Category Archives: 20th Century Italian Art

Nicholas Price at the Spring Battersea Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea Park, 19th– 24th April 2016

His Majesty (Head of a Lion) Signed in pencil by the artist Published in April 1888 by C.E. Clifford & Co., London 23½ x 18½ in / 59.5 x 47 cm Exhibited: RA 1888, No. 1595

His Majesty (Head of a Lion)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in April 1888
by C.E. Clifford & Co., London
23½ x 18½ in / 59.5 x 47 cm
Exhibited: RA 1888, No. 1595

While the theme for the foyer exhibition at the Fair is of works of art and designs with a royal connection or association I thought that I would bring this rather special exhibition on the stand of Nicholas Price to your attention.

The works featured are the remarkable black-and-white etchings of twenty-five big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards by the noted wildlife artist Herbert Dicksee (1862-1942). What makes them remarkable is that Dicksee studied and drew them from life, spending long hours in London’s Zoo in Regent’s Park.

Play (Two Leopards at play) Signed in pencil by the artist Published in May 1907 by Frost & Reed Ltd, 19¾ x 26½ in / 50 x 67.5 cm Exhibited: R.A. 1907, No. 1379

Play (Two Leopards at play)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in May 1907
by Frost & Reed Ltd,
19¾ x 26½ in / 50 x 67.5 cm
Exhibited: R.A. 1907, No. 1379

As Nicholas Price says: “Few artists have been able to capture the incredible majesty of lions, tigers and other big cats of the world like Herbert Dicksee. Dicksee was a naturally gifted draughtsman and a master of the art of etching, a complex printmaking technique whereby a chemical reaction is used to incise lines onto a metal plate. His etchings were produced to a remarkably high standard and combine both meticulous observation and detail with notably free facility of line.  The result is both impressive and seemingly effortless.”

If you are wondering why you don’t see more of them around in galleries and elsewhere the answer lies in the fact that he instructed his daughter as his executor to destroy most of the plates for his etchings.

The Watcher on the Hill (Recumbent Tiger) Signed in pencil by the artist Published in January 1900 by Frost & Reed, Ltd, 18¼ x 27 in / 46.5 x 68.5 cm Exhibited: R.A. 1900, No.1564

The Watcher on the Hill (Recumbent Tiger)
Signed in pencil by the artist
Published in January 1900
by Frost & Reed, Ltd,
18¼ x 27 in / 46.5 x 68.5 cm
Exhibited: R.A. 1900, No.1564

After the Fair the works will go on show at The Park Gallery, 26 Connaught Street, London W2 from 26th April 26 – 6th May 2016

 

www.decorativefair.com

www.pricefineart.com

http://www.theparkgallery.com

Botticelli – two London exhibitions

Botticelli and Treasures from the Hamilton Collection, The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2, until 15thMay 2016

Sandro Botticelli Centre of Hell. The full figure of Lucifer (Divine Comedy, Inferno XXXIV,2), around 1481-1495, Pen and brown ink over metal pen on parchment, 63,2 x 46,3 cm © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Philipp Allard

Sandro Botticelli
Centre of Hell. The full figure of Lucifer (Divine Comedy, Inferno XXXIV,2), around 1481-1495,
Pen and brown ink over metal pen on parchment, 63,2 x 46,3 cm
© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Philipp Allard

In 1882 the 12th Duke of Hamilton sold the collection of drawings by Sandro Botticelli which depicted scenes from Dante’s Divine Comedy as well as almost all his fabled collection of illuminated manuscripts to the Berlin Kupferstichkabinett (Prints and Drawings Museum).

Sandro Botticelli Dante and Beatrice in the second planetary sphere of Paradise (Divine Comedy, Paradiso VI), around 1481-1495, Pen and brown ink over metal pen on parchment, 32,5 x 47,6 cm © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Philipp Allard

Sandro Botticelli
Dante and Beatrice in the second planetary sphere of Paradise (Divine Comedy, Paradiso VI), around 1481-1495,
Pen and brown ink over metal pen on parchment, 32,5 x 47,6 cm
© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Philipp Allard

Now we are fortunate – and I do emphasise that – to have some thirty of them in this exhibition alongside some of the illuminated manuscripts including the stunning Hamilton Bible, which appears in Raphael’s portrait of Pope Leo X in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Cristoforo Orimina Genesis (in the so called “Hamilton-Bible”), around 1350-60 book illumination and gold on parchment, 37,5 x 26,5 cm © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Jörg P. Anders

Cristoforo Orimina
Genesis (in the so called “Hamilton-Bible”), around 1350-60
book illumination and gold on parchment, 37,5 x 26,5 cm
© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett / Jörg P. Anders

Dating from 1480-1495 Botticelli’s drawings on vellum depict scenes from the three parts of Dante’s work. In Hell and Purgatory Dante is guided by Virgil but in Paradise he is led by his beloved Beatrice. These are powerful, exquisite works and the suffering and torment depicted in the first two parts might serve as a reminder to mend our own ways where necessary.

courtauld.ac.uk

 

 

Botticelli Reimagined, V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 until 3rd July 2016

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined
(c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

This is certainly a major show covering a period of some five hundred years and includes some fifty works by Sandro Botticelli himself. Rather strangely in my opinion the exhibition starts in a rather glitzy Global, Modern, Contemporary Section which features a whole variety of works, including scenes from Dr No and the The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, which are inspired by Botticelli’s painting the Birth of Venus.

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined
(c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Botticelli was rather neglected in the three hundred years after his death but was re-discovered in the 19th century by artists of the Pre-Raphaelite group, some of whom acquired his works, and thus the second section features works by Burne-Jones, Rossetti and William Morris which reflect this interest as well as paintings by Degas and Gustave Moreau.

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Installation view of Botticelli Reimagined
(c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The third and final section Botticelli in his Own Time takes us to the master himself. There are some fine works, including five Divine Comedy drawings, to be enjoyed. Among the paintings is The Mystic Nativity, his only signed and dated painting and Portrait of a Lady known as Smeralda Bandinelli (c. 1470-5) which was once owned by Rossetti. I do wonder whether the stark white walls of this section were the right foil for these works and whether the layout is a bit cramped but having said that this is a memorable exhibition for the right reasons. Botticelli certainly still reigns!

vam.ac.uk

Ely House Auction

ELY HOUSE, Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts, Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions, Ely House, 37 Dover Street, London W1, 23rd March 2016.

 

George II carved walnut settee with striking scrolling arm supports finely carved with acanthus decoration and boldly carved cabriole front legs, possibly by Giles Grendey, (est. £20,000-30,000)

George II carved walnut settee with striking scrolling arm supports finely carved with acanthus decoration and boldly carved cabriole front legs, possibly by Giles Grendey, (est. £20,000-30,000)

Taking place in a wonderful building, which has been home to Mallett since 2012, the sale offers a tempting selection of very fine English and Continental furniture as well as an array of decorative arts, including unique and unusual items.

Late 18th century Chinese porcelain punch bowl, (est. £2,000-3,000)

Late 18th century Chinese porcelain punch bowl, (est. £2,000-3,000)

Viewing

Ely House, 37 Dover Street, London W1S 4NJ

Saturday 19th March, 11.00am-4.30pm

Sunday 20th March, 11.00am-4.30pm

Monday 21st March, 10.00am-5.00pm

Pair of Genoese commodes, each with two drawers decorated 'sans traverse' with foliate scrolls and swags on a pale green background, the scroll legs terminating in gilt sabots, 86.5cm high, 61cm deep, (est. £30,000-50,000)

Pair of Genoese commodes, each with two drawers decorated ‘sans traverse’ with foliate scrolls and swags on a pale green background, the scroll legs terminating in gilt sabots, 86.5cm high, 61cm deep, (est. £30,000-50,000)

http://www.dreweatts.com

Dickens, Pomodoro, Schwabe and Drawn to the 19th Century

Sophie Dickens – Be Mine, Sladmore Contemporary, 32 Bruton Place, London W1, until 26th February 2016

“ BloodyBitchBastard, by Sophie Dickens”

“ BloodyBitchBastard, by Sophie Dickens”

This new show of work by this talented figurative sculptor tells, through eighteen bronzes and accompanying drawings, the story of a modern love affair – and yes it does end on a happy note so perfect for Valentine’s Day.

“ BloodyBitchBastard, by Sophie Dickens”

“ BloodyBitchBastard, by Sophie Dickens”

Dickens says of her use of bright colours: ‘there is a perception that bronzes need to look antique, but in Greece and Rome they were painted, and the colour has simply fallen off with age.  I want my sculptures to look new and bright.’ She certainly achieves that here.

 

http://www.sladmorecontemporary.com

 

 

Chris Beetles Gallery, 8 & 10 Ryder Street , St James’s, London SW1, until 27th February 2016.

HREE SYCAMORES ON THE GRAVE OF WILLIAM HUTCHINSON, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, ALDENHAM, HERTFORDSHIRE RANDOLPH SCHWABE, RWS LG NEAC (1885-1948) SIGNED WITH INITIALS, INSCRIBED 'ALDENHAM' AND DATED 1943 INSCRIBED 'ALDENHAM' AND '43/1' AND DATED 43 BELOW MOUNT WATERCOLOUR AND CHALK 8 X 12 INCHES PROVENANCE: THE ESTATE OF RANDOLPH SCHWABE

HREE SYCAMORES ON THE GRAVE OF WILLIAM HUTCHINSON, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, ALDENHAM, HERTFORDSHIRE
RANDOLPH SCHWABE, RWS LG NEAC (1885-1948)
SIGNED WITH INITIALS, INSCRIBED ‘ALDENHAM’ AND DATED 1943
INSCRIBED ‘ALDENHAM’ AND ’43/1′ AND DATED 43 BELOW MOUNT
WATERCOLOUR AND CHALK
8 X 12 INCHES
PROVENANCE: THE ESTATE OF RANDOLPH SCHWABE

These two exhibitions complement each other well.  In Randolph Schwabe – artist, teacher, diarist we see how his keen observation of people and places was transposed onto paper or canvas to produce an accurate, detailed observation of the subject matter.  He was a gifted art teacher and it is no surprise that in 1930 he became Professor and Principal of the Slade School of Art a position he held until his death in 1948.

OLD PUTNEY BRIDGE SIR ERNEST GEORGE, RA (1839-1922) SIGNED WITH INITIALS, INSCRIBED 'PUTNEY' AND DATED 1885 WATERCOLOUR 6 3/4 X 8 3/4 INCHES PROVENANCE:A BOSTON COLLECTION


OLD PUTNEY BRIDGE
SIR ERNEST GEORGE, RA (1839-1922)
SIGNED WITH INITIALS, INSCRIBED ‘PUTNEY’ AND DATED 1885
WATERCOLOUR
6 3/4 X 8 3/4 INCHES
PROVENANCE: A BOSTON COLLECTION

The second Drawn to the 19th Century celebrates the continuing appeal of works on paper to collectors.  It was a time that saw the watercolour come into its own as a medium especially when depicting nature “en plein air”.

http://www.chrisbeetles.com

 

Arnaldo Pomodoro, Tornabuoni Art, 46 Albemarle Street W1, until 16th April 2016

This is the first time for over fifty years that this artist’s work is being shown in London and it provides a view of his artistic output from his early woks to more recent examples.

Tornabuoni Art, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Photography: Prudence Cuming, Courtesy Tornabuoni Art London

Tornabuoni Art, Arnaldo Pomodoro,
Photography: Prudence Cuming, Courtesy Tornabuoni Art London

Key to them are the sculptor’s fascination with symbols and signs and the “language” he creates with them. Paul Klee and Lucio Fontana have been influences but what comes across strongly in this exhibition is a natural ability to renew himself in his interpretation of the latter’s Spatialism.

http://www.tornabuoniart.com

The 2016 Works on Paper Fair

The Works on Paper Fair, The Royal Geographical Society, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7, 11th – 14th February 2016

John Iddon Fine Art David Hockney, Anne Combing Her Hair, Lithograph ed. of 75

John Iddon Fine Art
David Hockney,
Anne Combing Her Hair,
Lithograph ed. of 75

This year’s Fair is in a new venue but it will still bring a tempting array of works on paper from over six centuries from some fifty or so European and British dealers.

Laurie Lee: The Artist loan exhibition - Laurie Lee, Self Portrait, Gouache, c.1937, 56 x 38cm

Laurie Lee: The Artist loan exhibition –
Laurie Lee,
Self Portrait,
Gouache, c.1937, 56 x 38cm

There is a very special exhibition, thanks to Jessy Lee, of drawings and paintings by her father Laurie Lee of Cider with Rosie fame.  Among those giving talks during the Fair are historian Simon Schama and the National Portrait Gallery’s Colin Wiggins.

Elizabeth Harvey Lee Jan Both (c1615/18 - 1652), Ponte Molle, Original etching, early1640s 20 x 27 cm

Elizabeth Harvey Lee
Jan Both (c1615/18 – 1652),
Ponte Molle, Original etching, early1640s
20 x 27 cm

The dealers at this well-vetted fair include among others Abbott and Holder, Chris Beetles Gallery, Marcus Campbell Art Books, Martyn Gregory, Elizabeth Harvey-Lee, John Iddon Fine Art, Kevis House Gallery, Kaye Michie, Stephen Ongpin Fine Art, Crispian Riley-Smith Fine Arts, David Simon Contemporary and John Spink.

David Simon Contemporary Peter Lloyd-Jones, The Dance, Ink, 30 x 21cm

David Simon Contemporary
Peter Lloyd-Jones,
The Dance,
Ink, 30 x 21cm

 

Stephen Ongpin Henri Lebasque (1865 - 1937), A Seated Female Nude in an Interior 20 x 19cm,

Stephen Ongpin
Henri Lebasque (1865 – 1937),
A Seated Female Nude in an Interior
20 x 19cm,

 

Crispian Riley-Smith attrib. Patrizi (1663 - 1744), Marriage Scene of Dorinda and Silvio, Red chalk, ink wash, 20 x 14cm

Crispian Riley-Smith
attrib. Patrizi (1663 – 1744),
Marriage Scene of Dorinda and Silvio,
Red chalk, ink wash, 20 x 14cm

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.worksonpaperfair.com

Manzù

Giacomo Manzù: Sculptor and Draughtsman, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, 39a Canonbury Square, London N1, until 3rd April 2016

What a delightful show this is celebrating the sculpture and drawings of Giacomo Manzù (1908-1991). Although basically self-taught you will see the influence of both Rodin and Medardo Rosso in his work.

Large seated cardinal 1983 Gilded wood, 205cm Courtesy: Galleria d’Arte Maggiore, Bologna

Large seated cardinal
1983
Gilded wood, 205cm
Courtesy: Galleria d’Arte
Maggiore, Bologna

Religious imagery is a key component of his work whether the memorable figures of Cardinals or decoration for churches or chapels such as the “Doors of Death” he was commissioned to create for St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Giacomo Manzu Portrait of Aurora 1980 Pencil on paper Courtesy Galleria d'Arte Maggorie Bologna

Giacomo Manzu
Portrait of Aurora 1980
Pencil on paper
Courtesy Galleria d’Arte
Maggorie Bologna

He was equally at home in a more sensual world as his sculptures of entwined lovers and other drawings reveal.  There are also some very fine studies of his family.

Lovers bronze cm. h. 35 x 70 Courtesy: Galleria d’Arte Maggiore, Bologna

Lovers
bronze
cm. h. 35 x 70
Courtesy: Galleria d’Arte
Maggiore, Bologna

 

 

Please check website for opening times

 

http://www.estorickcollection.com

Butterflies at Battersea

The Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11, until 24th January 2016

Once again a wide-ranging selection awaits you whether you are planning a major redecoration of your home or just looking to add a particular piece to a room.

In Limbo Nadine Kalachnikoff 24" x 48" x 3"

In Limbo
Nadine Kalachnikoff
24″ x 48″ x 3″

Newcomers to this Fair are the well-known Swedish interior designer Lars Bolander and his wife the Russian artist Nadine Kalachnikoff who opened their first antique showroom in East Hampton in 1995 but for the last twenty years have been based in Palm Beach. The highlight of their stand is an exhibition of Nadine’s three-dimensional butterfly pictures which strikingly combine texture, colour and movement. The butterflies are created using feathers. It is the first time they have exhibited in the UK.

 

 

 

 

http://www.decorativefair.com

BOOK REVIEW: The Children’s Interactive Story of Art

The Children’s Interactive Story of Art

Susie Hodge

Carlton Kids, £14.99

 

AR interactive story of artThis is an ideal book for any child (and possibly adults) who wants to know a bit more about art as it looks at paintings from prehistoric times to the present day.  Many of the paintings featured can be found in London’s National Gallery.  Not only is there the book but also you can download a free app and create your own virtual gallery using paintings from the National Gallery and, of course, you can add your own too.  Sounds fun!

http://www.carltonkids.com

Winter Olympia 2015

Winter Olympia Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia Exhibition Centre, London W14, 2nd-8th November 2015

László Lukácsi: Jewel fan, layered sheet glass and mirrors, glued, polished and acid etched, 2014; 25 x 13 cm. Prisma Gallery

László Lukácsi: Jewel fan,
layered sheet glass and mirrors, glued, polished and acid etched, 2014; 25 x 13 cm.
Prisma Gallery

This year’s fair opens slightly ahead of Asian Art in London but there is still some overlap.  The fair’s events programme is quite lively with a variety of talks (some of which are in conjunction with the V&A) including among the subjects Art Deco travel, historic wallpapers, Chinese sculpture, Pre-Raphaelite Drawings and the BBC Roadshow expert Alastair Dickenson will show how to identify the authenticity of a piece of silver.  In addition the art consultant Vanessa Curry will conduct highlight tours round the fair. As always all objects are vetted by experts before the fair so you can buy with confidence.  Good hunting!

Silver plated teapot with ebony handle, designed by Dr Christopher Dresser for James Dixon & Son, Sheffield. c1880. James Strang

Silver plated teapot with ebony handle, designed by Dr Christopher Dresser for James Dixon & Son, Sheffield. c1880.
James Strang

http://www.olympia-antiques.com

Burmantofts Persian pottery gourd vase designed by Leonard King, c1885, British. James Miles

Burmantofts Persian pottery gourd vase designed by Leonard King, c1885, British.
James Miles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pair of Art Deco cloud back armchairs. Jerone Markies

A pair of Art Deco cloud back armchairs.
Jerone Markies

 

La Bievre près du Paris by MAXIMILIEN LUCE (1858 - 1941) Oil on canvas, signed and painted c.1890. Frame size: 22 x 25in / 57 x 64cm. Willow Gallery

La Bievre près du Paris by MAXIMILIEN LUCE (1858 – 1941)
Oil on canvas, signed and painted c.1890. Frame size: 22 x 25in / 57 x 64cm.
Willow Gallery

 

A Regency Celestrial Globe by Cary,London, 1820. Hansord

A Regency Celestrial Globe by Cary,London, 1820.
Hansord

 

1970's ring by Paul Flato Anthea AG Antiques

1970’s ring by Paul Flato
Anthea AG Antiques

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aquarium table cigarette lighter by Alfred Dunhill, C 1950. Hampton Antiques

Aquarium table cigarette lighter by Alfred Dunhill, C 1950.
Hampton Antiques

 

David Kent and Lorenzo Chinnici

The Synergy of Sons – Kent/Chinnici, Menier Gallery, 51 Southwark Street, London SE1, 2nd – 7th November, 2015

David Kent Snake and Ladders

David Kent
Snake and Ladders

Following their joint exhibition at The Six Inch Gallery in Milan the show comes to London.  The sons’ 0f British artist David Kent and Italian artist Lorenzo Chinnici are the motivating force behind this international venture and hence the title.

Lorenzo Chinnici Fishermen

Lorenzo Chinnici
Fishermen

Chinnici’s work combines Sicilian traditions with sensitivity and the concept of memory while Kent’s works reflect his interest in Pop Art and the attitudes associated with it. Although both artists suffer from an eye disorder I am delighted to say that they are still painting.

 

http://www.kentgalleries.com

http://www.lorenzochinnici.com

http://www.meniergallery.co.uk