Category Archives: Stories

BY ALBERT CHEN

A pair of rare Georges Jouve caryatides, circa 1946, originating from L’Institut Harriet Hubbard Ayer et Alexandre de Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, sold for £127,400 ($162,000) at Bonhams Design and Contemporary Ceramics Sale held online this April. The final price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of £50,000-70,000 ($63,000-89,000).

Renowned French designer and interior decorator Jean Pascaud created the exquisite reception and entrance hall for the institute, where the Georges Jouve caryatides were prominently displayed. These pieces stood beside decorative entrance grilles designed by Gilbert Poillerat, a leading ironwork master of the time.

Marcus McDonald, Bonhams Director of Design and Contemporary Ceramics, commented on the historical significance of the pieces. “Harriet Hubbard Ayer was a remarkable woman born in 1849 in Chicago, Illinois. A socialite and an American cosmetics entrepreneur and journalist, she set the stage for later female cosmetic moguls. The caryatides, made in glazed stoneware, were situated just at the entrance of her famous salon. They are impressive pieces, and we are delighted with the price achieved, which is a testimony to their quality and heritage.”

McDonald also noted the strong performance of designer heritage pieces and the continued appeal of contemporary ceramics in the auction.

Georges Jouve (1910-1964) was a renowned French ceramicist known for his innovative and modern approach to ceramics. Originally trained as a sculptor at the École Boulle in Paris, his career was interrupted by World War II, during which he was captured and imprisoned by the Germans. After escaping, he returned to France and settled in the town of Dieulefit, where he began working with ceramics.

Jouve’s work is characterized by its bold forms, vibrant glazes, and a blend of traditional and modern influences. He often experimented with shapes, textures, and colors, creating pieces that were both functional and artistic. His ceramics included vases, lamps, and sculptural objects, many of which have become highly collectible.

Jouve’s contributions to the field of ceramics were significant, and he played a key role in the post-war resurgence of interest in ceramic art. His works are celebrated for their elegance, craftsmanship, and the innovative use of materials and techniques. Today, Georges Jouve is considered one of the leading figures in 20th-century ceramics, and his pieces are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.

Also Read

Lucie Rie’s Ceramic Bowl Shatters Records, Sells for €406,800

Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Rare Georges Jouve Caryatides Sell for Over $160,000, Doubling Pre-Sale Estimate appeared first on World Art News.

A native of Los Angeles, Mulrooney aims to highlight emerging and mid-career artists at her eponymous gallery

BY MARK ANDERSON

Yiannis Moralis’ renowned artwork, Eroticon, achieved a remarkable milestone at Bonhams Greek Sale in Paris, fetching €559,200 and doubling its pre-sale estimate. The sale, which took place this April, was a resounding success, showcasing the enduring appeal of Greek art and the immense talent of its artists.

The Greek Sale, a collaborative effort between Bonhams in London and Paris and Art Expertise in Athens, featured a diverse collection of Greek artworks that drew significant attention from collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. Terpsichore Angelopoulou, Director of Art Expertise, expressed her satisfaction with the sale’s outcomes, highlighting the fierce bidding battles both in the saleroom and online. “I am not surprised that the bidding was so intense, especially for Moralis’ and Tsarouchis’ masterpieces, which sold for such impressive prices,” she said.

Yiannis Moralis, a master of geometric abstraction, has long been celebrated for his contributions to modern Greek art. Born on April 23, 1916, in Arta, Greece, Moralis developed an early passion for painting. His journey began with Sunday classes at the Athens School of Fine Arts, guided by his father, and continued under the tutelage of renowned painters such as Yiannis Yeorgopoulos and Dimitris Yeraniotis.

Moralis’ talent was evident from a young age, and his dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades. In 1932, he gained critical acclaim at the Athens School of Fine Arts Students Exhibition. His education continued at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied painting and fresco techniques. However, the outbreak of World War II forced him to return to Athens, where he continued to develop his distinctive style.

Throughout his career, Moralis was involved in various artistic collaborations and exhibitions. In 1940, he participated in the last pre-war Panhellenic Exhibition, showcasing works such as “Nude” and “Portrait of Th. Ch.” During the years of the occupation, he focused on portraiture to sustain himself, while continuously striving for artistic growth.

The post-war years marked significant milestones for Moralis. In 1949, he co-founded the Armos group of artists, which included notable figures such as Yannis Tsarouchis and Nikos Nikolaou. His participation in exhibitions, both in Greece and internationally, further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Greek art.

In 1958, Moralis’ work received international recognition when he participated in the Venice Biennale, impressing critics and the public alike. His compositions, characterized by their geometric abstraction and emotional depth, became highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.

Eroticon, the top-selling lot at the recent Bonhams Greek Sale, exemplifies Moralis’ mastery of form and composition. The artwork’s sale at €559,200 underscores the enduring appeal and value of his work in the art market. As a testament to his legacy, Moralis’ contributions to modern Greek art continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Also Read

Francis Newton Souza’s Painting Sells for €1.47 Million

Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Eroticon by Celebrated Greek Artist Yiannis Moralis Sells for Over Half a Million Euros appeared first on World Art News.

Dozens of demonstrators were arrested in May on criminal trespassing charges

Slim auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s saw a rediscovered Quentin Metsys and a modestly priced Botticelli come to the block

The picture depicting a wild pig and a trio of human figures dates from 51,000 years ago, according to researchers, and suggests that Europe was not the birthplace of cave art

The almost certain Labour victory could have major impact on art buyers, who were restrained during the summer season

A survey of the artist’s work from the last four years of her life, will be on view at the Parrish Art Museum this autumn

The monumental works highlight both the might and the fragility of US government institutions

Christian Claus faces decades in prison for faking an art heist that would have netted a co-conspirator a $128,500 insurance payout