Rags to Riches Painting

A noteworthy 19^th century religious painting by Ary Scheffer, entitled Christus Consolator was recently discovered in a janitor’s closet of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel, Minnesota. According to news sources, it had been stored there mixed in with a pile of religious reproduction decorative prints but now resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, making it a fairy tale ending for this Cinderella art story.

The painting was discovered by Rev. Steven Olson after it had gone unnoticed for nearly 70 years. Olson then contacted a couple of resources including the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the curator Patrick Noon among others researched the piece, discovering that the painting was entirely down in Ary Scheffer's hand. The provenance was also traced to previous owners, including a wealthy man from Boston, named William Bullard who had a friend that studied in Scheffer's studio in Paris, and later to his son, Francis. After Francis Bullard's death, the painting was presumably consigned to a New York City gallery where it was then purchased by Rev. Richard Hillstrohm and eventually brought to Dassel, Minnesota.

The painting was appraised for $35,000.00 and the Gethsemane Lutheran Church pondered the idea of housing the piece in the church but decided after consulting with various insurance companies that it would be better suited among the other 19th century paintings in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

There is a valuable lesson in the discovery of the Ary Scheffer painting at the Minnesota church. In the simplest terms, the phrase, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" sums it all up. At MIR Appraisal Services, Inc., many potential customers call our office daily seeking information on an artwork or decorative item that they have found in their basement, attic, garage or junk closet. To the novice, it can be confusing to determine whether or not an art object is worth anything. It is always best to consult with professionals when dealing with an item that is in a fragile state and that could be of significant value. Even if the piece was disregarded previously, doesn't mean that it's not of value.

One should not mess with their health or wealth. Just as you would review your doctor's credentials prior to receiving medical treatment, it is important to do the same with your art appraiser. It is important to work with an art appraiser that has credentials from organizations such as the International Society of Appraisers and/or the American Society of Appraisers. Members of these organizations follow strict ethical guidelines in the work that they do.

~ MIR Appraisal Services, Inc.

307 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 308

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: (312) 814-8510

Meissen Porcelain: A Testament to Timelessness, Superior Quality

With the current unpredictable economic situation it is difficult to comprehend that any market is succeeding. However, evaluating recent auction results have proven that the value of Meissen porcelain remains financially promising. An October 21, 2008, auction at Christie’s New York boasted sales at 95% for its Meissen lots; including 17 of 18 of these pieces exceeding their estimate. This success is a true testament to Meissen’s timelessness and superior quality.

Collectibility
Meissen is the epitome of European porcelain. The finery’s tradition began in 1710 with the discovery of hard porcelain and the subsequent establishment of the Meissen foundry in Germany. One of the greatest appeals to owning a piece of Meissen porcelain is that every piece is processed and decorated by hand; making all works, whether a table-top figurine or a serving tray, artistically unique. While every piece is essentially an original, Meissen remains true to its traditional form by utilizing the same painting methods for the past three centuries.

The prestige of acquiring Meissen as a symbol of wealth also makes these pieces highly desirable. During the first two centuries of the porcelain’s existence, aristocratic members from every county accumulated Meissen to prove their societal status through culturally-significant items. Popularity of the artistic creations in the upper class caused a shortage of Meissen to the middle class who desired to own the same pieces their heads of state. As a result, the foundry began recreating their earliest examples at a more reasonable cost. Both the 18th and 19th century originals, as well as, the more contemporary recreations are highly collectible.

Need to Authenticate
Inevitably with the high demand of Meissen, an attempt at imitation was sure to follow. As early as 1718, one of the foundry’s own employees tried to counterfeit the porcelain. Due to this attempt, and countless more to follow, a trademark was a necessity. From 1720 until present day, all authentic Meissen bears “Crossed Swords” within the blue underglaze. Many forgeries have attempted to duplicate this trademark and some have succeeded in convincing collectors; inundating the market with highly-believable fakes. With this fact in mind, it is essential to have any piece of Meissen in your collection evaluated for authenticity. Only authentic Meissen porcelain retains its historical significance and monetary value.2010 will mark the third centenary of the porcelain factory’s founding; making today the perfect time to acquire an astounding piece of Meissen. Please contact us regarding any Meissen we are currently offering or with any questions regarding Meissen in your own collection.

-MIR Appraisal Services, Inc.