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Karen's Picks
Karen Rigdon | Vice President, Fine Silver & Decorative Arts
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This rare Pleyel grand piano, built in the 1870s and later hand-painted and signed by Leo Huillard in the 1920s, unites two extraordinary periods of French decorative art. One of only two known pianos bearing Huillard’s signature, it is further distinguished by a family link to the glamorous Dolly Sisters. A singular blend of craftsmanship, artistry, and legend—see the full story and images online. |
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Complete and delightfully expressive, this 23-piece Meissen Monkey Band reimagines a Rococo orchestra as a troupe of finely dressed monkeys—each figure brimming with personality. First modeled in 1753 by Kändler and Reinicke, the band was a witty and sophisticated satire of courtly musicianship. Rare to find complete, this ensemble captures the enduring appeal of Meissen’s most whimsical and iconic creation. |
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Sculpted in 1945 by French medalist Hubert Yencesse, La Terre et La Mer is a striking postwar centerpiece created for Christofle. Cast in silvered metal, the composition presents a lyrical interplay between four integrated figures and two movable ones, symbolizing the relationship between land and sea. Striking in scale and symbolism, this rare design embodies the union of fine sculpture and modern French decorative art, blurring the line between objet d’art and functional object. |
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Rebecca's Picks
Rebecca Campbell | Associate Specialist & Lead Cataloguer
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This late 19th century Federal-Style sideboard is all about grandeur and craftsmanship. I’m especially taken with the integrated knife urns—they give the piece a sculptural silhouette that’s both stately and elegant. The contrast of mahogany and satinwood inlay adds richness without overwhelming the form. It’s a statement piece, but it’s the kind that reveals more the longer you look. |
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Hannah Barlow’s work for Doulton Lambeth always stands out, and this pair of 1882 vases is a perfect example of why. The incised animal scenes are full of life—there’s a real sense of movement and personality in every figure. I love the contrast between the soft earthiness of the glaze and the crispness of her linework. They’re not just decorative—they tell a story. |
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Karen Rigdon
Vice President,
Fine Silver &
Decorative Arts
KarenR@HA.com
(214) 409-1723
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Rebecca Campbell
Associate Specialist and
Lead Cataloguer
RCampbell@HA.com
(214) 409-1948
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