International studio (34.1908)

In the Galleries


Courtesy ol Blakeslee Galleries
PORTRAIT OF BY SIR WILLIAM
MRS. MARSHALL BEECHEY, R.A.
The sale of the pictures belonging to the Blake-
slee Galleries, of Fifth Avenue and Thirty-fourth
Street, at the American Art Galleries, in April, was
the noteworthy event of the season in the auction
rooms, for the collection was of unusual importance.
Mr. Blakeslee was the pioneer in introducing the
American collector to the sturdy group of Georgian
painters of portraits, known generally as “ the
Early Englishmen.” Ele it was who, some fifteen
years ago, brought over examples of Sir Joshua
Reynolds, Lawrence, Romney, Sir William Beechey,
Raeburn, Gainsborough and the rest. Elis enthu-
siasm over them was contagious and Mr. Blakeslee,
who has always had the courage of his convictions
in art matters, has had the satisfaction of seeing
values soar, until to-day a fortune is paid for a
single canvas now and then. The group shown
at the American Art Galleries included, as well,
pictures bv masters of the Dutch, Italian, French
and Flemish schools, among the rtames being Bot-
ticelli, Canaletto, Guardi, Tintoretto, Pourbus, De
Hoogh, Hondecoeter, Largilliere, Mignard, Ruys-
dael, Ribera, Van Loo, and the Englishmen, in
addition to the above, John Constable, Sir Francis
Cotes, William Dobson, George Harlow, John
Hoppner, Daniel Mytens, Sir Martin Shee, Richard
Wilson and John Crome, known as “ Old Crome.”

A curious interest attaches to some beautifully
carved panels shown at the rooms of M. Johnson-
Brown & Co., No. 17 West Thirty-first Street, of
which there are eleven pieces of French and
Flemish workmanship of the sixteenth century.
For years they were part of the decoration of the
Paris house of the late Emile Zola and have been
acquired from his widow. It was only after the
most patient research that the distinguished author
secured these pieces, which he found in various
monasteries. They are all of religious themes and
together, as they are here, they seem made as a com-
plete set. The work is in high relief and there are
many figures in each composition which embody
such themes as the scenes and incidents in the life
of Christ just prior to the Crucifixion and, indeed,
afterward. A remarkable piece of wood-carving
is the Last Supper, with the Disciples about the
table. There is the Descent from the Cross, and
there is one representing the crowning of the Virgin.

Courtesy oj M. Johnson-Brown & Company
CARVED FROM THE HOME OF
PANEL THE LATE EMIL ZOLA


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