Provenance

Eleanore Elkins Widener Rice

Elkins, Eleanore
Widener, Eleanore Elkins
Widener, George Dunton Mrs.

American, 1861 - 1937

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The sculpture depicts a scene with animals, including deer being pursued, possibly by hounds. It features ornamental details with the animals appearing to be in motion amidst twisting elements. The sculpture is rendered in a golden color, indicating it may be made of gilded material. It has a polished finish. In size and comparison to human perspective, it appears compact and ornate. The sculpture's intricate detail and three-dimensional design allow it to stand freely, visible from multiple angles as a decorative piece.
Jacques Caffiéri, Andiron (feu or chenet), probably 1750/1755, chased and gilded bronze and cast iron, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.11

Andiron (feu or chenet)

Jacques Caffiéri · probably 1750/1755 · chased and gilded bronze and cast iron ·  Accession ID  1957.7.11

The sculpture is a decorative wall sconce designed to hold two candles. It features an intricate and ornate design with fluid, curling motifs. The sculpture is a golden color, suggesting it is made of gilt bronze or a similar material. The sconce is mounted on a flat surface, with the candle holders extending outward. The surface finish is smooth and reflective, highlighting its ornate detailing, making it both an artistic and functional piece related to traditional lighting fixtures.
French 18th Century, Wall-Light (bras de lumière), c. 1740/1745, gilded bronze, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.14

Wall-Light (bras de lumière)

French 18th Century · c. 1740/1745 · gilded bronze ·  Accession ID  1957.7.14

This is a painting of monkeys creating a sculpture. The scene shows monkeys working as sculptors. One monkey is chiseling a bust on a plinth, while others are nearby, some seeming to discuss or plan. The setting is outdoors with shrubbery, fencing, and a cloudy sky. Various tools and vessels are scattered around, creating a busy workspace. The painting captures a playful and satirical moment, featuring animals engaging in human-like activities. The style is reminiscent of the baroque period, similar to works by artist David Teniers the Younger, known for paintings of monkeys in human scenarios, also known as 'singeries.'
Christophe Huet, Singerie: The Sculptor, c. 1739, oil on canvas, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.6

Singerie: The Sculptor

Christophe Huet · c. 1739 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1957.7.6

The image shows a riverbank with a group of monkeys fishing. The horizon line is high, showing the sky, distant hills, and a bridge. The scene has detailed brushwork depicting trees and water. The color palette is earthy with tones of brown and green, with accents of red, blue, and orange on the monkeys' clothing. In the foreground, two monkeys are in a boat with a net, while others are helping. More monkeys are shown on the right, holding poles and nets, indicating a lively scene.
Christophe Huet, Singerie: The Fishermen, c. 1739, oil on canvas, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.3

Singerie: The Fishermen

Christophe Huet · c. 1739 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1957.7.3

This is a painting of anthropomorphic monkeys engaging in activities in an outdoor space framed with columns. On the left side, a group of monkeys in colorful tunics and hats sits around a table, raising their glasses in a toast. A dog sits by their feet, and a cat looks down at them, standing on the stone wall behind the table. Closer to us, near the bottom left corner, one monkey sits by a large basket, holding a glass bottle, while another monkey holds a platter of peaches. In the center of the painting, two monkeys are dancing together. One wears a white gown with a blue corset and a white bonnet, while the other wears a yellow vest and green-blue breeches. Behind them, two monkeys sit on a barrel, one playing a horn and one playing a violin. A large colorful parrot sits on the stone wall next to them. At the bottom of the barrel, two monkeys sit close together, one in a green jacket and red trousers leaning towards one in a blue dress and white bonnet who leans away. Near the bottom right corner, one monkey in a red-and-brown tunic and a brown cap appears to vomit on the ground, while another monkey in a vest and cap stands behind them, their hands on the shoulders of the vomiting monkey. In the background, beyond the columns, we can see green trees, a winding body of water, and a blue sky with pink-and-gray clouds drifting across it.
Christophe Huet, Singerie: The Dance, c. 1739, oil on canvas, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.2

Singerie: The Dance

Christophe Huet · c. 1739 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1957.7.2

Christophe Huet, Singerie: The Painter, c. 1739, oil on canvas, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.5

Singerie: The Painter

Christophe Huet · c. 1739 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1957.7.5

Christophe Huet, Singerie: The Picnic, c. 1739, oil on canvas, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.4

Singerie: The Picnic

Christophe Huet · c. 1739 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1957.7.4

The sculpture depicts a lion at the center, surrounded by a dog and other elements, including a horn and a curved object. It is crafted from a golden or gilded metal, with swirling and undulating forms. The composition is elaborate, giving a sense of movement and fluidity. The sculpture appears to be of a smaller scale and likely serves a decorative purpose.
Jacques Caffiéri, Andiron (feu or chenet), probably 1750/1755, chased and gilded bronze and cast iron, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.12

Andiron (feu or chenet)

Jacques Caffiéri · probably 1750/1755 · chased and gilded bronze and cast iron ·  Accession ID  1957.7.12

The sculpture is a wall-mounted candelabra with three candle holders. It is made of a material with a gold finish. The design features intricate scrollwork, floral motifs, and acanthus leaves, typical of Rococo style. The arms extend outward in a graceful, curving manner, each holding a white candle. The sculpture is symmetrical and balanced, with meticulously crafted details that reflect light beautifully, adding classic sophistication to its surroundings.
French 19th Century, Wall-Light (bras de lumière), 19th century, gilded bronze, Gift of George D. Widener and Eleanor Widener Dixon, 1957.7.16

Wall-Light (bras de lumière)

French 19th Century · 19th century · gilded bronze ·  Accession ID  1957.7.16

The sculpture features a white swan standing on a base adorned with small blue and green details. The swan has a smooth, glossy texture. Surrounding it is a gold-colored structure with intricate designs forming candle holders. The gold material resembles curling leaves and stems. The sculpture stands upright, with the swan looking forward, and the golden branches extending outward and upward from the base.
Johann Joachim Kaendler, Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH, Candelabrum: Swan Among Rushes, c. 1750, porcelain, Gift of George D. Widener, 1972.20.2.a

Candelabrum: Swan Among Rushes

Johann Joachim Kaendler, Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH · c. 1750 · porcelain ·  Accession ID  1972.20.2.a

Bibliography

1937

  • New York Times. July 14, 1937 [obituary]

1971

  • Ingersoll, R. Sturgis. "William L. Elkins and his Descendants." Bulletin of the Philadelphia Museum of Art LXVI, no. 305 (July-September 1971):5+