Dominique Allard - Philippe Wolvers - Beschaving & Barbarij

拍品/dominique allard philippe wolvers beschaving barbarij 2002 ygTVKiN 632993716 / 在售

拍品/dominique allard philippe wolvers beschaving barbarij 2002 ygTVKiN 632993716

在售價格走勢

拍品/dominique allard philippe wolvers beschaving barbarij 2002 ygTVKiN 632993716

在售價格走勢

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Dominique Allard - Philippe Wolvers - Beschaving & Barbarij - 2002

Philippe Wolvers - Civilization & Barbarism Contents: see photo 4. Philippe Wolfers (Brussels, 16 April 1858 – there, 13 December 1929) was a Belgian goldsmith, known for his refined Art Nouveau jewelry, now known as the Philippe and Marcel Wolfers collection. Excellent condition. Nicely illustrated (see photos) To prevent Civilization and Barbarism by Philippe Wolfers from falling into the hands of a Japanese collector, the King Baudouin Foundation purchased it in 2001. The work stands not only as a symbol of Belgian Art Nouveau, but also as a historical document of our national history. The work cannot be separated from the Brussels World’s Fair of 1897. For that event, a colonial section was set up in Tervuren. The exposition was used to quell negative criticism of the colonial policy among the people and to demonstrate what products and associated prosperity Congo brought with it. In gratitude, Belgian industrialists organized a grand celebration at the end of the exhibition in honor of Edmond van Eetvelde, Commissioner-General of the Independent Congo State. Philippe Wolfers was commissioned to make a prestigious gift: a document holder made of Congolese ivory supported by two figures. One figure white, the other black, as an illustration of the two races that would share the Belgian part of the ‘African coral shores’ in the future. The artist enhanced the commission by allegorically depicting the two races. The swan symbolizes civilization; the dragon, barbarism. The swan and the dragon struggle to protect the lily, the symbol of purity and light. Wolfers thus depicted the Belgian view of the frontier and their civilizing influence at the time. Wolfers knew how to make perfect use of the materials’ individuality and was both an excellent goldsmith and sculptor. He was the only one who used complete tusks or large pieces in a form that clearly betrayed their origin. Ivory is very fragile and sensitive to weather. Working ivory into a metal frame was therefore a delicate operation. He had to leave the ivory space to move. In no place is the ivory fully fixed to the metal; this allows it to move without breaking. The allegory and the frame of the document holder are silver. Wolfers used the shine of the silver for the swan representing the white, while the dragon received a dark patina that represents the black and also enhances the sculptural effect. The patina, unfortunately, has almost entirely disappeared. On the parchment inside the document holder was a map of Congo and a text describing the various stages in the struggle of civilization against barbarism: the establishment of the Independent Congo State, the medical service, plantations and a postal service. Along with the still-to-be-built railway, this was meant to contribute to the development of the native population. It also contained two reels with the names of all signatories who had financially contributed to the artwork. In the Royal Museums of Art and History this key Art Nouveau work now has an honorary place in the collection of prestigious works created in 1897 at the request of Leopold II on the occasion of the Brussels World Exhibition in Tervuren. Publication 'Philippe Wolfers. Civilization and Barbarism.' (external link) Royal Museums of Art and History website (external link) Carefully packed with track-and-trace and insured shipping. Good luck with the bidding!!

估價:$170.86

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