Every January since the 1950s, the Park Avenue Armory in New York becomes a cultural pilgrimage for those in search of exquisite antiques. The Winter Show’s 71st edition not only attracts seasoned Upper East Side collectors but also a curious wave of young enthusiasts who appreciate historic art. Spanning over seventy international galleries, the show offers a remarkable array of antiquities. Among these treasures, a selection of distinctive and rare items captures the modern curiosity while preserving historical significance.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Event: The Winter Show
Location: Park Avenue Armory, New York
Designer: Dagobert Peche
Jeweler: Carl Fabergé
Artist: Joseph Savart
Furniture Dealer: Robert Young Antiques
One standout from the exhibition is a pair of mirrors designed by Dagobert Peche, meticulously crafted by Max Welz for the Wiener Werkstätte around 1922. With their bold, carved limewood frames, these mirrors blend the fantastical with the ornate. They reflect Peche’s trademark style, which merges elements of the natural world with artistic whimsy; the mirrors’ frames resemble centipede digits. Despite being over a century old, these works continue to exude a modern sensibility, demonstrating Peche’s forward-thinking design philosophy.
Another intriguing piece is the carved oak lion mask from Elizabethan England, presented by Michael Pashby Antiques. Dating back to circa 1590, this mask hints at the complex and often overlooked decorative culture of Elizabethan times. While theatrical costumes and elaborate jewelry are emblematic of the era, objects like this mask— with its emotive features and historical resonance— offer a richer, more nuanced glimpse into the theatrical spirit of England’s golden age. The mask’s expressive features and resemblance to its monarch’s heavy makeup make it a truly unique curio.
The Winter Show also features a rare botanical study by the renowned jeweler Carl Fabergé. This piece, crafted around 1900, showcases a delicate barberry sprig. Its craftsmanship is evident in its purpurine berries, nephrite leaves, and golden stem, all culminating in a captivating illusion of a living piece of nature. Commissioned for Lady de Grey, Marchioness of Ripon, and an influential figure of her time, the piece reflects the aesthetics and opulence enjoyed by the late Victorian high society. Fabergé’s botanical work offers an intimate glimpse into history, elevating natural inspiration into art.
Highlighting a shift towards diverse narratives, the work of Joseph Savart, featured by Zebregs and Röell, showcases four portraits of Black women from Guadeloupe, dated 1769. These portraits illuminate the presence and representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in European art, challenging historical narratives by depicting these women with dignity and depth. Known for capturing their unique expressions and personalities, Savart’s art strives to honor his subjects at a time when European art often overlooked such faces. Despite their recent sale, their impact resonates within the halls of the Armory.
The exhibition also holds a prized 18th-century Welsh Windsor armchair, an emblem of craftsmanship and regional style from Robert Young Antiques. Made around 1780, this rare piece highlights the beauty of Welsh oak, characterized by its crested horseshoe armbow and turned spindles, blending utility with elegance. The chair reflects the intricate woodworking skills of the period and offers a tangible connection to the domestic life of the past. Through such objects, the Winter Show not only showcases artistic masterpieces but also narrates stories of everyday life across centuries.
