Attributed to Spoilum (Chinese, act. 1785-1810)

Lot 25

About Seller

274 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
United States

Founded over four decades ago, Bonhams Skinner offers more than 60 auctions annually. Bonhams Skinner auctions reach an international audience and showcase the unique, rare, and beautiful in dozens of categories, including the fine and decorative arts, jewelry, modern design, musical instruments, sc...Read more

Bid Increments

Price	Bid Increment
$0	$10
$100	$25
$500	$50
$1,000	$100
$3,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$30,000	$2,500
$50,000	$5,000
$100,000	$10,000
$300,000	$25,000
$500,000	$50,000
$1,000,000	$100,000

About Auction

Fine Americana: The Keane Collection by Bonhams Skinner

Live

Fine Americana: The Keane Collection

By Bonhams Skinner

Nov 19, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-11-19 10:00:00 2021-11-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Americana: The Keane Collection https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/skinner/fine-americana-the-keane-collection-7822 Skinner is honored to be selling the extraordinary Beacon Hill Collection of John and Marilyn Keane. Highlighted by important 18th and early 19th century American furniture, and exceptional paintings from the China Trade, the collection is set to be offered in a live auction on November 19. Bonhams Skinner bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

View Full Catalog (100)

Lot Description

Attributed to Spoilum (Chinese, act. 1785-1810)

Portrait of a Hong Merchant
Unsigned.
Oil on canvas, 23 1/2 x 18 in., in a beaded giltwood frame.
Condition: Relined, repaired tear, scattered retouch.

Literature: For similar portraits of Hong merchants by Spoilum, see Carl Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, p. 22, Colour Plate 1; and p. 46, Colour Plate 10.

Note: This portrait, supposedly of the merchant Chung Qua, is representative of the renowned portraiture attributed to Spoilum, possibly the earliest and certainly the best known of the Cantonese oil painters engaged in the China trade during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A newcomer to the art of canvas oil painting, Spoilum was able to make a name for himself as the premier portrait artist in Canton by successfully combining the techniques of the exotic European medium with stylistic conventions from traditional Chinese art. Spoilum is believed to have been very active during his life, and is credited with many portraits of Chinese, English, American, and even Indian merchants who came to trade at the hongs of Canton. The delicate likeness prominently features the subtle smile and illuminated left shoulder that characterize the work of Spoilum and his followers, and render their work instantly recognizable to past and present audiences alike.

Condition

Condition: evidence of a retouched repaired tear through the subject's forehead and in a vertical line to the left of the figure's head. other scattered retouch, mostly the background and edges.

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
Shipping Info
- Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction.
Buyer's Premium
- 25.00 %