On a visit to the Philbrook Museum of Art, most likely like other first-time visitors, I was immediately amazed by the 72-room Italian Renaissance mansion and its 23-acre garden. However, I agree with what the former director of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art said: “what counts in a museum is above all the quality of … Continue reading Laura Clubb and Oklahoma’s Art Collection
Tag: Charles M. Schwab
The Astor Jewels and an Era of Elegance
I picked up a book called Era of Elegance at the Grapevine Antique Mall a few days ago. It gives a flowery glimpse of both Gilded Age palaces and their occupants. The author, Andrew Tully, bookends the Era of Elegance in 1865 and 1914. The first chapter is titled Mrs. Astor’s Couch. It’s appropriate that … Continue reading The Astor Jewels and an Era of Elegance
Losing the Monuments to Architects and Builders
The photographer Ernst Haas criticized the act of copying as an act of losing the self. In art, however, the need for constant revolution in design can lead only to a series of fleeting fashions. If what was done before us is constantly thrown away, there isn’t much hope in our creations having a reach … Continue reading Losing the Monuments to Architects and Builders
Painting Immergrun: The Art Collections of Charles M. Schwab
When you walk through the Met or the National Gallery, you might notice a number of names affixing painting labels quite frequently: Mellon, Morgan, Frick, and Vanderbilt. One you don't see as often is Charles M. Schwab. Yet one can only imagine that the 75-room French Chateau on Riverside Drive in Manhattan was filled with art. Almost as impressive, and … Continue reading Painting Immergrun: The Art Collections of Charles M. Schwab
Urban Art & Antiques 