COLLECTING ANTIQUES AS ART

by Richard Dee

For as long as human beings have collected antique objects, the objects were mainly treasured for their intrinsic beauty and connection to an admired past rather than to serve any functional use. The Romans collected Greek sculpture and works of art as they had great admiration for the skill of Greek artists that pre-date the Roman period. In the Renaissance, Greco-Roman antiquities were collected by European connoisseurs, as this era was viewed as the stimulus for a revival of humanism in Europe. This desire to own historical relics gave pleasure to the collectors since it gave them a connection to an admired culture. 18th century connoisseurs loved to collect relics from the classical world due in-part to the development of neo-classical style in the arts. In the 19th century there was a tremendous interest in collecting objects of many historical periods, Greco- roman, gothic, renaissance etc. In the 19th century, there developed a general attitude of discontent with the contemporary world and a romantic longing for a more desirable age. Collecting interests reflected this cultural trend. These 19th century attitudes continued into the 20th century. Many of the American multi-millionaires collected gothic and renaissance art and artifacts to furnish their modern palaces and castles. Antiques collected as art objects are related to the modern idea of decorative objects which may or may not be antique. A fine European sculpture can be admired for the carving technique of the artist which includes balance, symmetry and fine physiognomy. Although many European sculptures are based on Greco- roman models, many European sculptures are also related to the Christian religion which dominated western thought for over a thousand years. These pieces are commonly referred to as European sculpture and works of art in major auctions and museums, since the objects are generally not viewed as religious works, rather works of fine art. Fine ceramics are also collected as art rather than for practical use. Italian tin-glazed pottery pieces called Maiolica were always made as decorative objects given that they are paintings on pottery, rather than items for household use. Fine Meissen and other European porcelains are now highly prized as decorative although in the 18th century they were often deployed for practical use by the nobility. Fine metal objects of brass, bronze or ivory, like candlesticks, hanging lamps, decorative bowls, statues etc. were to be used to enhance the home. Indeed, one of the great pleasures of antique collecting is to furnish the home with historical objects which are meant to be admired and enjoyed as art. Art objects can enhance quality of life and make one's home a pleasant retreat from a sometimes unpleasant outside world.

Golden Griffin is a business run by Richard Dee and Cliff Poraynski.  They have been doing Antique Shows for thirty years and specialize in European sculpture, ceramics and works of art from the 16th to 19th centuries.  Some of their Italian Maiolica is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and many of their sculptures are in important collections in the U.S. and Europe. Richard Dee was a Lecturer in Music and Related Arts at San Jose State University for thirty-five years.  All pieces they sell are guaranteed for age and authenticity.  See their Booth 211 at all three Hillsborough Antique Shows.