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One of the most intimate forms of art, the miniature represents a compelling chapter in the history of art. While large-scale portraits served as a testament to one’s power and importance, the miniature had a far different purpose. Given as personal gifts to loved ones and bestowed as rewards for loyal supporters, they were meant to be kept close and private as a reminder of one’s love, faith or fealty. Today, they offer us a glimpse into a world that no longer exists — of courtiers and kings, of generals and revolutionaries — each rendered down to the most minute detail. Yet, the emotional impulses behind their creation remain familiar, and it is this dichotomy that makes them so captivating to contemporary viewers and collectors.
THE SILVERSMITHS
de Lamerie
Any discussion of Western silver inevitably begins with the silversmith Paul de Lamerie. He was the unequivocal star of the finest period of English silver in the 18th century. The Victorians compared him to Benvenuto Cellini, the acclaimed 16th-century Italian silversmith and sculptor best remembered for his Perseus with the Head of Medusa. The great Paul Storr, another British silversmith of significance who emerged during the reign of George III, was creating exact replicas of de Lamerie’s work at the onset of his career. Perhaps the greatest indicator of de Lamerie’s genius, however, was the fact that after only four years as a master silversmith, he was named the “King’s Silversmith,” a meteoric rise that remains unparalleled in the history of English silver.
His success was not only due to his talent, which was considerable, but also his remarkable business acumen and, perhaps most importantly, his ability to stay on the cutting edge of fashion. His creations range from the elegant simplicity of the Queen Anne taste to the Rococo style for which he is most remembered. It was de Lamerie who was one of the first to incorporate French Rococo design with English silver, raising his art to a standard that had never before been seen, nor since duplicated.
Now On View at the M.S. Rau Jewelry Gallery
630 Royal Street | New Orleans
21.35-Carat Golconda Diamond Ring
This elegant ring is set with a monumental 21.35-carat diamond certified by the Gemological Institute of America as being the ideal D color and Type IIa, meaning it contains no trace of nitrogen. This lack of nitrogen makes the stone a full two shades whiter than the whitest diamonds. A letter from the GIA accompanies the certificate that states, “Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and have exceptional optical transparency,” underscoring this gem’s visual beauty. Set in platinum with 1.20 carats of accent diamonds.
#31-4121
"Pools of crystal water..."
—Louis XIV referring to the newly discovered
Golconda diamonds presented to him in 1668
Possessing an undeniable romantic appeal, this fancy orangy pink diamond is an immense rarity in the world of colored diamonds. Stones with a pink hue rank among the scarcest of all diamonds and those that weigh over one carat are particularly prized. This example measures 11.05 carats — an incredible size for a diamond of this color and quality. Certified by the Gemological Institute of America, it displays VVS2 clarity, meaning it is unmarred to the naked eye. Set in platinum and 18K gold between white diamonds of D and E color totaling 1.38 carats. #31-1777
11.05-Carat Fancy Orangy Pink Diamond Ring
Diamond Perfection
Meets the King of Sapphires
Two of the world’s greatest treasures combine here: a velvety blue Kashmir sapphire and an internally flawless D-color Golconda diamond. The 8.05-carat sapphire is certified as Kashmir in origin and unheated — a truly rare find in the world of fine gemstones. The equally rare 4.25-carat Golconda diamond by its side is GIA-certified to be Type IIa, meaning that it contains no trace of nitrogen, the element that gives diamonds color, making it a full two shades whiter than the whitest D-color diamond. Set in platinum. #31-4016
“Double Trouble” Kashmir Sapphire and Golconda Diamond Ring
The serene blue of the aquamarine was believed to invoke calming properties of the sea, helping to cool tempers and allow the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.
A showstopping aquamarine weighing approximately 400 carats exhibits the pure oceanic blue hue the gem is named for in this designer creation from David Webb. Its incredible size and coloring are showcased next to curving rows of diamonds totaling approximately 13.99 carats in a textured platinum and 18K yellow gold setting. With a passion for unique materials and bold design, legendary luxury jeweler David Webb created pieces marked by complete originality, earning him a Rolodex of clientele that included socialites and celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and the Duchess of Windsor. #31-4347
David Webb
Aquamarine Bracelet
"A good diamond, ruby or emerald, no matter how small, is a possession to be prized for generatons."
—Harry Winston
The house of Harry Winston is celebrated for its dramatic, unique designs incorporating only the finest gemstones. For over 80 years, the name has been synonymous with Hollywood glamour, with an exclusive client list including celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Exuding romance and luxury, this necklace is comprised of approximately 121.51 carats of Burma rubies and approximately 42.30 carats of white diamonds, all set in platinum. #31-4311
Harry Winston Burma Ruby & Diamond Necklace
"...diamonds won't keep you warm at night, but they're sure fun when the sun shines."
—Elizabeth Taylor
Bateman
Oscar Heyman Black
Opal Necklace
Bateman
Oscar Heyman Black
Opal Necklace
Vincent van Gogh
Tête de paysanne à la coiffe blanche
Georges Seurat
Le mouillage à Grandcamp
Edouard Manet
Christ as a Gardener
Berthe Morisot
Les Aloès, Cimiez
Achille Laugé
The Garden Near Cailhau
Emil Nolde
Marschlandschaft
Childe Hassam
The Bather
Vincent van Gogh
Head of a Fisherman
Federico Zandomeneghi
Les deux soeurs
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Madame Paul Valéry
Henri Martin
Tonnelle nord-ouest au Parc de Marquayrol (La Pergola)
Sir Winston Churchill
Riviera Scene
Kees van Dongen
Devant le Restaurant de la Paix
Pablo Picasso
Buste d'homme barbu
Henri Matisse
Grand Paysage, Mont Alban
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Au bord de la rivière
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Après le bain
John William Godward
A Pompeian Lady
Bonifacio Bembo
Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian
Alexej von Jawlensky
Blumenstilleben
Pablo Picasso
Guitare sur un guéridon
Jacob Lawrence
Makeup
Auguste Herbin
Composition sur le nom Herbin
James Tissot
Jeune femme à l’éventail
Henri Manguin
Nature morte aux cyclamens
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Madeleine
William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Au Bord du Ruisseau
Diego Rivera
Niño
Tsuguharu Foujita
Portrait of a Mother and Child
TEFAF 2024
The TEFAF Collection of Works
Explore this collection of museum-caliber works that were showcased at TEFAF and view the detailed painting dossiers.
If you are interested in acquiring any of these works, please contact us at 877-352-4719.
M.S. Rau's debut at The European Fine Art Foundation Fair
“M.S. Rau’s booth alone could have been a room in the Metropolitan Museum.”
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews
Notable Sales at TEFAF
Claude Monet
The Willows, Giverny
Berthe Morisot
Les Aloès, Cimiez
Henri Martin
Tonnelle nord-ouest au Parc de Marquayrol (La Pergola)
Henri Manguin
Nature morte aux cyclamens
“The M.S. Rau booth reflects a customary aspect of visiting TEFAF (which held its first edition in the Dutch city in 1988): encountering museum-quality works that stop visitors in their tracks at regular intervals.”
—Arun Kakar, Artsy
Enjoy this brief montage of our amazing debut at TEFAF, Maastricht 2024.
“Here, you know that a work may not be seen again in public in your lifetime. Gazing at Berthe Morisot’s 1889 Les Aloès at M.S. Rau—a view of a succulent-filled garden in the South of France that somehow prefigures Georgia O’Keeffe’s plant paintings—I found myself hoping it does not disappear into a freeport vault.”
—Claire Wrathall, Artnet
The press couldn't get enough of M.S. Rau's booth "full of stars," particularly the works by van Gogh. TEFAF TV interviewed BIll Rau about the amazing works in our booth. Watch the Video
The M.S. Rau team took time for a few photos with the Van Gogh.
Our booth was one of the most visited exhibits at the show.
Exhibiting at a show of this caliber, so far away from home, requires a tremendous amount of coordination and work. M.S. Rau's team of professionals made it look easy!
Even our youngest visitors couldn't resist the opportunity to take a picture in front of the Van Gogh!
Scenes from the Fair
M.S. Rau made a remarkable debut at TEFAF 2024, earning widespread acclaim for their booth filled with over 30 masterpieces, including works by Degas, Monet, Matisse and an early portrait by Vincent van Gogh. The portrait, titled Tête de paysanne à la coiffe blanche, painted during van Gogh's time in Nuenen, resonated deeply with Dutch attendees, symbolizing a significant homecoming for many.
TEFAF's rich history, rigorous vetting process and focus on art history solidify its reputation as a premier event in the art world. We were honored that our booth at TEFAF 2024 was a highlight of the event, drawing steady traffic and journalists. We look forward to participating again next year, continuing to share our passion for exceptional art with enthusiasts worldwide.
M.S. Rau Press from TEFAF
Vincent van Gogh
Tête de paysanne à la coiffe blanche
“TEFAF isn’t just about mega-sales. More than any other fair, TEFAF is about art history.”
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews