The Winter Show: A Quintessential Upper East Side Affair

A Universe of Art and Culture

The Winter Show, celebrating its 71st edition, remains a hallowed tradition, offering a sensationally immersive experience. Set within the resplendent Park Avenue Armory, the show invites enthusiasts to journey through an encyclopedic range of artifacts, spanning millennia.

From ancient Roman glass and Chinese ceramics to vibrant contemporary art, the Winter Show satisfies every artistic taste. Yet beyond its aesthetic splendor, the fair holds a higher purpose, serving as an annual fundraiser supporting East Side House Settlement, a vibrant community organization.

An Enchanting Opening Night

The opening night was a dazzling affair, graced by an elegantly dressed crowd of art enthusiasts. Champagne flowed freely as attendees wandered through the aisles, marveling at the curated selection of rare and exquisite treasures.

"Every booth is a unique microcosm of distinctive and remarkable objects," observed Helen Allen, the fair's director.

Treasures from Across Time

One highlight for antiquities enthusiasts was a captivating Late Dynastic Period mummy mask from Hixenbaugh Ancient Art. This striking artifact was accompanied by a trove of treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, including an exquisite Roman marble head of Silenus and a graceful Roman marble statue of Aphrodite.

Medieval art enthusiasts were spellbound by Blumka's exceptional copper alloy Lion Aquamanile and a remarkably preserved Medieval Baptismal Font from England, adorned with intricate decorative bands.

Vienna Secession and American Icons

For devotees of design history, Kunsthandel Nikolaus Kolhammer presented a rare mantle clock designed by Josef Hoffmann, a founding figure of the Wiener Werkstätte. Koloman Moser, another pivotal figure from the Vienna Secession, was represented by two stunning brass reliefs of Muses.

Bernad Goldberg Fine Arts LLC showcased a mystical gem by Agnes Pelton and a powerful horizontal painting by Rockwell Kent, a testament to American industry.

Contemporary Masterpieces

Among the few contemporary art pieces, galerie gmurzynska presented a captivating hand-painted wood sculpture of a cigarette by Tom Wesselmann. This iconic work epitomized the artist's transition from sculptures to the famous wall reliefs.

French & Company unveiled an unmistakable silkscreen by Andy Warhol featuring Renate Zimet, mother of the gallery owner.

A Timeless Tradition

Baroque enthusiasts marveled at a bronze Lion sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, attributed to his monumental Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome. This fragment resurfaced at the fair, offering a glimpse into Bernini's genius.

The fair continues to celebrate Americana with a special "FOCUS" section curated by Alexandra Kirtley. This segment showcases exquisite American fine art, folk art, and antiques.

A Feast for the Senses

Lillian Nassau LLC captivated with a stunning stained-glass window depicting a vibrant bouquet of peonies, a timeless masterpiece of Tiffany Studios.

Jewelry lovers rejoiced at the extraordinary selection from Didier Ltd, featuring pieces by Alexander Calder and a tiara designed for Rose Masson by André Masson. Wartski showcased captivating antique objects, including a silver cigar cutter by Carl Fabergé and exquisite gold and gem-set brooches by Boucheron.

Manuscripts and Masterworks

Bibliophiles were treated to a curated selection of precious manuscripts and books at Les Enluminures booth. "In Her Hands: Women and Medieval Manuscripts" illuminated the role of female patronage in creating these remarkable works.

"It's rare to find prayer books definitively owned by women, but these manuscripts leave no doubt," explained Tomas Borchert, associate director of Les Enluminures.

An Intergenerational Appeal

The Winter Show welcomed a diverse audience, bridging the gap between seasoned collectors and young enthusiasts. "The new generation is drawn to historical material culture for its craftsmanship and timeless storytelling," observed Helen Allen.

Consistently delivering curated experiences and embracing timelessness and quality, the Winter Show resonates with anyone who appreciates artistry and enduring value.