Boy and Girl at the Pier (1889) sold to Christie’s for $76,300. These prices are reflective of the choice of art historical and cultural context for the two paintings. The first painting was sold to a collector in Switzerland, who was familiar with the Impressionist movement. The second painting was sold to a private collector in the United States, who was interested in contemporary American art. The third painting was sold to a French collector, who was interested in the Impressionist movement. The choice of the three paintings to be sold in the Christie’s auction was deliberate, as the auctioneer, Robert Frédéric Mallet, wanted to reflect the different aspects of the Impressionist movement. The first painting, Boy and Girl at the Well, was chosen because it represented the early development of Impressionism. The second painting, Boy and Girl on a Swing, was chosen because it represented the transition period between Impressionism and Pointillism. The third painting, Boy and Girl at the Pierre, was chosen because it represented the full development of the Impressionist movement.
Table of Contents
The Art of Preservation
Preserving art is a delicate balance between protecting the original piece and allowing it to be appreciated by others. Art advisors and dealers like Betty Krulik play a crucial role in this process. They assess the condition of the artwork, determine its value, and provide guidance on how to preserve it for future generations.
The Importance of Appraisal
Appraisal is a critical step in the preservation process. It involves evaluating the artwork’s condition, authenticity, and provenance to determine its value. This process requires a deep understanding of the artwork’s history, materials, and techniques used.
The Artistic Significance of the Paintings
The two paintings, “The Old Mill” and “The Old Mill at Sunset,” are significant not only for their beauty but also for their historical context. They were created during a time of great change and upheaval in the United States, with the country transitioning from a rural to an industrialized society. The paintings depict a rural landscape, showcasing the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it. They also highlight the impact of industrialization on the environment and the need for sustainable practices.*
The Artist’s Style and Technique
The artist’s style and technique are characterized by:
The Significance of the Paintings in the Artist’s Career
The paintings are significant not only for their artistic value but also for their place in the artist’s career. They demonstrate the artist’s ability to capture the essence of the natural world and convey a sense of wonder and awe. The paintings showcase the artist’s skill and craftsmanship, demonstrating a mastery of technique and style. They also highlight the artist’s ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through their work.*
The Current Ownership and Preservation
The paintings are currently owned by the present owner, who has taken steps to preserve and protect them for future generations. The owner has worked with conservators to ensure the paintings are properly preserved and conserved.
The two paintings were purchased by the estate of the late artist, John Houghton, in 1908.
1 million, and Homer Dodge Martin’s landscape, The Great River, sold for $1.1 million. The top ten-figure lot was Arnold Friedberg’s landscape, The Great River, sold at $1.1 million. The sale of these paintings was a significant milestone in the art market, marking the first time that American art had reached the top ten-figure price range.
The Rise of American Art in the 19th Century
The 19th century was a transformative period for American art, marked by a growing recognition of the country’s unique cultural and historical identity. As the United States expanded its territory and developed its economy, American artists began to explore new themes and styles that reflected the nation’s diverse experiences. Key characteristics of 19th century American art include: + A focus on landscape and the American wilderness + An emphasis on the sublime and the power of nature + The use of light and color to evoke emotions and moods + A sense of optimism and progress
The American Sublime
The American sublime was a key concept in 19th century American art, referring to the experience of awe and wonder in the face of nature’s power and majesty.
