Art and Antiques at the Armory

I have written before about the good work that The Fund for Park Avenue does for the community. In honor of the avenue’s annual tree lighting ceremony coming on the first Sunday in December, they, with support from First Republic Bank, recently held a private reception at The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show with directors Brian and Anna Haughton that I was delighted to attend.

Founded in 1989, this prestigious show was the first event to introduce the concept of vetting to New York and every object exhibited must still pass a rigorous examination for quality and authenticity. Each category, from furniture to paintings to jewelry, has a separate Honorary Vetting Committee made up of advisors, museum curators and dealers to maintain a consistently high standard for all involved.

Including an enormous range of art and antiques sourced from around the world, the elegant set up of the show is equally impressive. One of the most spectacular booths was that of downtown NYC dealer Bernd Goeckler. With an emphasis on mid century European design, their offerings included pieces from many of the premier designers of the era, such as the incredible Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte chandelier.

or this amazing 1950’s Fornasetti “Palladiana” commode. Of lithographed wood, it depicts a 16th century Austrian villa in the Palladian style as well as a formal Italian garden scene.

Every inch contained outstanding pieces such as this vignette with a large Jean Royere sideboard, Paule and Max Ingrand three-panel verre eglomise screen and a pair of tall Venini Murano sconces.

An outstanding find was this pair of mirror image André Sornay desks. Of mahogany with a locking bank of drawers and shelves,

they are studded with Sornay’s patented nail head motif – just amazing craftsmanship.

Across the aisle was another gallery from my old neighborhood, Maison Gerard. Although originally specializing in French deco,

they also carry the work of select contemporary artists and artisans such as this fabulous Voltige mirror by Herve van der Straeten paired with a 1949 Jean Pascaud ebonized pear wood, opaline glass top and gilt-gronze cabinet.

or the coquille inspired work of Thomas Boog, that graced the exterior of the booth.

Another booth with blockbuster pieces was Kentshire.

Screens are back and this Chinese one is a stunner. At 9′ tall, the twelve-panel corromandel screen depicts a general in his manor. On either side are an extremely rare pair of large Italian cut glass and beaded urns on stands. Lit from within, their luminosity was magical.

Kentshire also featured this magnificent giltwood George III trumeau overmantle mirror

with Rococo chinoiserie heads.

But I think it might have been this Indian bone-inlaid teak carved elephant that garnered all the attention. Striding forward, he is dressed with an elaborate saddle cloth, headpiece and  collar.

Take a look at the incredibly intricate workmanship

Have a great weekend and if you have time tomorrow, do stop back to see some more picks from the art and antiques show!