Best Decorative Arts
of Dec 2024

Duveen Brothers and the Market for Decorative Arts

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Duveen Brothers was founded by Joseph Joel Duveen and his older brother Henry Duveen in 1877 in Hull, England. The brothers realized that the market for decorative arts was growing quickly, and they d...ecided to fill the demand for beautiful and valuable items. Starting from a small shop in Hull, the brothers expanded their business and opened branches in London's Bond Street, Paris, and New York. Duveen Brothers quickly became the go-to art and antique dealer for wealthy clients, including industrialists, financiers, and other members of the upper class. Their clients included Henry Clay Frick, who was an early and loyal customer; John D. Rockefeller Jr., who was a major collector of fine art; Arabella Huntington, an heiress and socialite with a passion for art; and John Pierpont Morgan, who was one of the most important collectors of his time. The Duveen Brothers earned their reputation and success by buying and selling high-quality furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and other objets d’art. They traveled extensively in Europe and the Middle East, looking for exceptional works of art to add to their collection. They also employed some of the best restorers and craftsmen in the world to restore and improve the items they acquired. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the market for decorative arts grew quickly in the United States, and Duveen Brothers seized the opportunity to expand their business there. They opened a branch in New York in 1909 and soon established themselves as the leading art dealer in the country. The firm's success was also due to their ingenious marketing strategies. They often created exhibitions that showcased their best works, and their catalogs were beautifully designed and illustrated, making them sought-after collectibles in their own right. Duveen Brothers played a significant role in shaping the taste of the wealthy elite in the United States and Europe. They were responsible for the acquisition of some of the most iconic works of art, including the Frick Collection in New York, which comprises some of the finest examples of European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. In 1964, the Duveen Brothers closed their business after almost a century of trading. However, their legacy lives on, and their contribution to the art world cannot be overstated. Their exceptional eye for quality and their commitment to preserving and showcasing the best decorative arts of their time have left a lasting impression on the art of collecting.

The Grammar of Ornament A Visual Reference of

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The Grammar of Ornament is a classic reference book on ornamental design that has remained a popular resource for designers, artists, and historians since its initial publication in 1856. The book was...

Ebros Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night Stained Art

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Introducing the stunning Ebros Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night Stained Art Box! This beautiful box measures L: 4" x W: 4" x H: 2.25" and is the perfect place to store your jewelry, trinkets, or other va...

History of Design Decorative Arts and Material Culture

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The "History of Design Decorative Arts and Material Culture" is a fascinating and comprehensive survey that delves into the evolution of decorative arts and design worldwide over the past six hundred ...