Bardith Wall Decorations

This pair of mid-19th-century English watercolors depicts two women in quiet rural settings, each composition centered on a single figure set within a softly washed landscape. One fi...

This hand-colored watercolor and pen and ink drawing shows a fortified riverside city with medieval walls, organized around a tall Gothic church spire rising above the rooftops and t...

This pair of mid-19th century English corkworks showcases the intricate cutting and piercing of the cork demonstrating the artist's excellent craftsmanship. Each diorama features a ...

This corkwork picture diorama depicts a romantic scene of an ancient castle. The castle is perched atop a promontory overlooking a river, complete with forested terrain and a tiny s...

Antique French Nobility Costume Prints Pair Hand Colored Framed 16th Century This pair of framed French historical prints presents four richly hand-colored figures from 16th-century French nobility and judicial society. Made in Paris circa 1835, the images have unusual presence, with large isolated figures, portrait-like faces and gestures, extremely precise costume detail, and exceptionally rich surviving color. These are original 19th-century prints, published circa 1835, not modern reproductions. The engravings were issued as part of Massard and Mifliez’s Costumes français depuis Clovis jusqu'à nos jours, an ambitious survey of French historical dress based on earlier paintings, sculpture, monuments, manuscripts, and material preserved in the celebrated Gaignières collection. The four subjects include Françoise Robertet, dame de Rostaing; Marie Le Jars de Gournay; a Premier Président au Parlement de Paris; and a Conseiller au Parlement de Paris. Rather than simply illustrating generalized costume, the figures draw on documented historical and portrait sources, which helps account for their unusually immediate, portrait-like character. Two original printed explanatory leaves from the publication are preserved on the reverse of one frame. The text for Françoise Robertet states that her figure reproduces an original portrait formerly in the gallery of the Marquis de Lavardin and cites the Gaignières portfolios as its source. The text accompanying the Premier Président likewise identifies the Gaignières portfolios as the source for the figure and describes his scarlet judicial robes, ermine, and black cap ornamented with gold. The quality of execution is particularly fine. Transparent watercolor was carefully applied over exceptionally precise engraved line work, leaving the modeling of the faces, hair, lace, jewelry, textiles, and folds of the clothing clearly visible. Selected details are highlighted in gold, including the ornament on the judicial cap and small decorative elements. Salmon red, deep black, cream, turquoise, and gold create a remarkably rich palette while preserving the clarity of the engraving beneath. The matching frames are an important part of the presentation. Black outer moldings surround richly stippled decorative borders in gold, cream, reddish brown, and black, finished with narrow gilt inner slips. Deep black mats intensify the prints' color and give the four figures a strong, unified presentation. Dimensions: Each frame 15.25 inches wide x 13.25 inches high Condition: Very good, with only the slightest wear consistent with age Decoration: Richly hand-colored historical portrait and costume engravings Technique: Engraving with watercolor and selective gold heightening Material: Paper, wood frames Origin: France Date: Circa 1835 Condition: Excellent, with the very slightest wear consistent with age and use Price: $1,400 On the reverse of one print, two labels say: (The translation in English is below the French); Costumes Historiques XXXIX PREMIER PRESIDENT AU PARLEMENT DE PARIS sous le Règne de Henri III...

This is an exceptionally unusual Venetian commemorative work combining painting, maritime history, glassmaking, civic identity, and the Lion of St. Mark. Iconic Venetian Imagery: The...

This antique English silkwork embroidery picture shows a shepherdess seated in a pastoral landscape with sheep gathered at her feet. The subject is gentle and appealing, but the str...

This signed English watercolor portrait, dated 1829 and inscribed “Painted by Mr. King,” depicts Hanah Tichbon as a young woman dressed in white, wearing a gold chain and cross and h...

This pair of 18th-century English creamware wall pockets is hand-painted in the neoclassical style. Made at Leeds Pottery around 1790, they feature decorative designs in green, blue, and light brown. The molded decoration is raised and showcases a putti (a cherubic figure) holding a flaming brazier, symbolizing winter, with a quiver by his side. The corresponding wall pocket represents autumn, depicting a putti drinking from a jug, also with a quiver at his side. An identical pair can be found in the collection of The V&A Museum, with item numbers 414:1166-1885 and 414:1166/A-1885. Both pieces were acquired by The V&A Museum from Lady Charlotte...