Previous Posts: November 2021
The Factory of the Renaissance Creative processes, market and production in Vicenza
November 23 2021
Picture: mostreinbasilica.it
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Basilica palladiana in Vicenza will be opening their latest exhibition next month entitled The Factory of the Renaissance Creative processes, market and production in Vicenza.
According to the gallery's website:
Something unique, indeed in some ways incredible, took place in the mid-16th century in Vicenza. Among the most dynamic areas in Europe for the production and trading of silk, the city, thanks to its increasing wealth, took a gamble on the transformation of its image from a “provincial location”, through avant-garde art and architecture, into a true capital of culture. Cultured and cosmopolitan clients, Vicenza’s nobility believed in the visions of a group of talented, ambitious young artists, who would become famous all over the world. What bound them together was their passion for new art nourished by that of Antiquity, born in the Rome of Michelangelo and Raphael, the art that Vasari was to define as the “modern manner”. It was very clear to the young artists that the resounding strength of this new language would enable them to challenge and undermine the venerated and celebrated masters and their traditional models, which were dominant in Venice at the time.
It was the genius of the architecture of Andrea Palladio, of the painters Paolo Veronese and Jacopo Bassano and the great sculptor Alessandro Vittoria.
It is from these premises that this unique exhibition takes its cue, which, by interweaving absolute masterpieces of painting, sculpture and architecture, combined with books, fabrics, precious objects and tapestries, will transport visitors back in time, inside the amazing “factory” of the Renaissance, telling of thirty years of the exceptional artistic life of Vicenza, from 1550 to the inauguration of the Olympic Theatre in 1585.
The exhibition will run from 11th December 2021 until 18th April 2022.
Art History for Six-Year-Olds and Under
November 22 2021
Video: Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze have produced a new series of YouTube videos specifically aimed for children up to the age of six. OPEN ART consists of ten videos (including those in the English language) that will be released each week on the gallery's website.
Here is the first edition, which features a thirteenth-century depiction of Saint Mary Magdalene by the Maestro della Maddalena. Not surprisingly, you won't hear what Mary Magdalene was also associated with...
US Museums Struggling to Find New Directors
November 22 2021
Picture: artnet.com
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Artnet.com have published an interesting article on the fact that there are a growing number of vacant Directorship positions going in Museums in the US. The article has shown that there are currently around two dozen museums actively looking for Directors, including the likes of J. Getty Paul Getty Trust (pictured), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to smaller ones that serve as pillars for their local communities, such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, and the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut.
The article points at the potential reasons for this:
The question now is whether there are enough qualified—and, perhaps more importantly, interested—candidates to fill these roles at a time when the job of museum director is considerably less desirable than it used to be.
The article also points towards other issues, including the perceived difficulty of balancing the 'wealth gaps' between board members and staff.
Conservation of Pompeo Leoni's Gilded Bronzes
November 22 2021
Picture: Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
For those able to read Spanish, @Boro_PR on Twitter has drawn attention to this rather fascinating looking report published earlier this year on the conservation of Pompeo Leoni's gilded bronze funerary statues of the Duques de Lerma preserved in the Colegio de San Gregorio de Valladolid, Spain. These exquisite works of art were produced by Leoni in the early seventeenth century, a few years before his death in 1608.
Rediscovered Constable Study at Sotheby's
November 22 2021
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
It seems that this season's Old Masters sales will truly be the battle of the Constables.
Now that Sotheby's have uploaded their full catalogue note for Constable's study for Glebe Farm, one is able to appreciate what an interesting rediscovery the picture is. The provenance is particularly curious and raises the question of how such a notable picture could have been forgotten within such a short period of time. Despite having been publicly exhibited and passed through the hands through the likes of Arthur Tooth & Sons, the painting had been sold in October last year as 'After Constable' in a regional auction house in the US.
Probably the artist’s studio sale, London, Fosters, 15–16 May 1838, lot 13 (one of two in the lot, together with a ‘Salisbury Cathedral’), to Carpenter; Probably William Hookham Carpenter (1792–1866); Probably his sale, London, Christie’s, 16 February 1867, lot 79, to Joseph Hogarth for £91 (a high price, suggesting a study of some importance); With Arthur Tooth & Sons, London, circa, 1917; Edward William Edwards (1874–1956), Cincinnati, by 1922; By descent to his grandson, Thomas Edwards Davidson (1928–1994); Thence by descent until sold, Cincinnati, Cowan’s Auctions, 2 October 2020, lot 3 (as after John Constable), where acquired by the present owner.
Furthermore, the auction house have also uploaded a full technical analysis undertaken by Sarah Cove, an interesting text which is worth reading too.
Hermitage Recreates Sounds of the Master of the Female Half-Lengths
November 22 2021
Video: State Hermitage Museum
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
As today is Saint Cecilia's Day, it seems only right that I share this brilliant new video produced by the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The video (featuring English subtitles) shows a recreation of the music found in a painting by the Master of the Female Half-Lengths.
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This painting and composition has intrigued me for many years, especially as there are a few known versions that have survived. I've always been intrigued by the open and empty lute case that is found hanging on the wall behind the players. It is so purposefully placed there one imagines it had a specific meaning. A suggestion perhaps that these women were unmarried (?) Other suggestions I've heard are far too graphic to be retold here.
Sotheby's December Day Sale
November 22 2021
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Sotheby's London have uploaded their Old Masters Day sale. This online auction will run from 3rd - 9th December 2021.
As usual, there are many beautiful and interesting things up for sale. I won't spoil the fun by pointing any out in particular. However, who cannot not admire this fine portrait of an Old Man attributed to Frans Hals (pictured) from the collection of Greystoke Castle, Penrith, Cumbria.
New Release: Peintures francaises - La collection du musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
November 22 2021
Picture: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes have this month released their latest complete catalogue of their collection of French paintings from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries.
The catalogue was edited by curator Guillaume Kazerouni and features works by the likes of Boucher, Chardin, Vincent, Lagrenée, Amand, Doyen, Suvée, Varin, Lallemant, Tassel, La Hyre, Le Nain, La Tour, Vouet, Senelle, Blanchard, Baugin, Vignon, Stella, Corneille, Loir, Le Brun, Verdier, Coypel, La Fosse, Jouvenet, Boullogne and others.
$30 Drawing turns out to be a Dürer
November 22 2021
Picture: TAN
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Art Newspaper have reported on news that the dealers Agnew's have revealed a recently rediscovered drawing by Albrecht Dürer. The work, which has since been authenticated by Christof Metzger, a curator at Vienna’s Albertina Museum, was purchased for a mere $30 at a house clearance in the US. Research has revealed other details including the watermark on the paper and artwork's provenance.
There has been speculation that the work on paper might now be worth up to $50m.
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This will of course be great news to any serious fans of the National Gallery's current Dürer exhibition, in case they might want to pop over to Agnew's afterwards to purchase the ultimate souvenir.
Tudor Portrait Realises $120k
November 22 2021
Picture: Butterscotch Auctions
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The aforementioned Tudor Portrait realised $120,000 over its $5k - $10k estimate yesterday afternoon at Butterscotch Auctions. J Stephan Edwards has revealed the painting was purchased by an individual American collector.
Bendor adds; I was interested to see this before the sale and ordered some high-res photos, which were revealing. In the end, I wondered if it is actually Tudor. Some things puzzled me, like the technnique in the hands, the drying cracks in the face, the overly 'sweet' characterisation, and the apparent lack of the usual style of gilding you'd expect to see in areas like the collar. I'd be interested to know of any dendrochronology tests the new owners do on the panel. The reason this matters is that the portrait has for a long time been held up as 'the original' of a portrait type which has been identified as a member of the Grey family, copies of which have been identified as Jane, the Nine Days Queen, or her sister Katherine, Countess of Hertford, or even Elizabeth I.
Michaelina Wautier's Five Senses Reunited in Boston
November 19 2021
Picture: MFA Boston
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Exciting news on Twitter that Michaelina Wautier's (1604-1689) 'Five Senses' have been reunited in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This is perhaps the first time in 370 years the paintings have been exhibited together. The suite of pictures will feature in the MFA's newly renovated Dutch and Flemish galleries which open tomorrow!
Sotheby's December Evening Sale
November 19 2021
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Sotheby's London have uploaded the online catalogue for their upcoming Old Master Paintings Sale on 8th December 2021.
Amongst the top lots are two portraits by Van Dyck of Jacob de Witte and Maria Nutius estimated at £4m - £6m (pictured); John Constable's Glebe Farm estimated at £3m - £5m; a still life by Rachel Ruysch estimated at £1.2m - £1.8m; a set of the Four Seasons by Sebastiaan Vrancx estimated at £600k - £800k; a Lucas Cranach the Elder of the Infant Christ and John the Baptist estimated at £550k - £700k; a Crucifixion by the Master of Charles of Durazzo estimated at £400k - £600k and JMW Turner's Cilgerran Castle, Wales estimated at £300k - £500k.
Christie's December Online Sale
November 19 2021
Picture: Christie's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Christie's London have uploaded their December Online Sale of Old Master Paintings and Sculpture. This online only sale, the equivalent of the old 'day sale', will run until 8th December 2021.
As usual, there are many fascinating lots to browe through. I won't spoil the fun by pointing any out in particular.
La Beauté en partage at the Musée Fabre
November 19 2021
Picture: Musée Fabre
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Musée Fabre in Montpellier will be opening an exhibition next month dedicated to the new acquisitions the museum has made over the past 15 years. With art and sculpture spanning centuries and several national schools, the exhibition will also be accompanied by various conferences relating to the spheres of collecting the museum are involved in.
The show will open on 15th December 2021 and close on 6th March 2022.
Juan de Valdés Leal Exhibition in Seville
November 19 2021
Picture: diocesisdecordoba.com
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville are preparing for their Winter exhibition dedicated to Juan de Valdés Leal (Seville, 1622-1690). The exhibition will include 60 works including drawings and engravings, books, sculptures and paintings. It will be the first exhibition dedicated to the artist since 1991.
In particular, some large paintings are being loaned from various churches including the grand altarpiece from the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Puerta Nueva (pictured).
The exhibition will open on 2nd December 2021 and run until 27th March 2022.
Spain's Ministry of Culture Acquires El Greco Crucifix
November 19 2021
Picture: abc.es
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Spain's Ministry of Culture have acquired a Crucifix by El Greco for a reported €1.5m. The painting, produced between 1571 and 1577, was purchased on behalf of the Museo del Greco in Toledo and is one of the first works acquired for the museum since its foundation in 1910. The work of art was subjected to an export ban thus allowing for the Spanish State to raise the funds to keep it in the country.
The National Trust Redisplays Conserved Tapestry
November 18 2021
Picture: The National Trust
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Institute of Conservation (ICON) have posted an extensive blog on the recent restoration of a fifteenth century tapestry kept at Montacute House in Somerset, a property owned and run by The National Trust. The work, dating to 1477 and woven by the workshop of Guillaume Desremaulx, has undergone 1,300 hours of documentation and conservation in Norfolk.
'Rembrandt made a mess of his legal and financial life'
November 18 2021
Picture: donner.nl
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
'Rembrandt made a mess of his legal and financial life' is but one of the claims made in a new book by the Dutch Emeritus Professor of Private Law Bob Wessels. I'm sure this fact won't be too surprising to many readers of AHN.
The University of Leiden have published a rather interesting interview with Wessels which explains more about his research into Rembrandt's legal and financial dealings. The book also claims that ‘Rembrandt was a stubborn, socially inept shopaholic.'
Rembrandt's Money is out this month.
NGS Acquire Early Image of Black Woman by Scottish Artist
November 18 2021
Picture: BBC
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The National Galleries of Scotland have announced they have acquired one of the earliest known images of a black person by a Scottish artist. The work is by artist David Allan (1744-1796) and was produced as part of his Edinburgh Characters series.
According to the article:
Alloa-born artist David Allan created drawings of ordinary people going about their daily lives in Edinburgh, including soldiers, coalmen, fishwives, sedan chair porters, firemen and officers of the city guard. These works, known as Allan's 'Edinburgh Characters', are quite different from this detailed portrait of a specific person.
'Remarkable, rare and extraordinary' Christopher Baker, director of European and Scottish art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: "We are so pleased to bring this remarkable, rare and extraordinary watercolour into Scotland's national collection.
"It is an incredibly striking and special work, one which we believe will be enjoyed by many and, we hope, lead to new research on its background and most importantly the story of the woman depicted."
How did the Bassano Leave Italy?
November 17 2021
Picture: Getty
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Italian Press having been asking the question of how Jacopo Bassano's The Miracle of the Quails was allowed to leave the country to be sold to the Getty Museum?
The Italian State, with its usually rather stringent exporting laws, has been asked exactly how a recognised masterpiece could have been exported without any consultation with experts. The painting was known to have been in the possession of the Florentine collector Vittorio Frascione between 1948 and 2006 and had purportedly even been offered for sale to the Uffizi at one point. Although there has been no suggestion of any illegality, the press are asking why the picture was not saved for the nation.
