I had quickly thumbed through the box of papers, pamphlets and other documents, but even from that cursory look, I knew it was something that I wanted. I knew that inside – out of my…
Category: Art
The iguanas could’ve been chameleons, blending in so well among the other stuff crammed on the auction table, all crying out for my attention. I was taking my time, though, moving stuff around in the…
Readers ask about Huey Newton poster & signed art
Posted in Art, and Reader questions
Each week, I post questions from readers about items that they own, and guide them in finding out more about the items and determining their value. Here are this week’s questions. This one is in reference…
Art, clock & desk from Lewis Tanner Moore
Posted in Art, Black history, and furniture
The name Lewis Tanner Moore kept popping up on the auction sheet in descriptions of several pieces of artwork. I recognized the names of the artists, including Allan Freelon and Paul Keene, both acclaimed Philadelphia…
Artists who’ve gotten lost in history
Posted in Art, and Black history
I was at an auction this week where paintings and prints by several Philadelphia artists were sold. I knew some of the names, but others were unfamiliar to me. This wasn’t the first time that…
The art of Woodrow Nash
Posted in Art
I don’t remember the first time I saw the human-size busts that are the signature artwork of sculptor Woodrow Nash. From a distance they resembled stylish wood carvings – men and women with scarifications of African…
A country lithograph by Carlos Andreson
Posted in Art
The scene reminded me of Thomas Hart Benton. An old pickup truck sat parked near a railroad crossing as the driver engaged in a conversation with a man idling at his door. Coming towards them was…
A woodblock print by Tadashi Nakayama
Posted in Art
I had almost breezed past the print when its fiery colors forced me into a double-take. The splashes of reds and a bold spot of yellow popped against the black background and just about willed…
When I saw the ink outline of two musicians on the auction website, I immediately looked for a signature on the drawing. It was signed “David Stone Martin,” and somewhere deep in my mind, I…
I had arrived at the auction house late on purpose. This was the day of one of its Modern Design sales, so I knew I could afford very little on the tables, floors or walls.…