Just in time for the holidays, Morphy's 12 December sale will inspire both fine art appreciators and décor aficionados with its wide range of treasures, from illustrious paintings to Tiffany lamps.
Here are the highlights of the sale.
One of the top lots is a landscape by Georges Rouault. Rouault was born in the cellar at 51 rue de la Villette in Paris, during the Siege of Paris of the Franco-Prussian War. Introduced to painting by his grandfather, he was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1891 in the studio of Jules-Elie Delaunay, and then Gustave Moreau. There he met the Fauvists Matisse, Marquet, Henri Manguin and Albert Huyot, with whom he became close friends, and exhibits with them at the Salon d'Automne of 1905.
His works address themes related to social criticism and he depicted the poor, unemployed and fugitives, as well as the human misery of the time. Recognition of his work came around 1910 and interested merchants and collectors, so much so that Ambroise Vollard, a French art dealer, bought all of his works (770 in total) in 1917. On the death of the latter in 1946, Rouault was brought to court by the heirs, but the court recognised the ownership of his paintings.
The canvas Impressionist Landscape of Israel is dated January 1948, when Rouault burned 315 of his paintings in the presence of a bailiff. Given that this painting still exists, it was considered important enough by Rouault to be preserved.
The painter, engraver and ceramist Seund Ja Rhee joined the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in 1953, two years after arriving in the French capital, becoming the only Korean artist of the School of Paris. She studied under the direction of Yves Brayer and Henri Goetz, and exhibited at the Salon des indépendants in 1959. A prolific artist, Ja Rhee produced more than 1,000 paintings, 700 engravings, 250 ceramics and benefited from 84 solo exhibitions and almost 300 group exhibitions. This 1961 work is entitled Untitled Decorative Abstract and demonstrates the influence of Lyrical Abstraction.
An exceptional vase of Daum Nancy is also a highlight. The objet d'art is adorned with brown-green enamelled wheat stalks and enamelled ears in amber tones with a small dragonfly. The marbled violet background darkens strongly towards the base of the vase, itself finely decorated with vegetable motifs. This virtuoso object with a height of 27 centimetres is an additional proof of the know-how of the famous workshop.
The Tiffany Studios brand is widely represented with 102 objects, including several models of desk lamps (some dating back to the 1910s). On the precious glass shades, we find the iconic motifs of the dragonfly, poppy and tulip, recurring in the creations of the brand.
Not to be confused, Tiffany & Co. will also be represented, with this impressive ring set with an oval cabochon sapphire weighing about 10.60 carats. A total of six brilliant-cut diamonds surround the gem, for a total weight of 0.30 carats.
A beautiful set of Rolex watch is also presented, including this Rolex Daytona Oyster Perpetual for men Ref. 116520. Made in 2010, this copy has never been worn and comes with its original box in exemplary condition.
See all Morphy Auction lots on Barnebys here
This article is sponsored by Morphy Auctions
