Badge (Lizi) of the Imperial Prince with Dragon, China, late Ming dynasty (1368-1644), mid-17th century. Silk satin with silk and metallic thread embroidery. Diameter: 11 3/4 in. (29.85 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Miss Carlotta Mabury (M.49.6.8). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Rank Badge (Buzi) of the Fourth Military Rank with Tiger, China, late Ming dynasty (1368-1644), late 16th to mid-17th century. Silk satin with silk and metallic thread embroidery. Overall: 12 1/4 x 12 5/8 in. (31.115 x 32.0675 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Miss Bella Mabury (M.39.2.234). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Court Rank Badge (Buzi), China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), 16th century. Silk tapestry weave (kesi), 14 x 14 in. (35.56 x 35.56 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Miss Bella Mabury (M.39.2.375). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.- The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens’ newest exhibition Academic Splendor: Nineteenth- Century Masterworks from the Dahesh Museum of Art, is on display January 27 through April 16, 2017. More than 40 stunning paintings and sculptures tell the story of a century that tried to balance deep-rooted artistic traditions while creating new ones. “We are thrilled to welcome such a world-class collection to Jacksonville” says Holly Keris, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator.
In the 19th century, Paris was the center of academic art, and home of the French Academy, which ran the premier art school – the École des Beaux-Arts. The Academy also oversaw the official exhibition known as the “Salon”, one of the most attended cultural event in the city. By following the Academy’s path, artists gained entry into a world of fame, awards, and commissions. Some of the best known artists to emerge from the Academy system include Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904), Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889), and William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1904).
Frederick Arthur Bridgman, American, 1847 - 1928, Cleopatra on the Terraces of Philae, 1896. Oil on canvas, 29 7/8 x 46 1/8 in. Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1999.5.
The changing artistic climate, shift in collector’s taste, and booming art market encouraged academic artists to explore different genres while upholding the principles of ideal beauty seen in Classical and Renaissance art. Depictions of rural life, religious imagery, and landscapes coexisted with historical scenes. As travels became easier, artists visited the vast area now referred to as the Middle East, present-day Turkey, and North Africa. They naturally drew inspiration from the region’s landscape, architecture, and culture, often creating highly staged scenes, blurring the lines between documented and fabricated realities.
The Museum welcomes visitors to view Academic Splendor and experience premier examples of European art from the 19th century.
Alexandre Cabanel (French, 1823 - 1889) & Adolphe Jourdan (French, 1825 - 1889), The Birth of Venus, ca. 1864. Oil on canvas, 33 1/2 x 53 1/2 in. Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 2002.37.
Hermann David Salomon Corrodi, Italian, 1844 - 1905, Campfire by the River: Kiosk of Trajan at Philae. Oil on canvas, 33 x 25 1/2 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1995.20.
John William Godward R. B. A., British, 1861 - 1922, The Necklace, 1914. Oil on canvas, 19 3/4 x 13 1/2 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1997.66.
Hermanus Koekkoek the Elder (Dutch, 1815 - 1882), Sailing Vessels in an Estuary, 1853. Oil on canvas, 15 1/2 x 21 3/4 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1997.63.
Ernest Karl Eugen Koerner, German, 1846 - 1927, The Temple of Karnak, The Great Hypostyle Hall, 1890. Oil on canvas, 31 1/4 x 18 1/4 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1995.114.
Jean-Jacques (called James) Pradier, Swiss, 1790 - 1852, Standing Sappho, modeled 1848, cast ca. 1851. Bronze, 33 7/8 x 14 9/16 x 13 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 2001.5.
Gustav Bauernfeind, German, 1848 - 1904, Jaffa, Recruiting of Turkish Soldiers in Palestine, 1888. Oil on canvas, 58 1/4 x 110 1/4 in., Dahesh Museum of Art, New York 1999.4.
PARIS - Despite taking place across the channel, the Bonhams sale Les Grandes Marques au Grand Palais in Paris on 9th February will witness the sale of some of Britain's finest motor cars. More than 30 vehicles from 7 of the most celebrated British marques will be offered, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Austin-Healey.
Magnificent Aston Martin Ulster
The top lot of the sale is the magnificent 1935 Aston Martin Ulster two-seat sports (€1,600,000-1,800,000) which was a works entry in Le Mans 24 Hours of 1935 where it finished 5th in its class. Based on the Mk II chassis, the Ulster was the apotheosis of the pre-war sporting Aston Martin and was originally made available to amateur racers for just £750. One of only 31 Ulsters built, 'CML 719' list of race outings reads like a racetrack hall of fame: Spa Francorchamps, Brooklands, Donington, Silverstone, Goodwood, Monterey and the Mille Miglia have all witnessed the robust elegance of what is widely considered to be the marque's finest pre-war car. Eligible for the most important historic motorsports events, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a sports car of this calibre.
Effortless cruising
If you'd rather experience effortless cruising than electrifying hairpin bends, then the 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé (€1,000,000-1,500,000) may be just right. At the time of release, it was described as 'offering a degree of comfort and performance beyond even the imagination of the world's motorists.' One of just 31 left-hand drive drophead coupés made, this example was delivered new to the shipping magnate and Bentley Connoisseur George A. Embiricos and has had just 2 further owners, one of whom kept the car for over 30 years. It is presented in immaculate condition with genuine owners manual and extensive documentation; the vendor advises that this is a truly luxurious grand tourer and a delight to drive.
Quintessential British luxury
From Rolls-Royce, Bonhams offers a series II Silver Cloud Drophead Cabriolet. The 1962 Series II (€335,000-395,000) is restored to a superb concours standard. First owned by American TV royalty and Television Academy Hall of Fame member, Bill Todman (The Price is Right, What's My Line), the car passed to his son on his death – the only other owner – making this a genuine two private-owner example. It is not just the celebrated Mulliner coachwork that sets this car apart, but also the quintessentially luxurious interior, boasting picnic tables, split front blue leather seats and matching carpets throughout.
Lot 387. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II cabriolet 1962. Carrosserie H. J. Mulliner - Châssis n° LSAE583 - Moteur n° 291ES. Estimate €335,000 - 395,000 (£290,000 - 340,000). Photo: Bonhams.
A trio of E-Types
One cannot talk of British cars without mentioning the Jaguar E-Type, and Bonhams is proud to offer three exemplary examples. The 1961 Jaguar E Type 3.8-Litre Roadster (€180,000-230,000) is a 'flat floor' model, considered by enthusiasts (other than those above 6ft 2) to be the most desirable version. It caused a sensation when it first appeared on the market, due to its now iconic design and its 150mph top speed. A recent overhaul of the body, interior, hood and mechanicals has resulted in a beautiful example of a classic model, presented with matching numbers and in a rare and eye-catching opalescent blue-silver colour combination. The 1965 Series I 4.2-Litre Roadster (€145,00-175,000) is in similarly fantastic condition, and also sports matching numbers. It is presented fresh from a 'rotisserie' restoration including a full interior retrim.
Lot 346. Jaguar Type E 3,8 litres « plancher plat » roadster 1961. Châssis n° 876464 - Moteur n° R3421-9. Estimate €180,000 - 230,000 (£150,000 - 200,000). Photo: Bonhams.
Lot 399. Jaguar Type E séries 1 4,2 litres roadster 1965. Châssis n° 1E11996 - Moteur n° 7E6745-9. Estimate €180,000 - 230,000 (£150,000 - 200,000). Photo: Bonhams.
After the elevation of the GT class to Manufacturer's Championship status in 1963, Jaguar were prompted to develop a very small batch of lightweight cars to take on Ferrari. Despite 100 cars being the minimum required by the FIA, coachwork modification enabled Jaguar to claim its lightweights as standard (but altered...) E-Types. Today, copies of these ultra-rare variants such as this 1962 3.8-Litre Semi-Lightweight Competition Coupé Hardtop (€250,000-350,000) are highly sought after as eligible for many events worldwide. Built by Classic Restoration Services, this example was completed in 2016 and is immaculately presented to FIA specification with period correct magnesium peg-drive wheels. Having featured in the March edition of Dutch Octane magazine, this Semi-Lightweight is a mouth-watering prospect for its next owner.
Lot 389. Jaguar Type E 3.8-Litre semi-Lightweight compétition coupé hardtop 1962. Châssis n° 877005. Estimate €250,000 - 350,000 (£210,000 - 300,000). Photo: Bonhams.
A pair of Austin-Healeys
Arguably one of the most beautiful and enjoyable sports cars of the 1950s, this 1955 Austin-Healey 100M 'Le Mans' Roadster (€200,000-250,000) is a genuine factory-built version and one of two Austin-Healeys being offered. Completed on 8th September 1955, it was finished in the same black and red combination it sports today. Capable of just shy of 120mph, this motor car is eligible for the Mille Miglia and is a serious potential concours winner. The second Austin-Healey left the factory just a year later in 1956 and factory fitted with the same Le Mans tuning kit including its beautifully finished hardtop. A 2012 Mille Miglia entrant and indeed finisher, this example retains its colour scheme of Old English White with red trim and is accompanied by its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Cerificate, confirming its full matching numbers and its origins as a genuine factory-built 100M 'Le Mans' car (€180,000-240,000).
Lot 336. Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans roadster 1955. Châssis n° BN2-L/228388. Moteur n° 1B228388. Estimate €200,000 - 250,000 (£170,000 - 210,000). Photo: Bonhams.
Lot 359. Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans roadster 1956. Chassis no. BN2-L/229932. Engine no. 1B/229932. Estimate €180,000 - 240,000 (£150,000 - 200,000). Photo: Bonhams.
Lid, Attributed to Iran, 12th–13th century. Earthenware; white slip-covered, carved decoration under a monochrome glaze (Garrus ware). H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) Diam. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm). Purchase, Edward C. Moore Jr. Gift, 1927 (27.13.4)© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This bowl belongs to a group known as Garrus ware, named after a district southwest of the Caspian Sea, where examples were reportedly found. They epitomize two of the most typical Garrus ware designs: vegetal motifs within interlaced frameworks, and animals in heraldic poses. The designs are carved through the creamy slip coating the body, exposing the reddish earthenware, to which darkening agents are applied. Finally the whole piece is covered with the transparent glaze.
Bowl Depicting King Zahhak with Snakes Protruding from His Shoulders, Attributed to Northwestern Iran, Garrus District, 12th–13th century, with alterations first half 20th century; or 20th century. Earthenware; slipped and carved under a transparent colorless, brown, and green glaze. Earthenware; slipped and carved under a transparent colorless, brown, and green glaze. Gift of Fahim Joseph Kouchakji, 1964 (64.274.3)© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The bowl shows probably a scene of the legendary King Zahhak with two snakes pertruding from his shoulders. This is a popular scene from the Iranian Epic the Shahnama. In a champleve technique the design is carved out of a white slip.
Dish with Scalloped Rim and Radial Pattern, Made in Iran, probably Rayy, 12th–early 13th century, with early 20th century additions. Stonepaste; luster-painted, in-glaze painted, transparent colorless and blue glaze. H. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm) Diam. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm). Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Gift of The Schiff Foundation, 1966 (66.159)© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Luster pieces like this scalloped dish often went unaltered in the early twentieth century because the metallic sheen could not be replicated with a pigment. Overpainting on this dish was employed mostly to cover joints.
Late Antique Gemstone Ring, Roman, 4th century. Gold and garnets. Hoop outer diam. 27.8 mm; hoop inner diam. 17.8 mm.; weight 5.04 gr. Griffin Collection, L.2015.72.38© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Gold Ring with Filigree Decoration, Visigothic (?), 6th–7th century. Gold. Height 34.4 mm; exterior diameter 20.26 mm.; weight 10.1 g.; US size 8; UK size P ½. Griffin Collection, L.2015.72.42© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Merovingian Architectural Ring, Made in Gaul, mid-6th century. Gold and garnet. Bezel 11 x 11 mm.; Height 29.6 mm.; hoop inner diam. 19 mm.; hoop outer diam. 22 mm.; Weight 8.12 gr. Griffin Collection, L.2015.72.7© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Seal Paste Box (Yinnihe) with Litchi Stems, China, Chinese, Middle Ming dynasty, about 1450-1550. Carved red lacquer on wood core. Diameter: 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Joanne Lee in memory of Grandma Eleanor S. Gorman (M.87.205a-b). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Dish (Pan) with Scholars in a Landscape, China, Chinese, Late Ming dynasty, about 1550-1644. Black lacquer on wood core with painted decoration. Diameter: 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of the Sammy Yu-kuan Lee Family in honor of George Kuwayama on the occasion of his retirement (AC1996.117.1). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Foliated Dish (Pan) with Sword-Pommel Pattern, China, Chinese, Early Ming dynasty, about 1368-1450. Carved red and brown lacquer on wood core (tixi), 1 3/4 x 14 in. (4.45 x 35.56 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Sam K. Lee and Jennifer A. Curlee (M.90.70.8). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Gold Ring with Pyramidal Bezel Inlaid with Garnet, Merovingian, 6th–7th century. Gold and garnet. Height 25.5 mm; exterior diameter of hoop 22.84 mm.; weight 9.7 g.; US size; 8 ½, UK size Q ½. Griffin Collection, L.2015.72.41© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ostrogothic Gemstone Ring, Italian, Made in Ravenna (?), ca. 500. Gold and garnet. Height 35.5 mm.; hoop outer diam. 23 mm.; hoop inner diam. 19.5 mm.; bezel 12 x 11.5 mm.; weight 18.25 g. Griffin Collection, L.2015.72.6© 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Dragon, China, Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. Abraded jade, 4 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 1/8 in. (12.07 x 5.72 x .3 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of the Marcia Israel Collection (M.89.156.15). Photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
