Paul McCobb’s Influence on American Mid-Century Interiors
Paul McCobb (1917–1969) stands as a seminal figure in the landscape of 20th-century American design. While his name may not have reached the same level of popular familiarity as Charles and Ray Eames or George Nelson, his impact was arguably broader and more accessible.
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A Study in Elegance: John Singer Sargent’s Enduring Allure
A previously unknown, signed oil portrait by John Singer Sargent – depicting a refined young woman in profile – has surfaced as one of the highlights of Alderfer Auction’s June 12 Fine and Decorative Arts sale. Anonymously donated to a local charity, this painting offers a rare convergence of fine art and philanthropy. The subject sits in serene profile, bathed in soft illumination as Sargent’s masterful brush captures the spirit of Gilded Age elegance. The canvas (about 30 inches high by 25 inches wide) exhibits Sargent’s hallmarks: an effortless command of light, lush yet loose brushwork, and informal grace. It draws viewers into a bygone era of society glamour while demonstrating why Sargent’s allure remains timeless.
Mourning and Memory in Georgian and Early American Decorative Arts
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, people on both sides of the Atlantic found powerful ways to remember lost loved ones through art and craft. Mourning became not just a private grief but a public ritual expressed in decorative arts – from delicate gold brooches containing a loved one’s hair to elaborate needlework scenes of figures weeping under willows. In this article, we explore how mourning and memory intertwined in British and American objects of this era, through three compelling examples from the upcoming Weiss-Harmon Single Owner Auction: a 1790 English mourning brooch for a husband and wife, an 1806 American silk memorial embroidery for a young child, and a mid-18th-century English sampler with biblical motifs. Each piece illuminates the emotional, social, and religious dimensions of grief in its time, and together they trace a shift from traditional religious iconography to the sentimental neoclassical imagery that came to dominate mourning art.
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How to Read a Rug: Motifs, Symbols, and Structure in the Weiss-Harmen Persian Carpets
At first glance, a Persian rug might seem like just a beautiful floor covering—but for collectors, curators, and historians, each knot holds a deeper story. The artistry of these handwoven textiles reflects centuries of tradition, regional identity, and symbolic meaning. The Weiss-Harmen Single Owner Auction, taking place May 29th, 2025 at AlderferAuction.com, offers a chance to explore this visual language through a curated selection of Persian carpets and textiles—each one rich with history and significance.
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Mothers of Silver: Celebrating the Legacy of 18th- and 19th-Century Female Silversmiths in the Weis
This Mother’s Day season, as we reflect on the legacy of the women who shaped our lives, Alderfer Auction invites collectors, curators, and historians to discover the often-unsung mothers of silverwork. Our upcoming Single Owner Weiss-Harmen Auction on May 29th, 2025, features a remarkable lineup of works by 18th- and 19th-century female silversmiths, each representing a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence.
The Visionary Art of Louis Tavelli
Louis Tavelli (1914–2010) was an American artist whose body of work spans six decades, capturing a deep and evolving creative journey through painting and music. His life and art reflect a vibrant intersection of Abstract Expressionism, personal struggles, and an enduring commitment to the act of creation.
A Patriot’s Masterpiece: Rare Paul Revere Gold Brooch Shines in Historic May 2025 Auction
Imagine holding a piece of American history in the palm of your hand – a jewel once touched by a famed patriot and craftsman. Such an opportunity awaits collectors and curators this spring: an exceedingly rare Paul Revere gold brooch with a painted gentleman’s portrait is coming to auction on May 29, 2025.
