#MiddleburyCT #Antiques
The term “trompe l’oeil,” meaning “fool the eye,” is an art style that was popular in the 19th century. By then, artists and audiences had enjoyed optical illusions for thousands of years. The original trompe l’oeil style dates back much farther.
It’s no trick: Fornasetti’s trompe l’oeil screen, estimated at $7,000 to $10,000 at Palm Beach Modern Auctions in Florida, brought $9,100. (Kovels.com)
An ancient Greek story tells of the legendary painter Zeuxis, whose still-life paintings were so realistic that birds would fly down to peck the grapes. Another painter, Parrhasius, challenged him to a contest and showed him a painting covered by curtains. When Zeuxis tried to pull the curtains back, he realized that they were, in fact, part of the painting! This made Parrhasius the winner of the contest.
The set of shelves shown here looks like it is filled with books and figures, but it’s a trompe l’oeil screen! The shelves and their contents are printed on wood panels. It’s a creation by Piero Fornasetti, an Italian designer who worked from 1935 to the 1980s. He brought his skill and sense of humor to furniture, ceramics and more. His work often included optical illusions or realistically detailed images in surreal compositions. The screen sold for $9,100 at Palm Beach Modern Auctions in Florida.
Q: We found a painted bench at an antique shop that was in excellent condition except for a piece of chewing gum stuck under the seat. What is a good way to remove gum without damaging the furniture?
A: Place an ice cube in a plastic bag and hold it against the gum. After the gum freezes solid, use a plastic credit card or spatula to scrape it off. You can hit large pieces with a hammer to break them off. Remove any sticky traces with lemon juice. Avoid using commercial solvents. They can damage antique furniture.
TIP: Be very careful when using glue or other sticky products. If old glue, paste, scotch tape or even stick-on notes are left on paper items, stains will eventually appear. Most cannot be removed.
Current Prices
Coca-Cola toy, trailer, die-cast metal, red, white lettering, It’s The Real Thing, pallets with green bottles, Buddy L, box, 1976, $50.
Purse, art nouveau style, silver mesh, ring shape, silver frame, curving shape, hammered finish, three keshi pearls, chatelaine style belt hook, chain strap, c. 1900, 10 x 4 1/2 inches, $300.
Copper vase, Glasgow School, square base, hammered ground, large stylized repousse flower on each side, closed handles at corners, ruffled rim, Arts & Crafts, 6 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches, $500.
Fire screen, pine board, cutout, urn with flowers, painted, multicolor, molded rectangular base, Continental, 19th century, 43 x 30 x 9 inches, $720.
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