For St. Patrick's Day: Rau Antiques Showcases All Things Irish, But Without The Potatoes
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ARTFIX DAILY, March 16, 2011--
For Rau Antiques, located in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, St. Patrick's Day isn't just another excuse to party--it actually offers a chance to show off a few of the priceless, unique and historical items that are Irish in theme and provenance. Selections include:
Irish Grey Mare by Sir Alfred James Munnings
"Irish Grey Mare" by Sir Alfred James Munnings who is considered the quintessential painter of equines. Sir Alfred painted this beauty in 1910. Elegant, statuesque, every inch of the mare's body trembles with energy and exquisite form. ($248,500)
Patrick Hennessey's monumental "Farewell to Ireland" (1963; $98,500) sums up the last day of President Kennedy's exuberant trip to Ireland. What could be more symbolic and iconic than this realistic interpretation of JFK and the charisma he brought to the Oval Office?
Back in 1810, when the Irish weren't drinking beer in their local pub, they actually could apply themselves and create some outstanding wood carvings (provided they weren't nursing a hangover), as exemplified in this pair of exquisitely carved antique rosewood pedestals. Each stands nearly four feet tall, is lavishly decorated with scrolls and winged lions, and each is topped with marble. ($68,850)
For collectors of Beleek, Rau Antiques is unbeatable. More than six pieces are available, like this lattice basket bowl, which highlights the delicate artistry for which this Irish porcelain company is known. ($3,950)
Let's go green and botanical! More delicate and smaller in scale, this Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios Intaglio Favrile Table Lamp (circa 1915) may be an easier purchase if you're looking to bring in a bit of leafy greens, in a decorative fashion. Intaglio carving is rarely seen on a favrile piece. The iridescent glass bordered shade on top of the favrile base represents a stunning achievement of artistry and innovation. Tiffany experimented with favrile glass, a type of handcrafted, iridescent glass whose luster is extraordinary, using a technique inspired by ancient Roman glass. Tiffany patented favrile glass in 1881. ($44,850)
