Abraham Munting, Naauwkeurige Beschryving Der Aardewassen. Fine copper engravings with later hand colouring. Florilegiums (Botanical works) of this period were produced in the main for scientific studies and research and usually illustrated just the plant itself. What makes Muntings work stand apart is the fashion in which he displayed his speciments (usually) floating above a landscape or village scene. Not satisfied with that, he had the name of the plant within a floating banner.
I have recently developed a strong interest in creating portraits of horses and hounds in a sophisticated and contemporary art style, exploring dynamic compositions and using the impressive qualities of charcoal. I am engaging in a technicque called ‘sfumato’ where the subjects edges are softly blended imparting an intriguing smoky effect.
I have included examples of my new charcoal artwork collaboration with Allpress Antiques in Melbourne, creating charcoal art inspired by ‘Objects of Virtue’.
This first example of my work is of the much loved whippet ‘Dash’.
Mali Moir
Botanical, Scientific and Natural History Artist.
Prints by Basil Besler, from Hortus Eystettensis. First edition engravings with expert hand colouring. Some with typical text showing through and minor spots. Very good condition.
An unusual late 19th Century Northern European elm well shaped armchair
This is the first of this style I have seen in 33 years, there’s a definite Arts & Crafts feel with a Chippendale style rear splat, quite an unusual mix.
The long single plank bentwood arms flowing through to become legs with matching shaped stretchers all flow very well, then there’s that English influenced Splat flanked by two reeded uprights.
The thick single plank slight saddle seat seems to be holding all these unusual shapes together.
Anyway an interesting chair and quite a talking point this will be.
The tick two plank top having several knots and a matched sap wood join between planks above a plain fieze with a single moulded drawer to the front retaining the original lock and escutcheon. Resting on square tapered legs.
1870 – 1900
H: 2′ 5″ –
W: 3′ 3″ – 100 cm
D: 2′ 3″ – 66 cm
The base needs a light metho clean to slightly lighten, the faded top will get a light stain to warm, light polish overall then a cut back and soft wax finish.
An unusual 18th Century English country Hepplewhite fruitwood side chair.
The flat top rail and tapered side supports framing the attractive fret carved urn shaped centre splat, having a modern upholstered seat resting on square corner moulded legs.
Unusual late 18th Century English country Chippendale ash, elm and oak occasional chair.
The shaped top rail having a shell carved central motive above a well shaped fret carved center splat, resting on a deep shoe brace support on a well grained two plank seat. Having the original oak applied cushion holders on square section legs jointed by rectangular stretchers.
