Florida

Pioneering female abstract artist Elsie Driggs paints stylized abstract organic forms in a warm palette of orange browns and tope. She merges abstraction with some figuration. A structured face composed of lines and tone emerges from an orange background. It's 1939, and even though Driggs is not well known, she is preceding many of the marquee names of abstraction by a decade. Although under the radar, this is a major work and is titled on the back stretcher is " Egyptian Gothic." It features the artist's inventiveness with her fine pencil lines incorporated in flat washes of color and collage elements. Signed lower right and inscribed on frame verso with title, artist and the date of 1939. Provenance, Christie's, Freemans. Framed under glass.. Elsie Driggs (1898 – July 12, 1992 in New York City) was an American painter known for her contributions to Precisionism, America's one indigenous modern-art movement before Abstract Expressionism, and for her later floral and figurative watercolors, pastels, and oils. She was the only female participant in the Precisionist movement, which in the 1920s and 1930s took a Cubist-inspired approach to painting the skyscrapers and factories that had come to define the new American landscape. Her works are in the collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Houston Museum of the Fine Arts, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the James A. Michener Art Museum in Pennsylvania, and the Columbus Museum of Art, among others. She was married to the American abstract artist Lee Gatch. Career Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Driggs grew up in New Rochelle, a suburb of New York City, in a family that was supportive of her artistic interests. After a summer spent painting with her sister in New Mexico in her late teens, she felt she had found her life's calling. At twenty, she enrolled in classes at the Art Students League of New York, where she studied under George Luks and Maurice Sterne, both of whom were charismatic, inspirational figures in her early life. She also attended the evening criticism classes held at the home of painter John Sloan. Driggs spent fourteen months in Europe from late 1922 to early 1924, drawing and studying Italian art. There she met Leo Stein, first in Paris and later in Florence, who became an important intellectual influence, and who urged her to study Cézanne. He also introduced her to the works of Piero della Francesca, the Renaissance artist for whom she felt throughout her life the greatest admiration.[1] Driggs eventually settled in New York City, where she found representation with the progressive Charles Daniel Gallery.[2] (Advised that the old-fashioned and misogynistic Daniel would be unlikely to take on a woman artist, she signed the works she left for his consideration simply "Driggs" and waited to meet him in person until he had expressed his eagerness to include her in his gallery.)[3] In sympathy with those artists Daniel represented who were part of the burgeoning Precisionist movement, such as Charles Demuth, Charles Sheeler, George Ault, Niles Spencer, and Preston Dickinson, she too painted "the modern landscape of factories, bridges, and skyscrapers with geometric precision and almost abstract spareness."Impressionism and academic or Ashcan realism represented the past, in Driggs' view, and she intended to be resolutely modern. She was an attractive and engaging woman, but her demeanor belied a strong ambition and a clear sense of what it would take to make her mark in the New York art world. Driggs was part of the pre-eminent first group of Precisionist painters, including Demuth and Sheeler, who exhibited at the Daniel Gallery in the 1920s. Although a later group of Precisionist painters, including Louis Lozowick, Ralston Crawford and others, came on the American Art scene during the 1930s, Driggs felt that the style came to an end with the 1929 stock market crash.[5] In 1926 she painted her most famous work, Pittsburgh, a dark and brooding picture now in the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art, which depicts the gargantuan smokestacks of the Jones & Laughlin steel mills in Pittsburgh. Its focus is an overpowering mass of black and gray smokestacks, thick piping, and crisscrossing wires with only clouds of smoke to relieve the severity of the image, yet it was an image in which she found an ironic beauty. She called the picture "my El Greco" and expressed surprise that viewers in later years interpreted the painting as a work of social criticism. Like the other Precisionists (e.g., Demuth, Charles Sheeler, Louis Lozowick, Stefan Hirsch), she was concerned with applying modernist techniques to renderings of the new industrial and urban landscape, not in commenting on potential dangers the overly mechanized modern world of 1920s America might present. If anything, Precisionism, like Futurism, was a celebration of man-made energy and technology. One year later, she painted Blast Furnaces, in a similar vein. As noted above, Piero della Francesca's mural depicting "The Story of the True Cross" in Arezzo, with its tubular, static and frozen forms was the major influence on Driggs' "Pittsburgh" (it may have been the major influence for "Blast Furnaces" as well).[7] After Pittsburgh, Driggs' most acclaimed work was probably Queensborough Bridge...

An art deco guilloche enamel pill box made by Wells & Company. Beautiful enamel round pill box, created during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This beautiful antique piece wa...

Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a 1930s antique set of 6 solid Mahogany Chippendale dining chairs They are very well made chairs which will last many more lifetimes. Set includes 2 arm and 4 side chairs Approximate measurements in inches Armchairs...

Robert Lepper (1906-1991) . Cubist composition, 1931. Cut copper, brass and steel sheeting tacked to masonite panel. Panel measures 14.5 x 24 inches. Total framed measurement 20 x 29...

At deco platinum wristwatch. Beautiful highly decorated lady wristwatch, made in America during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This elegant wristwatch has been crafted in so...

Female artist Louise Lue Osborne paints a classic composition with an interaction of two women and a child soaked in golden late light. The figural gro...

An unusual and rare armchair and ottoman designed by Donald Deskey for Valentine-Seaver Co, circa 1930s. Completely restored and reupholstered in mohair. The chair measures 22.5"w, 3...

Unique sculptural French Art Deco wood and glass rectangular cocktail table dating from the 1930s. The vintage occasional table features a wooden frame highlighted by a hand-painted ...

Unusual highly stylized wood carved sculpture by Raymond Phillips Sanderson, signed and dated 1937. Known for his interest in Southwest themes and influence of Art Deco-this is an excellent example. A note about the artist: "Raymond Phillips Sanderson (1908–1987) was an American artist and sculptor. Sanderson was born in Bowling Green, Missouri and educated at the Art Institute of Chicago under Raoul Josset. He moved to Bisbee, Arizona for his health in 1932, where he worked as an illustrator and sign painter. His first major commission was the Miner's Monument at the Cochise County Courthouse in Bisbee, popularly known as the Copper Man, as well as some reliefs in the interior of the courthouse. He moved to Phoenix in 1937 to teach at the Phoenix Art Center under sponsorship by the Works Progress Administration. In 1939 he was commissioned by industrialist Rufus Riddlesbarger to outfit and decorate his new house at Riddlesbarger's Lanteen Ranch near Sierra Vista. Sanderson received several significant commissions starting in 1940. Working for the United States Maritime Commission, Sanderson sculpted a series of wood relief panels...

Venetian art glass vase by Napoleone Martinuzzi. An antique pre WWII unique piece made in Italy at the Murano island in Venice, back in the 1935. It was designed by the artistic di...

An art deco table lamp designed by Melville. G. Willer Beautiful stylish SightLight table lamp, created in America during the art deco...

Maurycy Trębacz (1861 – 1941) was one of the most popular Jewish painters in Poland in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many of his paintings were lost in the Holocaust, but a r...

ARTIST: Salvador Dali TITLE: Les Chants de Maldoror (Tongue) MEDIUM: Etching SIGNED: Hand Signed PUBLISHER: Albert Skira, Paris EDITION NUMBER: 14/100 MEASUREMENTS: 22" x 16.5...

Original Art Deco old cut diamond ring in platinum. Long vertical frame with a dome-shape shank that gives excellent coverage on the fing...

Stools Art Deco. Material: wood You want to live in the golden years, this is the stool that your project needs. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles s...

An art deco desk box designed by Poole Silver Co. American, Founded in 1893. Very elegant rectangular box, created in America during the art deco period back in the 1930-1940. This elegant desk box was crafted by the Poole Silver Co. with sharp lines in solid sterling silver with high polished finish. Mount in four elaborated geometric sabots and fitted in the interior with linings of natural cedar wood and a secure lid with nine barrels hinge. Weight: 373.55 Grams, (239.46 Dwt). Measurements: 165 mm by 89 mm x 43 mm (6.5 x 3.5 x 1.70 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver, the model number and signed, "STERLING BY POOLE 78". Poole Silver Co. The Poole Silver Company was formed in 1892 by George Poole and Edward Roche in Taunton as Poole, Roche & Co., then established as a corporation on May 21, 1895. They was in the beginning manufacturer of plated silverware and manufacturer of silver products made with electroplating techniques. In 1900 it operated in a small two-room factory at 106 Whittington Street, and later moved to 320 Whittington Street. From 1946 the firm began to produce sterling silver flatware, hollowware, and cutlery. Later, Poole bought the full control and managed the company until his death. Poole was succeed by his three sons until 1946, when they retired and sold the company to a group headed by Sidney A. Kane. In 1946 was opened a sterling silver department, in 1950 the Bristol Silver...

An art deco classic ring with gemstones Very beautiful art deco classic cocktail ring, created in America back in the 1930. This ring was crafted in white gold of 18 karats with pol...

Desk lamp Art deco. Materia: chromed and wood Style: Art Deco Country: German To take care of your property and the lives of our customers, the new wiring has been done. If you want...

American Art Deco desk in the manor of Gilbert Rohde for Kohler with four drawers. Desk is maple stained mahogany. Handles are bakelite with bra...

Art deco Enamel case designed by Finnigans Limited. This extraordinary and beautiful cased-box, was created in London England during the Art Deco period. Has a great provenance and was designed by the famous silversmiths and retail store of Finnigans Limited, back in the 1932. The thematic of this box is rare and very popular. Has been crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling silver standard with gilded interiors. The case has been made in a cushioned compact shape with eight barrels hinge and a push pressure thumb. The main panel on top is illustrated with a landscape scene and a Formula-1 racing red car, with the number L6, all realized with polychrome enamels. The reverse is embellished with engine turned guilloche decorations. This fine piece is masterfully worked with extreme details and is a very especial example for any collector, or a wonderful gift for someone special. It is in perfect preserved condition. Weight: 135.98 Grams, (87.16 Dwt). Measurements: 85 mm by 111.3 mm by 8 mm (3.35 x 4.38 x 0.11 Inches). Hallmarks: Both parts are Stamped with British marks; the mark of the lion for the city of London, the maker's mark Fs.Ld associated to Finnigans Limited, the Gothic letter R for the production year 1932, and signed, "FINNIGANS LTD. LONDON". Finnigans Limited The House of Finnigans was founded by Brian Finnigan in 1830. Brian Finnigan established the house as a sole proprietor and opened a workshop in Newton...

Step into the opulent embrace of yesteryears with an antique Art Deco evening bag that resonates with vintage allure. A true relic, this piece seamlessly melds platinum and 14k yello...

Table lamps Art deco. Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Materia: chromed and wood Style: Art Deco Coun...

A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful Rondette desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 193...

Achille Mauzan created this vintage poster in 1924 to advertise the Bertozzi brand of cheeses. Three judges with expressive faces lean over the cheese, giving us a sense of the fragr...

A desk clock designed by Cartier. A beautiful and sober desk clock, created in Paris France by the the house of Cartier during the late art deco period, back in the early 1935. This desk clock is very rare and has been designed with geometric art deco patterns and assembled from several polished pieces carved from natural black onyx and reddish translucent agate. All parts mounted in gilded bronze and sterling silver settings of .935/.999. Movement: Swiss mechanical wingding Imhof movement, Caliber 244, Fifteen Jewels, 8 days, Serial. The dial is octagonal with a unique painted scene depicting an ancient Greek ship, most probably from the Homer's Iliad or related to the wars of Troy. Analog without numbers and with golden hands and inscribed, Cartier Swiss...

Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Two tables Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you w...

All glass, 2 pieces.

The Joseph Perrier Company traces its history to 1825 in France. The Company continues to this today with a proud heritage of 190 years. The design celebr...

An art deco platinum ring. Stunning art deco cocktail ring, created in America back in the 1930. This beautiful ring was crafted in platinum and iridium and mount with a great selec...

Material: wood Style: Art Deco French If you want to live in the golden years, this is the cupboard that your project needs. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouv...

2 floor lamps Art Deco Materials: wood, glass, chrome France 1930 You want to live in the golden years, those are the floor lamps that your project needs. We have specialized in the...

An Octette desk lighter designed by Ronson. This Ronson Touch-Tip Octette table lighter was made between 1935 and 1951 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, New Jers...

French Art Deco suite made of Macassar ebony and walnut. Suite includes: 1-Armoire with 3 large doors that open to interior shelves, center door is mirrored. 84 H x 69 W x 20 ...

Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Materials: (parchment leather ) and wood Style: Art Deco Country: Fr...

A Deluxe desk lighter designed by Ronson. This extremely rare Ronson Deluxe Classic Touch-Tip lighter was made in 1938 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, New Jersey in the United States. This lighter began a very successful era for Ronson Touch Tip...

Desk double box with handles and touch tip designed by Ronson. Very beautiful desk box with handles, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period...

Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Two tables Material: wood and glass Style: Art Deco Country: France...

2 floor lamps Art Deco Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Materials: wood, alabaster and chrome France ...

Art Deco Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Handled Walking Stick Offered for sale is an Art Deco walking stick with a silver handle that is topped ...

Table lamps Art deco. Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Materia: chromed and wood Style: Art Deco Coun...

Lamp Art Deco Materia: Chrome and wood Style: Art Deco Country: France To take care of your property and the lives of our customers, the new wiring has been done. If you want to live...

It was exhibited in the original Miami beach antique show and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau a...

Art Deco Daybed, KEM Weber for Lloyd, 1930s Streamline Industrial Design Original "steamer" chaise lounge or daybed by Lloyd Manufacturing Co, features stunning tubular bent chrome l...

A 1930s Keith Murray for Wedgwood vase with a moonstone-glazed exterior and matte green interior, accented with platinum details around the rim and foot. Dimensions: 9 1/4 in. H x 6...

Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you want to live ...

Vintage Art Deco era Blue Lapis and Diamond floral motif link bracelet. Set with 14 Lapis Lazuli beads and 40 round-cut diamonds. This piece is an original Art Deco era bracelet. Cir...

Desk lamp Art deco. Materia: chromed and wood Style: Art Deco Country: German To take care of your property and the lives of our customers, the new wiring has been done. If you want...

2 floor lamps Art Deco Materials: wood, glass, chrome France 1930 You want to live in the golden years, those are the floor lamps that your project needs. We have specialized in the...

Butterscotch Bakelite Catalin Clamper Watch designed by Royal Dynasty. A rare vintage genuine butterscotch Bakelite/Catalin clamper watch bracelet created by the Royal Dynasty Compa...

Exhibited at Original antique show ( Miami beach ) and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Two tables Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France We have ...

This is a 4 drawer Swedish Gustavian chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"

Introducing a rare and stunning piece of history: an antique Rolex Oyster Pioneer manual winding watch. With its 28mm dial, manual winding movemen...

This is a unique Swedish Rococo Style Console Table, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"

Magnificent Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch featuring a matching pair of important Old Mine Cut Diamonds weighing 5.60 carats and 5.64 carats. Both accompanied by a GIA report stating that they are H color VS1 and H color VS2 clarity. This brooch comes with an Expertise letter from IAJA (international Antique Jewelers...

Art Deco Black Enameled & Crystal Dog Intaglio Motif Coaster Box Set Germany, circa 1930s A unique set of Art Deco useable barware, appearing as a small jewel like round black enameled box with a reverse painted intaglio...

An art deco mechanical box clock designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. This is an extremely rare multifunctional desk piece, created in Paris France during t...

Art deco magic penguin mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. A beautiful, exceedingly rare and very decorative mechanical dispenser desk box, created in the city of Newark, N...

Geometric desk clock designed by Cartier. This fabulous one of a kind desk table clock is an epitome of the French art deco design. Has been exceptionally designed in Paris by the l...

Art deco enamel vinaigrette box. Beautiful vinaigrette case, created in London England back in the 1930. This stunning piece has been crafted in a a r...

An original Vintage triple strands of white coral circa 1930. The coral is natural and even in color with no indication of treatment - the round beads range from 7 to 12 millimeters....