. L. Gerome, with whom he shared a studio at the time. Two highly finished paintings had preceded it in 1871, but neither displayed the brilliant colors for which Bargue was admired in France, Britain, and America during the 1870s and 1880s.
Critics and collectors alike believed that Bargue surpassed his compatriots as a colorist and master of realist detail. Perhaps this explains why Bargue appealed to many collectors, including the Vanderbilts, and obtained prices, especially after his premature death, vastly in excess of most other artists.
This washstand has vibrant panels of bird’s-eye veneer applied to white pine laminated backing, a construction technique employed by federalera Boston cabinetmaker John Seymour. The panels are supported by a mahogany frame that rests on flared feet. There is a place for the washbowl and a small shelf for the cup. The elegance and quality of execution evident throughout the stand are hallmarks of the craftsmanship exhibited by Seymour. Early Summer
Specializing in Chinese and other Asian Art. 1040 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212.879.5733 Fax: 212.879.1998 www.antiquesandfineart.com/ejfrankel www.ejfrankel.com
PAINTED POTTERY PRANCING HORSE Tang dynasty (A.D. 618 – 906) Thermoluminescence tested at Oxford Authentication Laboratories. Height 23"
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PAIR OF SILK EMBROIDERIES BY SISTERS
(above) Silk embroidered picture inscribed on stretcher, Worked by Sophia Coffin (Aldrich) while at school in Sutton, Mass, about 1806 and Grandmother of Bertrand F. Aldrich. Silk and watercolor on silk, 14½ x 13¼ inches
(below) Silk embroidered picture inscribed on stretcher, Worked by Betsy Coffin (Ray) while at school in Sutton with her sister Sophia (B. F.’s grandmother) 1806. Boarded at Squire Tenny’s
Annual Open House, August 9 and 10, 10 AM – 5 PM Open by appointment 40 Ferry Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Tel: 860.388.6809 Fax: 860.434.9709
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James & Nancy Glazer Specializing in American Antiques. Established 1970 âœŚ By appointment (after May 15) P.O. Box 222 Bailey Island, ME 04003 Tel: 207.833.6973 Fax: 207.833.6972 1308 Mount Pleasant Road Villanova, PA 19085 Tel: 610.525.5658 Fax: 610.525.5654 www.antiquesandfineart.com/jnglazer email: glazer@clinic.net
WOOTEN PATENT SECRETARY DESK Indianapolis, Indiana, circa 1874–1878 Renaissance Revival style with incised details and full set of marbelized paper drawers restored. Beautifully carved gallery with walnut, burl, and ebonized detailing. A rare treatment in a standard grade desk. Height closed 69" Width closed 39" Depth open 27" Width open 78"
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Specializing in 18th, 19th, and early 20th century American Paintings. Established 1841 Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30–5:30, Saturday 10:00–5:30 238 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 617.536.6176 Fax: 617.247.8673 www.antiquesandfineart.com/vose www.vosegalleries.com email: info@vosegalleries.com Gallery Exhibitions: The Work of John Enser (1898 –1968) May 13–June 14
Carved from Darkness, Carved from Light: A Collection of Works on Paper by Polly Thayer (Starr) (b. 1904) June 19–August 15
JOHN ENSER (1898–1968) Plymouth Notch, Vermont Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches Signed lower right
JOHN ENSER (1898–1968) Cambridge Valley, Vermont Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches Signed lower right
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Penny and Allan Katz
FIGURAL SNAKE ANDIRONS American, circa 1920 Height 26" Depth 27"
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Penny and Allan Katz Specializing in Period American Folk Art and Americana. By appointment. 25 Old Still Road Woodbridge, CT 06525 Tel: 203.393.9356
Please visit our website www.antiquesandfineart.com/akatz email: folkkatz@optonline.net
INDIAN WEATHERVANE Sheet iron with original mounting bracket. Circa 1900. Height 35¹ ₂ " Pictured in Art of the Weathervane, p. 109
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PHILIP H. BRADLEY CO. Specializing in 18th to early 19th century American Furniture and Accessories. Established 1950 1101 East Lancaster Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 Tel: 610.269.0427 Fax: 610.269.2872 www.antiquesandfineart.com/pbradley
A PAINT DECORATED ARCHITECTURAL DOWER CHEST With original brasses. Berks County, circa 1785 For a closely related example, see The Magazine Antiques, March 1993, p. 445, “The American Museum in Britain.” Height 27" Width 51" Depth 22"
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