Turquerie: An Eighteenth Century European Fantasy

This stunning book by Haydn Williams for the first time gives a historic perspective on the eighteenth century European fascination with Turkish culture in fine art, the decorative arts, and architecture.

Travelers and traders  brought home vivid accounts of the Ottoman Empire, the style, the culture, the exotic! For the first time, translations of books such as One Thousand and One Nights brought to light the imagery of this luxurious magnificence. Turquerie is a theme where we see turbaned figures, elegantly draped and languishing royalty. Art and wall panels often featured palm trees, camels, crescent moons, horsetail standards, elaborate follies and tents. Portraits painted in this relaxed manner was new to Europeans, where subjects stood upright to be painted. The zenith of excitement was realized in France; though Turquerie reached far and wide with the construction of a Mosque Folly at Kew gardens in London and Turkish tents constructed in Dresden along the Elbe to celebrate a Royal Wedding.

 

One of a pair of  pietre dure plaques of  Turqs, Galleria dei Lavori,  Florence c 1770 colored hard-stones, gilded bronze frame, French c 1780

Turquerie: An Eighteenth Century European Fantasy

by Haydn Williams

Published by Thames & Hudson (November 2014)

Charlotte Grenville, Lady Williams-Wynn, with her three Eldest Children by Joshua Reynolds, c 1778 oil on canvas. Image Credit: Cardiff, National Museum of Wales/ Photo The Bridgeman Art Library

 

Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes by Antoine de Favray, 1766 oil on canvas.  Image Credit: Istanbul: Suna Inan Kirac Foundation Collection

 

Front elevation ( detail) of the Mosque at Kew from William Chambers. Surrey, London 1763, Plate 26, engraved by Edward Rooker. Image Credit: Riba Library Books and Periodicals Collection

 

Salon Turq of Queen Maria Carolina of Naples and Sicily at The Villa Favorita, Palermo early 19th Century. Photo Credit: Dario di Vincenzo

The Hunt Picnic, one of a set of four decorative panels from the chateau de Ognon-en-Valois by Christophe Huet c 1750, oil on canvas Image Credit: Birmingham Museum of Art, Purchase with funds provided by The Art Fund, Inc and the 1992 Museum and Ball, Photo credit: Sean Pathasema

 

Figure of a Turq on an Elephant, Meissan Manufactory, Model by Johann Joachim Kandler and Peter Reinicke C 1745 hard paste porcelain, contemporary French gilded bronze mounts. Image Credit: Munich: Robbig

 

The Mastiff's Seraglio, by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, 1734, oil on canvas. Image credit: Audap and Mirabaud

 

 

      Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, by Antoine de Favray, 1766, oil on canvas. Image Courtesy of Thames and Hudson         

 Thank you to Harry Burton of Thames and Hudson for the review copy of Turquerie

Turquerie: An Eighteenth Century European Fantasy may be purchased at your local book seller or at Amazon.com 

Much thanks to my Friends, Family, and Followers who support The Arts

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

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The Centre Cannot Hold by David Gulden

The Centre Cannot Hold is a compilation of fifteen years of work by Fine Art Photographer David Gulden, mainly in Kenya's Aberdare National Park. Gulden studied and worked many years alongside Peter Beard.  The stunning photography of African wildlife will take your breath away.  Scenes of macro conservation and images of the declining landscape are certainly suggested. Gulden personally visualizes the concept of global change which is so famously described in William Butler Yeats poem, "The Second Coming", which is where the book's title is derived.

The lengths he goes to and the techniques Gulden uses to capture these fine animals by resorting to new ways of innovation, is much of what makes these incredible photographs so memorable. Using infra-red beam, David was able to capture the elusive Mountain Bongo, a large antelope thought to be extinct in the wild.

From The Centre Cannot Hold by David Gulden
C 2012, Published by Glitterati Incorporated

www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com 

Rhinos, Solio Game Ranch, Mweiga, Kenya 2008

Giraffe Bouquet. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya 2007

Two young marauding male Flehman, responding ( the action of testing females estrus cycles using the Jacobson's Organ) Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya 2002

Leopard Tortoise. Mara Conservancy ,Kenya 2005

Mother Leopard taking a late morning nap.Itong Hills, Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya 2006

Captive Crocodile. Langata, Kenya 2005

David Gulden

This is a book for either an entire family or individual to enjoy for years to come. Please purchase for your library at your local booksellers or at Amazon. The images and David's story will leave you with an indelible image  of adventures in the wild! 

Plus what a great impact a large scale work of his art would be in your home!

David's own website is www.davidgulden.com and is well worth a visit!

Thank you to Sara Rosen with Glitterati for the review copy. 

To my Friends, Family and Followers who support The Arts, I truly treasure all of you!

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Introducing The HighBoy for Art, Accessories and Antiques

The visionary founders of The HighBoy, Olga Granda-Scott and Douglas Scott

The HighBoy has become The online place to go for the very finest in Period Antiques, Art, and Artful Accessories. You can search the many categories by price, period, or even style. There are curated finds from dozens of art and antiques dealers available. Please enjoy our interview and getting to know more about this incredible business and the fascinating founders.

1) When did you have the “aha” moment, what was the impetus, the inspiration, that you wanted to bring your idea of this business to fruition?

Doug: “it was a combination of seeing an opportunity to address something missing in the marketplace and to share our successes of selling online for over 10 years.  Additionally, it was a desire to take action and do something in this industry that we very much care about.   We care about what happens to this industry.  I don't know if that message has gotten out there enough.

Olga: “it was more gradual than an “aha” moment. 

I grew up in the industry and as all other areas of my life were being improved by technology - my work needed the same innovation and excitement!”

An Important Pair of Qing Dynasty Monumental Vases

2) Did it surprise you that customers/clients would buy expensive art and antiques online, seeing only images?

Doug: No, not at all.  Back in 2001 when we first got started selling online, yes, we were more skeptical, but had little to lose. We had the benefit of growing it more gradually.

Olga: Not when the images are great and the source is a trusted vendor.

3) Where did the name “HighBoy” come from? (A Queen Anne highboy was my first purchase of fine furniture)

           

Doug: The name has been a bit tricky. Some people like it A LOT, and some less so. The HighBoy is a piece of furniture, as you note.  We wanted something that people within the industry would understand, yet have a lively, animated name that people outside the industry could have fun with as well.  We considered many names and this one just stuck.

            

Olga: Clearly, its a conversation starter. I love words that have multiple meanings, so we were intentional with selecting something that would allow us fun with double entendres. Who doesn’t want their business to ride "high"?

Swedish Rococo Period Chest of Drawers

"Olympic Robe" by Jim Dine

4) What are some your own favorite periods in history for arts and antiques?

Doug: I like Louis XVI and then Art Deco the most. Both of them are lighter and less ornamental, which is my taste. I find Art Deco very refined, classic and just cool. It was the perfect lead-up to Modern. In terms of art, I'm a fan of the 20th century all the way.  I think art was unleashed in the 20th century and allowed to roam.  

            

Olga: The 18th century witnessed such an escalation in craftsmanship and style across the globe that makes it so influential, I’d have to choose it as my favorite in the decorative arts. But in art I’d have to go with the Italian Renaissance

Personally, I collect objects that are religious and devotional in nature because there is a spiritual element which I find so profound.

Art Deco Burl Walnut Display Cabinet

5) The “Meet our Dealers” section on HighBoy is fantastic and so personal. Who are some of your favorite dealers, artists or artisans?

Doug: Well, as much as we try to bring out the dealers personalities, there's always a percentage that is only unveiled after food and wine.  Burt Lange from JBL in Miami is a classic storyteller and an absolute riot to hang out with.  I've known him for years. Also we're thrilled to see new, young dealers like Colby and Sarah from Arsenal Designed as well as Julia Santen Gallery and Ara from The Hub Gallery. But, I love them all, frankly.  We've been lucky to find such great partners.

Olga: I always felt that dealers were the unsung tastemakers of the design world, so it was important to me to establish a platform to tell their stories. I could never pick a favorite!

Pair of Neoclassical Mirrored Giltwood Sconces

"Portrait of Laura" by Ben Stahl

6) Where do you see the growth of interest in your business? Are you finding that younger people are making purchases?

Doug: We do see more interest among young collectors, and we'll continue to build relationships with them. Our goal is to move the needle on the industry itself and generate a greater awareness of antiques, vintage, modern - whatever you want to call it.  But furniture, art and objects with soul.  Maybe that should be our new tagline.  Nothing wrong with new items, per se, just not our cup of tea.

            

Olga: Younger professionals don’t want their homes to look exactly like their neighbor’s -- they want to live and create an environment that is personal and meaningful. That requires shopping elsewhere than the big box stores.

Vintage Italian Glass Disks Chandelier

Vintage Maison Jansen Blackened Top Coffee Table

7) Finally, what advice do you have for the budding entrepreneur?

Doug: Whoa.  Where to begin.  I need to write a book. But I think the adage "just do it" would be a great start. Of course you have to identify your niche, and detail the opportunity, but just get out there and find something that excites you. 

Olga: I believe that like most things in life, it’s all about facing your fears head on -- and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it most.

Original Lithograph by CORNEILLE

On a personal note:

1) How do you spend the rare time you have to relax?

Doug: Traveling.  Nothing is better for the soul or the mind.  Even just a weekend in the next town works for me.

            

Olga: With family and friends -- and usually a lot of food and drink!

2)     What are some of your favorite cities for travel?

Doug: New York will never let you down, but I'd really like to get back to Rome, which I have great memories of.  I have more cities I'd like to visit as a first-time, than those I'd like to revisit.  I have yet to visit London and Barcelona.

Domestically, I'd love to spend a week in Northern California on a wine tour somewhere.

Olga: Florence, Italy. Lyon, France.Washington, D.C. Anywhere Doug wants to go!

3)  Five things you cannot live without?

Doug: iPhone, travel, good food, good wine, family

Olga: family, friends, music, memories, and souvenirs!

4) How would you describe your personal aesthetic?

Doug: Classic with a heavy dash of the Rolling Stones.  I like to mix periods and styles, a lot, but to do that really well takes skill and artistry.  I think designers like Darryl Carter are exceptional at this, and have a great sense of balance, at least per my taste.  Plus he's irreverent, and I like how that comes out in his work. I had dinner at his house in Georgetown and was blown away. I just want to buy it from him and move in.  

Olga: Collected. Inspiring-- I like to surround myself with things that bring joy and inspiration to my daily life.
5) How does a dealer contact you and apply to be a member on HighBoy?

They should go to https://www.thehighboy.com/dealers_application

Doug and Olga thank you so much for taking part in this very interesting interview which I know my readers will enjoy!

Please visit The HighBoy at https://www.thehighboy.com/

Dear Readers, If you see anything you love at The HighBoy, I would suggest acquiring it because their special pieces do sell fast.

A Special offer for my readers at The HighBoy:
Register on The HighBoy and use promotional code TABK15 to take $100 off your first purchase*
*Promotional Code is valid on total purchases of $200.00 or more.  Promotional code may not be combined with other offers. 

Much thanks go to Andrew Joseph PR for the introduction.

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who Support The Arts

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Everything: The Black and White Monograph by Christopher Makos

Christopher Makos, the iconic photographer well known for his striking portraiture as well as his genius at capturing a moment in time, of a particular culture, is now out with his black and white monograph featuring 248 images.  Containing photographs of Man Ray, Warhol, Georgia O'Keefe, Lana Turner, Halston, John Lennon, and Erte' just to name a few, with the printing done in rich quadrotone, this tome will truly fascinate you.

Mr. Makos' photography has been shown at the Tate Modern in London, The Guggenheim, The Whitney Museum of Modern Art, The Reina Sofia in Madrid and more.

He has authored several important books, including Warhol/Makos in Context, Andy Warhol China 1982, Christopher Makos Polaroids, and the cult classic, White Trash Uncut revised in 2014.

Mick Jagger, Montauk, New York 1977

Makos: "I love photography because it's like being a psychotherapist. When I photograph people it's so interesting to see their responses and their reactions. You often have to calm them down or bring them to a place that is comfortable for them and for you to capture them. People often say that when they come to my studio I put them at ease, at least enough to let their authentic inner personality shine. It is this interaction between me and my subject that I enjoy so much. I like doing portraits of people because it is so intimate, it is singular, just between me and the subject matter. not like photographing crowd shots and all that." Adapted from The Cabinet of Kong a film by Ivan Kordoba (video link below)


Christopher, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview at The Arts by Karena.

Blue, 1982

1) Were you visually attuned at a young age? I understand you traveled a great deal as a child.

Yes, I was always interested in anything visual. Because of my heritage, (I am of Italian and Greek descent) we went to Italy every summer when I was growing up. I was always receptive and open to new things.

Jack Nicholson, Aspen 1983

2) Where do you enjoy traveling now?

As a photographer I have traveled all over the world. I live in New York City, and so now I enjoy LA in the winter. Also Italy, Greece, in the summer, as well as Shanghai.  Shanghai is like NYC was in the 70's and 80's as it was becoming new, shiny, and very exciting. 

Ascot 1997

3) Did you have a mentor or other artists you admire?

Warhol was a mentor, I was part of The Factory in the 70's ( this was Warhol's infamous studio during the height of his career, where his good friends and even his entourage would spend time) Also the artist Man Ray and I were very close and I spent his last birthday with him in Fregene, Italy.

Elizabeth Taylor, Far Hills, New Jersey 1988

4) You have taken images of some of the most elite and wealthiest of the world as well as some of the grittiest elements of life. What can you tell me about that experience?

I've been very fortunate. Some of it is also about where you live. Back in the 70's I was living in the West Village, in Greenwich, and the time was very exciting, a lot of action. Even Leonard Bernstein hosted  parties that included guests from all cultures. I always stay tuned to what stimulates me.

Easter, Palm Beach 1984

5) When you do have time to relax, what are a few of your favorite activities?

It is hard for me to shut down. In L.A. I keep a bicycle and I find cycling to be very relaxing and calming. Also working on my books. 

Andy Warhol, NYC 1986

6) Christopher, what words of advice would you give the beginning photographer?

Stay very focused and consistent. Keep showing the same photos over and over again. Open your eyes and see the world. Be ready and open to new things.

I tell people not to feel sorry for me when I die. I have been very lucky and have had the life of ten people. I've enjoyed life to a great degree. It is not about money, its about desiring and wanting to see the world, being passionate. 

Christopher Makos

From Everything: The Black and White Monograph by Christopher Makos, C 2014, Published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com    

Please purchase Christopher Makos' Everything: The Black and White Monograph at Amazon.com or your local bookseller.

To visit Mr. Makos' website, see upcoming events and to make a purchase of his incredible works of fine art photography go to www.makostudio.com  

Should you be in the Los Angeles area on February 14, Mr. Makos will have a book signing at Ron Robinson at Fred Segel on Melrose Avenue from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Enjoy this video, Christopher Makos: The Cabinet of Kong by Peter Wise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW1ebfrQX6M   

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Thank you to Sara Rosen from Glitterati for the review copy.
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