Can you guess the purpose of this mysterious artifact? Today for #WhatIsItWednesday, the blogosphere turns an investigative eye to cryptic objects, past and present, but the exact use of this relic has eluded scholars for centuries. We know that this Early Iron Age Luristan bronze is a finial, an ornament used to mark the […]
Every time you come across a sublime 19th century animal sculpture, you’re looking at a work that owes a debt to French sculptor Pierre Jules Mène (1810-1879). Considered the “pioneer of animal sculpture” in his time, Mène belonged to the elite school of French animalières that included Pierre Louis Rouillard, Antoine-Louis Barye, and his son-in-law […]
Original casting of Rodin’s “Head of Bibi” – signed Rodin, France, early 20th century c. 1903-04. Alskom Art Gallery (Gallery 30/646.319.6889) On this day, November 12, in 1840, the father of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin (d. 1917) was born. Classically trained, Rodin didn’t set out to buck sculpture tradition but so he did through realist […]
The third son of French sculptor, Jean Baptiste Moreau, Auguste Moreau (1834-1917) was proof that talent does indeed run in families. Along with his brother, acclaimed sculptor Mathurin, Auguste Moreau initiated himself into sculpture at a young age, and likely studied at one of the acclaimed art schools in Paris, such as “École des Beaux-Arts.” […]
Very rare painted metal inkwell of a burlesque man intently carving up a turkey, English, 1790s. Height: 7″ Width: 7 1/2″ Robin’s Antiques The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center wishes you and yours a very happy and satisfying Thanksgiving! And if turkey is not to your taste, may we suggest one of these birds? (Left […]
This month, we celebrate June weddings and Father’s Day (June 16) with beautiful baubles for brides, and a host of elegant accessories for gentleman, including debonair canes, designer cufflinks, antique toys for gents who are young at heart, and more!
The artist of the colorful, contemplative piece above is Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936), foremost among Viennese cold-patinated bronze craftsmen. Renowned for his acute eye for detail and bold color palette, Bergman specialized in lifelike animals and vibrant Oriental figures such as the ones featured here from The Manhattan Art & Antique Center’s F & P […]