The Ming vase possesses a very rare color combination, known as Fa Hua, applied to a shape that is very difficult to execute well and is known as a mei ping. Mei ping vases were made to hold the first blossoms of spring, and were typically produced with a glaze of celadon or decorated in…
Author: Myrian Cavalli
Rose Medallion Tazza
The tazza was produced for a marriage. It supports the twin fish motif, of importance to Asians, yet the colors and other design elements are typical of items made for export to Western consumers. This combination of colors and motifs makes this specimen quite unusual, and potentially a special order for the marrying couple.
Mother and Child
by Ivan Ermakov (Russian, 1875-1942). Ermakov was trained in the academic traditions of pre-Revolutionary Russian and his work revealed the national tradition of old portraiture of the Russian Empire style, focusing on historic and nostalgic themes. His painting here, of the Madonna and Child, expresses a nostalgic look during the rapidly changing world of the…
Gun Fire from atop the Coach
by George Rozen (American, 1895-1974). A prolific illustrator for pulp-fiction publications. This painting appeared on the cover of Ace-High Western Stories, March 1950.
Almost Got It
Painted for the Father’s Day cover (June 18, 1939) of This Week Magazine by Russell Sambrook (American, 1891-1956). Illustrators such as Sambrook fill in the gap between the age dominated by Joseph Leyendecker and the renaissance of Americana seen through Norman Rockwell’s eyes. Sambrook’s approach to visual design and sense of stagey humor owe a…
Rose Medallion Garden Barrel
The garden barrel would have provided a seat for contemplation, with the cool porcelain making the garden pleasurable on a hot day.
Madonna and Child
by Domenico Zampieri (or Domenichino) (Italian, 1581-1641). Domenichino was trained under Annibale Carracci and began his early work in Rome. Following a distinguished career there, he moved to Naples where he painted numerous scenes in the city’s cathedrals and churches. He was friends with Giovanni Battista Agucchi with whom he collaborated on a Treatise on…
Portrait of a Young Woman
by Neysa McMein (American, 1888-1949), cover of the Saturday Evening Post, March 11, 1922. Born Marjorie Moran in Quincy, Illinois, McMein attended the Art Institute of Chicago and in 1913 went to New York City. Her pastel drawings of chic, healthy American girls proved highly popular and brought her many commissions. During World War I…
Ceremonial bronze offering dish or censer is Zhou
Dynasty, 1046 –256 BCE. This dish was made during the time when humans and animals were sacrificed and placed in tombs, with offering items such as this bronze dish. Stylized demon faces on the handles provide extra security for the deceased. Bronze sword, made ca. 300 BCE. Looking closely at the handle/hilt, it is possible…
Study for Saturday Evening Post
Study for Saturday Evening Post cover, March 23, 1940, by Joseph Leyendecker. Leyendecker (American,1874 –1951) was one of the most popular American illustrators of the early 20th century. He is best known for his poster, book and advertising illustrations, and his numerous covers for The Saturday Evening Post. Between 1896 and 1950, Leyendecker painted more…