Decorative screens can act as giant paintings

#Middlebury

Decorative screens were being used in rooms in China by the 7th century. But they were not used in Europe until the 1500s. It wasn’t until the 17th century that they became popular. Screens originally were used to protect those nearby from the heat of a fireplace or the cold from a drafty door. Europeans found many uses for them – screening a bed, acting as a fake wall or hiding an unattractive view. Movies often have a scene with a star changing costumes behind a screen in the dressing room.

This screen, when opened, is 60 inches high and 69 inches wide. When completely closed, it is only 23 inches wide so it can be kept in a corner. The colorful flamingos helped the price reach $28,060.

In today’s modern house, the screen can act as a giant painting exhibited in a bare corner. Recently, Neal Auctions of New Orleans sold a three-panel Art Nouveau screen for $28,060. A picture of pink flamingos standing in blue water was painted on the front. Marie Hull (1890-1980), a well-known Southern artist, painted the birds. She is known for her pictures of birds and flowers.

Q: My mother-in-law presented me with a family treasure, a reverse painting on glass picturing a landscape that includes a church with a steeple. A real clock is set in the steeple, but it no longer runs. The painting is about 12 inches wide by 18 inches high. Is it really very valuable? Should I try to have the clock fixed?

A: Reverse paintings on glass come in many sizes and qualities. The pictures with clocks were popular from the 1890s to 1910. The artists were run-of-the-mill painters who painted the same picture over and over. Many were made in Germany. The painting is fragile and needs special care. The value is determined by condition. If stored in a damp or very hot or cold place, the paint will crack or peel and may be lost. Sometimes a large piece of loose paint can be saved. Often the frames have been repainted. A reverse picture with no clock is worth about $150. The clock doesn’t add much more value.

Current Prices
WWI rations tin, bacon, “Model of 1916” embossed on lid, green paint, rounded rectangle with flip lid, c. 1910, 2 1/2 x 7 inches, $15.
Apple peeler, iron, round blade, hand crank, gears, embossed, “Made only by the Reading Hardware, Pa., 1868,” 11 inches, $65.
Skyscraper ring, sterling-silver and marcasite with red garnet cabochon center, geometric art deco design, 1920s, Size 6, 1 inch long, $180.
Hat box, lacquered cardboard, brown leather color, round with flip lid, fabric lined, side latches and top handle, France, c. 1905, 10 x 18 inches, $920.

TIP: For your health and the well-being of your collection, do not smoke. The nicotine will stain fabrics, pictures and wood.

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(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.