The Winter Show, now in its 71st edition, has transformed from its origins as the Winter Antiques Show into a dynamic art fair that bridges centuries of creativity. Held at the iconic park Avenue Armory, this year’s event benefits the East Side House Settlement in the Bronx, offering visitors a “mini-Met” experience with its vast geographical and temporal scope.From medieval artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the fair continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout pieces is a medieval English baptismal font with its original stucco intact,showcased by Blumka Gallery (D7). Equally mesmerizing is a jubilant gouache depicting a volcanic eruption in 1830, displayed at Hill-Stone (D3). These museum-grade objects,with their unique oddities,are a testament to the fair’s enduring appeal. For those drawn to intricate craftsmanship,the shimmering veneers of two towering Spanish-colonial Peruvian cabinets,presented by first-time exhibitors Zebregs & Röell (D13),are a must-see.
the fair’s embrace of modernity is equally striking. A giant cigarette sculpture from the 1980s, reminiscent of Claes oldenburg’s iconic works, is on display at Galerie Gmurzynska (E10). Meanwhile, Jonathan Cooper (D11) brings photorealism from just last year, proving that the Winter Show is as much about the present as it is about the past. Joan B. Mirviss, Ltd. (E5) further bridges the gap with fine sculptural porcelain and stoneware, while Thomsen Gallery (C6) showcases exquisite Japanese basketry, highlighting the timelessness of certain crafts.
Among the fair’s most intriguing offerings is the collection of playing cards amassed by Belgian land artist jean Verame. Presented by Daniel Crouch Rare Books (E15), this collection, claimed to be the world’s largest in private hands, includes highlights such as an Apache deck from the 19th century and a deck of Paris metro tickets painted over by an anonymous artist. These pieces not only celebrate the art of play but also underscore the fair’s ability to surprise and delight.
Here’s a summary of key highlights at the Winter Show:
| Exhibitor | Highlight | Location |
|—————————–|—————————————————-|————–|
| Blumka Gallery | Medieval English baptismal font | D7 |
| Hill-Stone | Gouache of a volcanic eruption (1830) | D3 |
| Zebregs & Röell | spanish-colonial peruvian cabinets | D13 |
| Galerie Gmurzynska | Giant cigarette sculpture (1980s) | E10 |
| Jonathan Cooper | Photorealism (2022) | D11 |
| Joan B. Mirviss, Ltd.| Sculptural porcelain and stoneware | E5 |
| Thomsen Gallery | Japanese basketry | C6 |
| Daniel Crouch Rare Books | Jean Verame’s playing card collection | E15 |
The Winter Show’s ability to juxtapose the ancient with the contemporary, the customary with the avant-garde, makes it a must-visit for anyone passionate about art and design. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual browser, the fair offers a rich tapestry of themes and stories waiting to be explored. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a world where history and innovation collide.
Our Creature,Our Selves: A Journey Through Art,History,and Nature
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At the intersection of art,history,and nature lies a interesting exhibition that invites visitors to explore the intricate relationship between humans and animals. Titled Our Creature, Our Selves, this fair is a treasure trove of unique artifacts, each telling a story of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity.
A Bestiary of Wonders
The exhibition doubles as a bestiary, showcasing animal-inspired objects that are as functional as they are artistic. One standout piece is a silver carp by Fabergé, crafted circa 1908. When the owner squeezes its bulging glass eyeballs, the fish’s guillotine-like mouth chomps the end of a cigar. this whimsical creation is on display at Wartski, E13.
Another highlight is a miniature Noah’s Ark set from 1860 Germany. Remarkably detailed and clearly untouched by play, this piece serves as both a biblical and zoological education. It can be found at robert Young Antiques, E4.
For those fascinated by timekeeping, a clock made of hollowed-out duck eggs from circa 1900 is a marvel. The fragile domes spin around their axes like a solar system model, each moving at different paces to indicate hour, minute, day, tide, and more. This unique piece is showcased at Thomas Heneage Art books, B4.
Art Inspired by Nature
The exhibition also highlights how modern artists draw inspiration from the natural world.British painter Ayesha Gamiet (born 1982) presents two luminescent bird paintings, created using hand-ground pigments and shell gold. These works are part of a series interpreting the Sufi poem The Conference of the Birds. Gamiet’s deep blue interpretation of the poem is a testament to her skill and vision, and her pieces are available at jonathan Cooper.
Historical Artifacts and Educational Tools
True to the fair’s form, historical artifacts and educational tools also take center stage. Among the highlights are two of the four known bureaux typographies from 1780s France. These portable flashcard trunks,based on the educational philosophy of John Locke,resemble postal sorting desks. They hinged out into desktops, allowing children to arrange and learn from printed cards covering subjects like geography and grammar. Many of these flashcards were repurposed from royal French-suited decks, making them fittingly regicidal for the Revolutionary decade.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Item | Description | Location |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|—————————-|
| Silver carp by Fabergé | A 1908 creation with a guillotine mouth for cigars | Wartski, E13 |
| Noah’s Ark Set | A detailed 1860 German set, untouched and educational | Robert Young Antiques, E4 |
| Duck Egg Clock | A circa 1900 clock with spinning egg domes | Thomas Heneage Art Books, B4|
| Ayesha Gamiet’s Bird Paintings| Luminescent works inspired by The Conference of the Birds | Jonathan Cooper |
| Bureaux Typographies | 1780s French educational trunks based on John Locke’s philosophy | Verame Collection |
A Call to Explore
Our Creature, Our Selves is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to reflect on our connection with the natural world and the artistry it inspires.Whether you’re drawn to the whimsy of Fabergé’s carp, the historical significance of the bureaux typographies, or the modern brilliance of Ayesha Gamiet’s paintings, there’s something here for everyone.
Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration of art, history, and nature.
Up in Arms: A Journey Through Art, History, and Symbolism
In a world where art and history intertwine, objects frequently enough carry stories far beyond their physical form. From Japanese heraldic emblems to Old Testament figurines, the artifacts on display in this exhibition reveal a tapestry of harmony, violence, and human expression.
Symbols of Harmony and Conflict
A pair of Japanese lacquered katana cases from the Edo period, brought by the renowned antique-arms dealer Peter Finer (A3), stand as a testament to the duality of beauty and purpose. These sleek objects,resembling elongated bowling pins,are adorned with six-dot mon (heraldic emblems) on their upper lids and secured with steel clasps. While they serve as protective sheaths for blades, their intricate design speaks to a deeper cultural significance, embodying both artistry and functionality.
Contrasting this subtle elegance is an 18th-century ivory figurine by German sculptor Simon Troger, showcased by the European Decorative Arts Company (A11). Depicting the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, the piece captures a moment of raw violence. Cain’s cudgel appears to bend like elastic as he raises it toward his brother, while Abel’s glass pupils and teeth are rendered with meticulous detail. The men’s bodies, clothed in fruitwood-carved firs, add a layer of realism to this harrowing scene. Though it’s hard to imagine Troger creating two such pieces, a copy of this figurine resides in Bavaria.
A Gesture of Violence in Art
The exhibition, rich with implied violence, also features Greek helmets from Hixenbaugh ancient Art (E11), reminding visitors of the martial history embedded in these artifacts. Yet, the most striking gesture of violence comes in the form of a deep, blood-red skyscape, evoking the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and the Victorian lithographs by ornithologists John and Elizabeth Gould, displayed at Peter Harrington (C12).
tokens of Love and Friendship
Amidst the themes of conflict, there are also symbols of affection and connection. A 1973 brooch by french sculptor Niki de Saint phalle,brought by Didier,Ltd. (D6), features a whimsical, blobby creature adorned with luminous pinwheels and zebra stripes. The inscription, “You are my bird,” adds a touch of endearment to this unique piece.
Similarly, a standout gimmel ring from England, circa 1750, showcased by Les Enluminures (A6), tells a story of unity. This hinged ring, with its three hoops that swing out into a trefoil arrangement, features enameled hands clasping a central cluster of ruby and diamond. Though believed to be an engagement ring, its inscription, “Gage D’amitie” (token of friendship), suggests a broader interpretation of connection and commitment.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
| artifact | Description | dealer |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————|——————————–|
| Japanese Katana Cases | Lacquered sheaths with six-dot mon emblems | Peter Finer (A3) |
| Cain and Abel Figurine | Ivory sculpture by Simon Troger | European Decorative Arts (A11) |
| Niki de Saint Phalle Brooch | Enamel-on-gold brooch with whimsical design | Didier,Ltd. (D6) |
| Gimmel Ring | Hinged ring with enameled hands and gemstone cluster | Les Enluminures (A6) |
| Greek Helmets | Ancient martial artifacts | Hixenbaugh ancient art (E11) |
A Call to explore
This exhibition invites visitors to explore the intricate interplay of art, history, and human emotion. Whether it’s the elegance of Japanese craftsmanship, the raw intensity of biblical narratives, or the tender expressions of love and friendship, each artifact tells a story worth discovering.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance. Visit the exhibition and let these artifacts speak to you.
the Winter Show: A Journey Through art, Sacrifice, and Symbolism
The Winter Show, held at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan, is a treasure trove of art that spans centuries, blending the macabre with the sublime. Among the standout pieces is a striking red acrylic splatter on burlap by Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch, displayed ironically amidst Austrian finery at Kunsthandel Nikolaus Kolhammer (D14). This piece sets the tone for a show that delves into themes of life, death, and the human condition.
Art and Pathos: The Sorrow and the Pity
one of the most poignant works at the fair is a 17th-century death portrait by Spanish still life painter Juan van der Hamen y León. The painting, showcased at Eguiguren Arte de Hispanomérica (D10), depicts a small baby lying on a red velvet tomb, her skin and dress rendered in a rocky gray.The blank eye sockets of the infant starkly contrast with the fresh roses and wildflowers adorning her,creating a tension that speaks to themes of memory and the hereafter.
This interplay between life and death finds a parallel in Auguste Rodin’s iconic bronze sculpture, “The Burghers of Calais.” commissioned in 1884, the piece immortalizes the six noblemen who offered themselves as hostages to the King of England to end the 1346 siege of Calais. Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts (C1),a Winter Show veteran,has acquired a rare complete set of miniature versions of these sculptures,all cast during Rodin’s lifetime. (Only five of the six were cast in miniature.)
When compared to the Met’s full-size cast from 1985, these miniatures reveal a fascinating depth of emotion. Each figure captures a distinct sentiment—one appears mid-dance, another bored, and yet another ecstatic—rendered in a range of patinas from dark chocolate to leather.
Symbolism and Legacy
According to french legend, the burghers were spared at the last minute, turning Rodin’s work into a symbolic retrieval of life from death. this theme of resurrection finds a spiritual successor in an abstract etching by Ed Clark from 1982,displayed at Dolan/Maxwell (D12). The piece features a buried sunset of red and blue yearning through occlusive bands of gold, evoking a sense of hope and renewal.
Key Highlights at The Winter Show
| Artist | Work | Gallery |
|————————–|———————————–|———————————|
| Hermann Nitsch | Red acrylic on burlap (2014) | Kunsthandel Nikolaus Kolhammer |
| Juan van der Hamen y León| 17th-century death portrait | Eguiguren Arte de Hispanomérica |
| Auguste Rodin | Miniature “Burghers of Calais” | Bernard goldberg Fine Arts |
| Ed Clark | Abstract etching (1982) | Dolan/Maxwell |
The Winter Show runs through February 2 at the Park Avenue Armory, offering a unique opportunity to explore these masterpieces and more. For more details, visit thewintershow.org.nAct as an expert news reporters or journalists and create deeply engaging, well-researched, plagiarism-free news article BASED ONLY AND EXCLUSEVELY ON INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE BELOW, utilizing web search for relevant information and hyperlinking all external references directly to the contextual keywords within the blog body (NOT IN footnotes or a separate references section), including all provided quotes verbatim in quotation marks and attributing them naturally, seamlessly incorporating all multimedia elements from the original source, maintaining a sophisticated yet conversational tone with varied sentence lengths, integrating primary and secondary keywords organically, embedding relevant internal and external links, adding one table to summarize key points, strategically placing calls to action, fostering user engagement through fresh insights and meaningful analysis, and returning only the requested content without any additional commentary or text. When you create the article vary sentence lengths, combining short impactful statements with more elaborate descriptions to create a dynamic reading experience, Ensure a smooth narrative rich with descriptive details, immersing the reader in the subject while keeping the content approachable, Naturally integrate primary and secondary keywords in the the body text without keyword stuffing. Also Include internal and external links by hyperlinking relevant keywords within the text. All backlinks must be hyperlinked directly in the body of the blog, not in footnotes or a separate references section.and Link relevant keywords directly in the text and Ensure hyperlinks are natural and maintain the flow of the article.
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