Madonna and Child, Master of Barberino, tempera on panel, ca 1368

Having gained entry into an elite group of Renaissance Masters by exhibiting at the Uffizi Museum, this painting is certainly an acclaim-worthy work of art. Painted by the famed Master of Barberino, Madonna and Child, depicts the title figures flanked by two apostles.  What is truly eye-catching are the lush robes draping the subjects.  Made from ground lapis, the deep blue that envelopes Mary is a singular, extraordinary pigment known as “lapis lazuli”, sacred blue or sacré bleu.

Taking its name from its tremendous, almost sacred value, lapis lazuli was a costly material equal in value to gold.  Mined only in Afghanistan, the stone had to cross a very long trade route.  Transportation of this pigment was a dangerous endeavor; the carriers of the product were in constant fear of an attack by robbers.  Being of immense value, the painting studios who special ordered lapis would use it sparingly.  This piece, however, is virtually awash in the luscious blue hue, a feat that could not have been accomplished except by a special mandate from an extremely wealthy patron.  This lapis pigment was a favorite of fresco painters during Medieval and Renaissance times, it can be seen in the fresco paintings of Giotto and the tempera paintings of Fra Angelico.  Further planting this work firmly in the Early Renaissance period is the tender exchange between mother and child.  In the painting, the Madonna gazes lovingly at Christ while he gently grasps her veil in his hand. This small gesture reflects a significant shift in the 14th century, when artists began to infuse representations of Christ with human qualities.

Capturing a pivotal moment in religious and art history, this painting would fill an important place in your art collection.  The Master of Barberino had some of the largest commissions of any Tuscan artist of his day, including those for the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Ognissanti, two of the most important churches in all of Tuscany.  I urge you to consider this opportunity to own a piece by this significant early Renaissance painter.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paysage de Bretagne, oil on canvas, circa 1892

Celebrating one hundred years as one of America’s oldest and largest art and antique dealers, M.S. Rau Antiques will mark the end of its centennial with a specially curated exhibit of significant Impressionist paintings, presented alongside the masters who paved the way to the revolutionary movement as well as the innovators who carried the Impressionist ideals into the 20th century. This remarkable collection includes paintings spanning the pre-Impressionist and Impressionist movements with works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh and Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, works owned by M.S. Rau as well as works on loan. The paintings will be on display in M.S. Rau’s exhibition gallery from November 16th this year to January 4th, 2013, in the historic French Quarter in New Orleans at 630 Royal Street. The gallery is open to the public Monday to Saturday, 9:15am to 5:00pm. Admission to the exhibition is free. www.rauantiques.com

Vincent van Gogh, Still Life with Two Sacks and a Bottle, circa 1884-1885

Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Paysage, Arbres et Lande au Fonde in 1892. This landscape with trees and a moor is a brilliant example of Renoir’s iconic style. The development of his lush brushstroke, carefully conjured atmosphere and scintillating palette of color was a result of his early landscapes such as this one. Renoir, like other painters of his era, was inspired by the lush, scenic peninsula in northwestern France where this was painted.

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, L’entrée du Chemin Creux, oil on canvas

Vincent van Gogh’s Still Life with Two Sacks and a Bottle (1884) is canvas on a panel. It is one of a series he painted in his somber still life phase. As a post impressionist, van Gogh used intensely contrasting colors against a dark background, transforming the technical exercise of still life painting into a dynamic study of form and color characteristic of the Post Impressionist movement. Such drama emphasized his emotional turmoil at the time over the recent loss of his father and potentially foreshadows mental instability that would plague him so severely later in life.

Jean Baptiste Camille Corot painted L’Entrée de Chemin Creux between the years of 1870-1875. Claude Monet referred to Corot as a master of Impressionism. His techniques of painting landscapes “en plein air” (outside of a studio) were significant in the transition between classical and Impressionist styles, capturing light, natural beauty and classical elements with great ease on canvas. This particular canvas illustrates an exceptional depth of realism. Among his contemporary admirers were Courbet and Berte Morisot.

In addition to the significant works of art which will be part of this exhibition, MS Rau Antiques has an inventory of museum-quality antiques and estate jewelry for sale and for viewing at its gallery. Visitors and collectors are welcome to browse and ask questions of the knowledgeable staff.

Cortès had the remarkable ability to portray the essence of Paris in all her moods.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were exciting times to be in France. The end of the Franco-Prussian War provided the catalyst for a period of peace and prosperity known today as the Belle Époque, or Beautiful Age. Changes abounded in nearly every facet of society-from science, philosophy and architecture, to music, literature, and especially, fine art. French artists capitalized on this golden age, using the changes around them as the inspiration to create outstanding masterpieces.

French civic planner Geoges-Eugène Haussmann’s renovation of Paris (which lasted 1853 to the end of the 19th century) forever changed the face of the city. This modernization gave way to wide avenues and open spaces. Streets and public venues were often lined with people, enjoying the sights of the grand City of Lights. Often referred to as the “Parisian Poet of Painting,” Edouard Cortès devoted most of his life to chronicling the vibrant energy and beauty that was Paris. In L’Arc de Triomphe, we see the artist’s Impressionist technique shine through, with splashes of color and wonderfully rendered reflections upon the rain-soaked streets as pedestrians fill the area around the iconic monument.

Cortès had the remarkable ability to portray the essence of Paris in all her moods.

The "joie de vivre" of the Belle Époque is the subject of this painting by Béraud.

France became the center of fashion in the Belle Époque, with every well-heeled young woman anxious to follow the latest trends. Coupled with the evolving attitudes regarding women’s independence and overall place in society, and the popular fashion houses of the day took heed by creating clothing that was more practical than giant gowns and hoop skirts, yet still elegantly crafted and ornate. The iconic actress Sarah Bernhardt was both a symbol of style and the burgeoning liberation of women, a trait that is dutifully captured in this painting entitled Sarah Bernhardt Hunting with Hounds (Diane) by Louise Abbéma. She captures the renowned thespian in a fashionable and functional riding habit, taking a dignified, confident stance as she grasps the leash of her hounds. Jean Béraud explores these themes as well in Femme en Priere. The clash between traditional and nonconformity is reflected in the woman’s desire to be devout, but on her own terms, as she relaxes on the back of the chair in front of her.

The paintings of the Belle Époque artists remind us of an era when time was taken to explore, and dare I say, enjoy life. Perhaps, along with relishing in their beauty, these outstanding paintings can help us regain that joie de vive many of us rarely get the chance to stop and appreciate.

To view M.S. Rau Antiques’ selection of Belle Époque Art, click here.

Summertime is just beginning here in New Orleans.  It’s not too steamy yet, but we’re on our way.  Surprisingly enough, I am looking forward to it.

With the heat of summer comes a fun-loving attitude, which is why I would like to introduce you to my new favorite painting. It’s an arresting portrait that is full of a vibrancy and instantly commands the attention of everyone in the room.  Crafted with the technical precision and observational prowess that made the works of Émile Friant  some of the most desirable of the early 20th century, The Familiar Birds is absolutely breath-taking.  Despite the obvious qualities that would assumedly draw attention, it is the sitter’s warm smile and bright eyes that truly captivate one’s focus.  Featuring a semi-nude girl surrounded by exotic birds, the artist captures perfectly the mirthful expression on his subject’s face.  The young girl’s pose–with arms akimbo and sparkling eyes–lends personality to the painting and fills the canvas with a carefree, joyous air.  Also, please note the thieving bird who has stolen her shoe and attempts to quickly hightail it out of the frame.

A native of Nancy in northeastern France, Friant displayed a talent for art from a young age.  He debuted at only fifteen years old at the the Nancéienne Salon des Amis des Arts exhibition, an event which both proved his talent and earned him great notoriety.  Within a few years, Friant was one of the most sought-after portraitists, fulfilling commissions for patrons such as artist Georges Jeanniot and sculptor Ernest Bussière.  His talents as a portrait artist, and the increasing influence of the Dutch Masters on his art, are evident in viewing The Familiar Birds.  Hallmarks of Dutch portraiture, concentration upon everyday subjects and a special attention to the treatment of light and perspective, elevate this painting to new levels as a knockout stunning work by a great artist.

Émile Friant’s renown as a gifted portrait artist make this offering an exciting opportunity for any lover of art.  Between the vibrant colors, light-hearted composition, beautiful woman and fantastic artist, it would truly be a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection that would lift your spirit for many years to come.  After all, life is to enjoy!