Robert Simon Fine Art presents a selection of Old Masters and works in the classical tradition. View our digital catalogue here: www.robertsimon.com/new-old-unexpected.
The second edition of New, Old, & Unexpected expands each category. The newest of the “New” is a 2020 work by the New York artist Brendan H. Johnston—a trompe l’oeil triptych that wittily explores issues of material, craft, and illusion. The oldest of the “Old” is a predella by Miguel Alcanyis, the Valencian painter who was a key figure in the transmission of trecento Tuscan style into Spain. And among the “Unexpected” we present an array of works both challenging and appealing. These include our cover painting, a rare Kunstkammer portrayal of the Danish king and queen around the year 1700, whose superimposed portraits are each legible only from opposing angles. The artists within this group form a broad international roster: Dutch, Flemish, German, Danish, Italian, American, French, and British. Plus, most distant and perhaps most unexpected, Joseph Ramanankamonjy from Madagascar, represented by two alluring pictures on silk. It is fair to say that this is not a catalogue with something for everyone, but we hope there is something for someone!
As with our previous catalogue and online exhibition, we are attempting to make the examination and acquisition of the works we present as straightforward as possible. Individual items may be viewed in our gallery by appointment or by arrangement at other locations. Prices are given in the catalogue and include the cost of shipping to domestic destinations. High-resolution images, condition reports, and supporting scholarship are available on request.
The last few months have taught us that personal contact is not absolutely requisite in our profession—much as we enjoy it, miss it, and look forward to its return. An important aspect of what we do as art dealers is to facilitate communication between artist and viewer across time and space, and we are fortunate that we can continue doing so through such media as the present catalogue. Providing context for the works within is what makes our work fulfilling, and which we take pleasure in sharing with you.
