by Robert Maguire (American, 1921-2005) Set in a small town in Scotland, the book—a fictional novel by the Scottish writer Bruce Marshall—tells the story of Father Smith and a group of exiled French nuns. (The reprint next to the painting is of the cover of the original publication, 1945.) The artist Robert Maguire, a twentieth-century…
Abraham Lincoln Debating Stephen Douglas, 1860
The work of Dean Cornwell, (American, 1892-1960), nicknamed the “Dean of American Illustrators,” was a dominant presence in such magazines as Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Redbook, and Good Housekeeping. He also painted murals on many public buildings in New York, Los Angeles, and in Europe.
The Annunciation
by Guido Reni (Italian, 1575-1642). Guido Reni was born and trained in Bologna, ultimately joining the academy of Lodovico Carracci, whom he followed to Rome in 1601. There, Guido painted in such places as the Farnese Palace and the garden palace of the Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi, and in numerous churches and chapels, establishing his reputation as…
Chinese Cider Jug
This blue and white pitcher, actually a cider jug, is approximately 180 years old. The intricate handles of this style of vessel almost never survive, as they are so fragile. The jug has retained its original lid, which is also unusual.
Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth
Dennis Malone Carter’s 1854 study for a painting of Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth, a painting that has become an icon of the portrayal of the American Revolution. Molly Pitcher was a nickname given to a woman said to have fought in the American Battle of Monmouth, who is generally believed to have…
Mary Crowned by Angels
Anonymous Jesuit priest (Spanish, ca. 1850). This rare painting, by a Jesuit priest serving in colonial South America, possibly Peru, portrays adoring angels crowning Mary as a saint. Mary cradles Christ in her left hand while holding an angel by the arm with her right. The work is reminiscent of devotional paintings found throughout Central…
Lady in Green
Portrait of a Lady in Green by Howard Christy (American 1873-1952). Christy was an artist and illustrator famous for the “Christy Girl,” similar to the “Gibson Girl.” He first attracted attention with his illustrations of the Spanish-American War, published in Scribner’s and Harper’s magazines and in Collier’s Weekly, gaining especial prominence with the series, Men…
“Big Eyes” Child
by Margaret Keane (American, 1927-) Keane’s works are recognizable by the oversized, doe-like eyes of her subjects. In the 1960s, her artwork was sold under the name of her husband, Walter Keane, who claimed credit for it. On November 1, 1964, she left him and moved from San Francisco. In 1970, Keane announced that she…
ChineseVessel
Very unusual Neolithic urn. This item was produced for burial, and was never actually used outside of the burial area. The shape of this vessel is visually similar to Greek pottery from a slightly more recent period. Produced ca. 2500 BCE.
Chinese Mask
Bronze funerary mask. This mask is tipped in gold, and is well modeled. A male face is represented in this mask. The other in the collection is of a female. Both are Liao dynasty, ca. 12th century CE.