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Lot 751
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736-1783) was an Austrian sculptor known for his remarkable and psychologically intense character heads, which are among the most distinctive works of Neoclassical sculpture. Messerschmidt's sculptures, often referred to as "character heads" or "expression heads," are notable for their extreme and exaggerated facial expressions. Here are some key points about Franz Xaver Messerschmidt and his work:1. **Early Life and Training**: Franz Xaver Messerschmidt was born on February 6, 1736, in Wiesensteig, Germany. He received his initial artistic training in Munich before moving to Vienna, where he studied under the prominent sculptor Adam Franz Körper.2. **Vienna and Academic Career**: Messerschmidt spent most of his artistic career in Vienna, where he gained recognition and worked as a professor at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. He was considered a talented and respected sculptor.3. **Character Heads**: The most famous works associated with Messerschmidt are his "character heads." These are a series of sculpted busts that depict exaggerated and often grotesque facial expressions. The expressions range from extreme joy and laughter to extreme anger and pain. These heads are considered unique in the history of sculpture.4. **Psychological Themes**: Messerschmidt's character heads are often interpreted as representations of various emotional states and psychological conditions. Some art historians have suggested that Messerschmidt may have suffered from a mental disorder himself, which influenced his work.5. **Inspiration and Purpose**: The motivation behind Messerschmidt's character heads remains the subject of debate among art historians. Some theories suggest that he created them as a response to inner psychological turmoil, while others propose that they were a reaction to the prevailing artistic trends of his time and a way to demonstrate his skill as a sculptor.6. **Materials and Techniques**: Messerschmidt primarily used metal (bronze) for his character heads, and he often incorporated glass eyes to enhance the lifelike quality of the sculptures. His meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy are notable.7. **Legacy**: Although Messerschmidt's character heads were not widely appreciated during his lifetime, they gained recognition in the 20th century as significant and innovative works of art. They have been the subject of extensive study and have influenced later artists interested in exploring psychological and emotional themes through sculpture.8. **Later Life and Death**: In his later years, Messerschmidt faced personal difficulties and financial challenges. He withdrew from public life and dedicated himself to his character heads. He died in 1783 in Bratislava, which was part of the Habsburg Empire at the time.Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's character heads continue to captivate and intrigue art enthusiasts and scholars due to their enigmatic and expressive qualities. His work challenges conventional ideas of beauty and conformity in art and remains a testament to the exploration of human psychology through sculpture.
Lot 517
Harriet Tubman (c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an African American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. She is best known for her courageous work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the Northern states and Canada. Tubman's tireless efforts earned her the nickname "Moses" because she led so many people to freedom, just as the biblical Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.Key facts and contributions of Harriet Tubman:1. Born into Slavery: Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822. She endured a life of hardship and cruelty as an enslaved person before escaping to freedom in 1849.2. Escape to Freedom: After her own escape, Tubman returned to the South numerous times to rescue approximately 70 enslaved individuals, guiding them to freedom along the Underground Railroad.3. Underground Railroad: Tubman was a fearless and skilled conductor on the Underground Railroad, making 19 trips to the South to lead enslaved people to safety. Her journeys often took her through dangerous territory, but she managed to avoid capture.4. Abolitionist Activism: Tubman was not only involved in rescuing enslaved people but also actively supported the abolitionist movement. She worked alongside prominent abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and John Brown.5. Service During the Civil War: During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. Her knowledge of the Southern landscape and the Underground Railroad network made her a valuable asset.6. Suffragist: After the Civil War, Tubman continued her activism by advocating for women's suffrage, recognizing the importance of voting rights for women in addition to the abolition of slavery.7. Humanitarian Work: Tubman spent her later years in Auburn, New York, where she established a home for elderly African Americans in need. She dedicated her life to helping those in need.Harriet Tubman's bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom and equality have made her an enduring symbol of the struggle for civil rights in the United States. In 2020, it was announced that Tubman would be featured on the redesigned U.S. $20 bill, becoming the first woman and the first African American to appear on U.S. paper currency.Measures 6 inches.Bronze finished polystone.
Lot 660
John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, and Founding Father of the United States. He played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States, serving as the second President of the United States (1797–1801) after George Washington. Here are some key highlights of John Adams' life and contributions:1. Early Life: John Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy) and received a classical education at Harvard College. He later became a schoolteacher before studying law.2. Legal Career: Adams became a successful lawyer in Massachusetts and developed a reputation for his defense of British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre (1770). This experience heightened his political involvement and advocacy for colonial rights.3. Continental Congress: Adams was a delegate to both the First (1774) and Second (1775–1776) Continental Congresses. He served on various committees and played a key role in pushing for independence from Britain. Adams was a leading advocate for the Declaration of Independence, and he helped draft it.4. Diplomatic Service: Adams was appointed as a diplomat to Europe during the American Revolution. He served in various diplomatic roles, including in France and the Netherlands, where he helped secure loans and diplomatic recognition for the United States.5. Treaty of Paris: Adams was one of the negotiators of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which formally ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence from Britain.6. Vice Presidency: Adams served as the first Vice President of the United States under President George Washington from 1789 to 1797. During this time, he presided over the Senate and had limited executive responsibilities.7. Presidency: In 1797, John Adams was elected as the second President of the United States, succeeding George Washington. His presidency faced significant challenges, including conflicts with France known as the "Quasi-War" and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were controversial and generated opposition.8. Retirement: After one term in office, Adams was defeated in the presidential election of 1800 by Thomas Jefferson. He retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he spent his remaining years.9. Legacy: John Adams is remembered for his contributions to the American Revolution, his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his commitment to the principles of liberty and republicanism. He also had a famous friendship and correspondence with fellow Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, with whom he reconciled in later years.John Adams' dedication to his country and his role in shaping early American politics and government make him a significant figure in U.S. history. His son, John Quincy Adams, later became the sixth President of the United States, making them one of the few father-son pairs to hold the office of President.Measures 6 inches.Bronze finished polystone.
Lot 83
Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (1884 Livorno - 1920 Paris), Tete de Jeune Fille a la Frange Hinten signiert, seitlich mit Gießerstempel von Valsuani Cire Perdue und Nr. "2/8" versehen. Min. fl., ansonsten guter Zustand. Italien, um 1900. Bronze, schwarz patiniert, auf Marmorsockel. H ca. 74 x 13 x 13 cm. DL
Lot 85
Bronze-Büste eines Epheben Bronzeguss nach römisch/hellenistischem Vorbild, das 1752 bei Grabungsarbeiten in der Villa der Pisonen in Herculaneum gefunden. Nicht bezeichnet. Patiniert, guter altersgemäßer Zustand. Wohl Italien, um 1800. Bronze mit Krustenpatina, auf Membro-Giallo-Marmorsockel. H x Ø ca. 48 x 23 cm. KM
Lot 59
A Norton projectcomprising of a frame (numbered 29556); a rare 1932 Model 30 engine (numbered CS 52765) with a bronze cylinder head; gearbox and other sundry items, close inspection advised. (Qty)Footnotes:We're advised by the vendor that his father found the engine in a scrap yard in the 1970's.All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Saleroom notices:We're advised by the vendor that the engine is a rare early 1932 International engine and is fitted with a slightly later hair pin bronze cylinder head which is notably rare of this time period.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ◊◊◊◊ £60 + VAT uplift and storage at £12 + VAT per lot per dayFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 205
Kahn als Gewürzbüchse Meissen 1740 In Bootsform mit Steuermann, auf dem Heck sitzend. Bug mit fein modellierter Löwenmaskarone. Bunt bemalt, teilweise mit Insekten. Porzellan, ohne Marke. Montiert auf feuervergoldeter, durchbrochener Bronze. Abdeckplatte und Segel aus vergoldetem, ziseliertem Messingblech mit ligiertem Monogramm „AR“. Modell von Johann Gottlieb Eder und Johann Friedrich Eberlein. Laut Aktenvermerk Eberlein, Januar 1739: „1 Schälgen wie ein Schiffgen zum Modell in Maßa verputzet“, „1 klein Figürgen in Gestalt eines Schiffsknechtes zur Conditorey Sr. Hoch Reichs Gräfl. Excellenz (Brühl) neu bossiert.“ H=21 cm
Lot 69
Seltene Kanne Meissen 1724 In vierpassiger Form, sich nach oben verjüngend, mit leicht gewölbtem, innen liegendem Deckel. Tülle leicht gebogt mit aufmodellierten Akanthusblättern. Beweglicher Bügelhenkel aus Bronze mit Porzellangriff, gold gesäumt. Wandung umlaufend bunt bemalt mit Chinoiserien. Porzellan, am Boden unterglasurblaue Schwertermarke. Im Innendeckel und am Boden Goldziffer „4“. Malerei von Johann Gregorius Hoeroldt. Vgl. R. Rückert 1966, Taf. 112, Nr. 449. H=12 bzw. 14,3 cm
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