Ludvig Jacobsen (Danish, 1890-1957), *Excursion à la Campagne*, oil on canvas, signed lower right "Ludvig Jacobsen", Size in inches: 21.25 h x 21 w (with frame: 28 h x 27.25 w x 2 d)

Mother’s Day is a celebration of motherhood, a nurturing, calming, caring and affectionate force in our lives. The present day version is based on traditional celebrations of mothers and motherhood dating back to ancient times such as the Greek cult to Cybele, Rhea the Great Mother of the Gods, and the Roman festival of Hilaria.

“Mothering Sunday”, a Christian celebration originating in the United Kingdom, falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare Sunday). In the 16th century, domestic servants were given the day off to visit their ‘mother church’, the church where they were baptized, their parish church or local cathedral. Many times this was the one day when families could gather due to conflicting work schedules, hence the term “to have gone ‘a-mothering’”. Children would gather wild flowers along the journey and the tradition of gift giving evolved.

North American celebrations date back to before the Civil War. There were many strong women pioneers who fought for mothers’ rights and education in the 19th century. Prior to the Civil War Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia founded “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” which taught local women proper childcare. These clubs became a strong unifying force and in 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day” which gathered mothers and former soldiers (both Union and Confederate) to promote reconciliation. In 1870 Julia Ward Howe asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace in the “Mother’s Day Proclamation”, and in 1873 promoted a “Mother’s Peace Day” every June 2. There were many other strong women pioneers, but the founder of the North American Mother’s Day we know today was Anna Jarvis. Jarvis fought for the adoption of a special day honouring motherhood, and organized the first North American celebration in 1908 in a Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. By 1912 the day had been accepted by many states and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day. However, Jarvis fought against the commercialization of the holiday and died penniless despite the many opportunities afforded her from her minor celebrity status. Later in the 20th century the day was often used for political or feminist causes such as marches in support of underprivileged women, equal rights or access to childcare. Today Mother’s Day is celebrated with gestures of appreciation in many different ways and on different dates throughout the world.

In Celebration of Mothers

Gustave Leonard De Jonghe (Belgian, 1829-1893), *Playtime*, Oil on panel, signed and dated lower right "1883", Size in inches: 18 h x 21.7 w (with frame: 23.75 h x 27 w)
SOLD

Johannes Hansen (Danish, 1903-1995), *Nude Standing*, bronze of a nude woman standing contrapposto with long flowing hair, monogramed "JH" and foundry stamp to base partially legible "….. Køb", Size in inches: 16 h x 7 w x 4 d

The well known Danish sculptor Johannes Christian Hansen is best known for his naturalistic and carefully proportioned figures of women, children and couples…read more.

Harry Roseland (American 1868-1950), *Grandma's Glasses*, Oil on canvas, signed upper right "Harry Roseland", Size in inches: 14 h x 9.75 w (with frame: 22.5 h x 18.75 w)

This charming depiction of a young girl knitting wearing her Grandmother’s glasses is aptly titled. The well known American artist Harry Roseland specialized in African American themes and these paintings brought him immediate critical and financial success. His genre scenes were widely accepted as authentic studies of the life of impoverished post-civil war Southern African Americans. Today works by Harry Roseland are found in many notable collections, including the collection of Oprah Winfrey, as well as in many American museums.

*Seated Nude Woman*, 20th century bronze, unsigned, after Colombian artist Fernando Botero (b. 1932), Size in inches: 10.5 h x 4 w x 4.75 d

Laura Muntz Lyall (Canadian, 1860-1930), *A Little Girl*, Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right "Laura Muntz 1905", Size in inches: 45 h x 30.25 w (with frame: 53.5 h x 38 w)
SOLD

Laura Muntz’s work is strongly influenced by Impressionism in its evocation of light and its loose, fluid brushwork. Some of her paintings have been compared to those of Mary Cassatt in their tenderness of feeling and the artist’s skillful handling of the paint. This stunning example is from the period after Muntz returned from Paris in 1898, where her preferred subjects of woman and children were influenced by Impressionistic light and motion. It was in France that she also befriended the famous artist James McNeill Whistler who may have been responsible for her new technical freedom, eliminating detail in favor of light and colour.

Victor Silvestre (French, 19th/20th century), A bronze group of a girl and a goat; circa 1920; the young woman, kneeling nude, opposite a young leaping goat. Signed V. Silvestre and bears foundry stamp; green patination. Size in inches: 11.5 h x 32.5 w x 7 d

Charles E. de Belle (Canadian, 1873-1939), Women in the Garden, Mixed media on paper board, unsigned, Size: 20 h x 29 w in (with frame 26.25 h x 35 w in)

In Bloom

Wilhelm Andersen (Danish, 1867-1945), *Still Life With Georgina In A Chinese Porcelain Vase*, Oil on canvas, signed lower left "Wilh. Andersen", signed exhibition label on the reverse on the stretcher, Size in inches: 26.5 h x 24.25 w (with frame: 31 h x 28.75 w x 2.5 d)

Sevres style blue ground potpourri and cover, with gilt metal mounts, French circa 1800, Size in inches: 8 h x 7 w x 5 d

Mogens Vantore (Danish, 1895-1977), *Still Life with Flowers, Lemons, Limes and Brown Jug*, oil on canvas, signed lower left" Vantore", Size in inches: 27.5 h x 23.5 w

The Danish artist Mogens Vantore is one of our favourite artists. Motivated to paint at an early age, Mogens was influenced by his father who was also a painter and who studied under the famous Danish artists P.S. Kroyer and Laurtiz Tuxen, both central figures in the Skagens Plein Air School. Studying at the Copenhagen Technical School Mogens was inspired by Impressionist painters especially Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cezanne. He travelled to France where he settled near Paris in Nogent Sur Marne, and these Parisian works were extremely well received. Upon returning to Copenhagen he became an uncensored exhibitor at the Royal Danish Academy, his strong and bold palette of greens, yellows becoming signature in his work. His bright and colourful still lifes bring a splash of cheer to any room.

Mogens Vantore (Danish, 1895-1977), *Still Life with Tulips in a Glass Vase with Fruit, a Book and a Blue Bowl*, oil on canvas, signed lower left "Vantore", Size in inches: 25.5 h x 21.75 w (with frame: 30.25 h x 26.25 w)

Mogens Vantore (Danish, 1895-1977), *Still Life*, oil on canvas, signed lower right "Vantore", Size in inches: 26.25 h x 20 w with frame 28.5 h x 22.25 w)

Satsuma bowl with 10 point design, late 19th century, Size in inches: 4 h x 9.5 w

Bronze Arts and Crafts plant stand, circa 1890, Size in inches: 10.5 h x 11.5 w

Unsigned floral still life, Danish, circa 1830, Size in inches: 18.5 h x 15.25 w (with frame: 22.5 h x 19.25 w)

Round Salish lidded cedar root basket, the lid with knop and fluted openwork edge, partially decorated with flower pattern in brown and white and black and white, possibly Thompson River, early 20th century, Size in inches: 6 h x 7 w x 7 d
SOLD

Small Gifts and Objets D’Art

Oval portrait miniature of a lady in gilt frame, with hair locket on reverse, Size: 2 ½ h x 2 w in (3 ¼ height with clasp)
SOLD

Portrait miniatures first appeared in European Royal Courts of the 16th century, particularly that of Queen Elizabeth who understood the propaganda power of miniatures. Being small, they could be given personally and on occasion in public ceremonies, as a sign of her favour. As the miniature of herself could be given unframed it was left to the receiver to provide a suitable housing to display her gift.

By the end of the 18th century the popularity of miniatures had spread outside of the Royal courts. Portrait miniature painters were set up in major cities to take advantage of the new trend. In particular, soldiers and sailors sought out having portraits made in order to leave likenesses of themselves with their loved ones while they were absent, and would also commission portraits of loved ones to take with them on their travels. This period saw portrait miniatures worn as jewellery and some would include a memento of hair sealed in the reverse. Portrait miniatures remained the most popular way of capturing a loved one’s image until the development of photography made them obsolete, with the exception of a brief period at the end of the 19th century with the establishment in 1896 of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters.

Sterling silver Regency style miniature tea service including tray with handles, lidded tea pot, lidded coffee pot, creamer and sugar, London 1973, maker A. Chick & Sons Ltd., Size in inches: Tray: 6 h x 1.5 w; Coffee pot: 1.5 h

What we now know as the doll house became popular in Holland, England and Germany over 400 years ago. The fad of the wealthy, early houses were idealized featuring fine architectural details enclosing painstakingly crafted miniature furniture. Mothers in the 17th century would use these houses to instruct their daughters how to maintain a proper home, and over time children were allowed to play with the miniatures. More realistic doll houses as we know them appeared in the 18th century and advancements with the Industrial Revolution brought the cost of miniatures down allowing more people to collect them. Today miniatures fall into two categories, those meant for children’s play and those meant for adult collectors. Adult miniature collectors enjoy the process of assembling dollhouse kits and customizing them to their tastes - including wallpaper, lighting, paint and furnishings. The industry has created craftsmen dedicated to the miniature industry. This sterling silver example is in the Regency Period style and includes a tray with handles, lidded tea pot, lidded coffee pot, creamer and sugar. The set is hallmarked London 1973 with a maker’s mark for A. Chick & Sons Ltd. who were listed as miniature craftsmen.

Georgian rosewood tea caddy with hinged lid and brass inlay, with original tea inserts, with glass mixing bowl, circa 1820, Size in inches: 7 h x 12.5 w x 6.25 d

When purchasing a tea caddy or box, always keep an eye on quality and attention to detail used in construction. Royalty and nobility often enlisted skilled craftsmen to create stunning examples incorporating rare materials including tortoiseshell and exotic hardwoods such as walnut, rosewood, and fruitwood, often adorned with gold, silver, or horn. Craftsmanship on a level almost extinct today has made these pieces last through the centuries. Some have been altered for practical uses such as for holding jewellery, however those with original hardware, interiors and locks with keys remain the most desirable. These popular and collectible objets d’art are a joy to live with and something to pass on to future generations.

Fine 18th century Rococo iron sewing vice or 'bird', exceptionally carved and decorated with rocaille and floral patterns, complete with pin cushion, inlaid in gold with a stag and dog on the vice, and inscribed "i.i. HANSEN", Size in inches: 7 h

These devices first appeared in the 18th century and were commonly used throughout the 19th century. They acted as another hand to firmly hold pieces of fabric in place so that the sewers had both hands free to maneuver the fabric or stitches as needed. The pin cushion on the top helped to keep needed pins in arms reach. As most clothing was produced by hand, these clamps where much needed. Sewing clamps were often given as gifts to young ladies for special occasions like weddings or birthdays. By the end of the 19th century, they had become much more elaborate taking on the shape of animals and including holders for thimbles, spools, and other sewing supplies. They continued in popularity until clothing manufacturing and the sewing machine made them obsolete.

Georg Jensen (Danish, 1866-1935), sterling silver Georg Jensen combined letter opener and bookmark with finial in the shape of a fish, design #198 by Harald Nielsen. The blade is for opening letters, the long chain coming from the mouth of the fish, ending in a small charm, is a bookmark. Stamped Sterling Denmark, 198, George Jensen (post 1945). Size in inches: 4.5 h x 0.625 w (13.75” with chain)

Georg Jensen (Danish, 1866-1935), 133 Piece Cypress Pattern Sterling Flatware, Set of Cypress pattern sterling silver flatware, designed for Georg Jensen in 1953 by famed Norweigian designer Mathias Gerhard "Tias" Eckhoff

Harald Nielsen (1892-1977) was Georg Jensen’s closest colleague and leading designer. His silver designs define classic Scandinavian style with ageless elegance that transcends time. The younger brother of Georg Jensen’s third wife, Harald Nielsen was drawn into the Georg Jensen silversmithy at the age of 17. He worked his way up to designer of the smithy school of apprentices, becoming director in 1954. His role was particularly important after Georg Jensen died in 1935 as Nielsen insured the continued high quality of the firm’s design by recruiting and training young designers according to Georg Jensen standards. He became artistic director of the company in 1958, a position he held until his retirement in 1962.

Lane Gordon Thorlaksson (Canadian, 1937-2009), Pottery dish with wide flared edge, green and black glaze with custom made base, No. 30-55, Size: 3 ¼" h (5" h with base) x 12 ¾" w

Oval Norwegian wooden bentwood lunch box with lid, hand painted with rosemal decoration, mid-19th century, Size in inches: 6 h x 11 w x 6 d

Traditional tine boxes (pronounced teen-ah) originated in Norway and examples have been found in the remains of Viking ships as early as 840 A.D. Used for storing valuable possessions, grains, meat, or anything that needed to be secured, these boxes come in all shapes and sizes, can be plain or highly decorated, painted or intricately carved. They were often made as gifts, sometimes referred to as a 'Bride’s Box', and delicately carved or painted to show affection. This box opens by gently flexing the long tines to allow enough room to open the lid, the tension which otherwise keeps the lid firmly in place. Made in the bentwood style, this box has been painted with an overall rosemal decoration.

Pair of George III brass candlesticks, the fluted tapered neoclassical columns threaded to incurved pyramidal bases, English circa 1800-1820, Size in inches: 8 h

Pair of American Sterling silver candlesticks in the Georgian style, with slim baluster stems terminating on notched bases, marked "Crichton and Co. LTD. New York" and "Sterling", Size in inches: 7 h x 4 w x 4 d

Antique solid brass apothecary mortar and pestle, European, late 18th/early 19th century, Size in inches: 5.5 h x 7 w (length of pestle: 9.75 l)
SOLD

The mortar and pestle is a vital tool which has remained unchanged in design for more than 10,000 years. In the kitchen, laboratory, or pharmacy, the mortar and pestle is a staple for wet or dry materials. They have been made from various materials throughout the years, including stone, porcelain, and wood. However, for the best practical use, the material cannot be too brittle or permeable by wet ingredients so as not to contaminate whatever is being prepared. One of the most useful tools in any kitchen, modern foodies still find this an indispensable tool for crushing spices and grinding ingredients into a powder. This solid brass pestle was most likely used by an apothecary to prepare medicine, but for today’s kitchen use is perfect for preparing pesto, etc.

Child's wooden painted rocking toy, late 19th century, Size in inches: 13.5 h x 35 w

Robert Davidson (Haida/Canadian, b. 1946), *Dogfish Oval Pin*, silver, inscribed "Davidson '71", Size in inches: 1.87 h x 2.5 w

Robert Davidson (Haida/Canadian, b. 1946), *Bear Bracelet*, Silver, inscribed "Haida Art Davidson", Size in inches: 1.25 h x 3 w x 2.25 d

The internationally renowned visual artist, carver and jeweler Robert Davidson is credited with a reawakening of the Haida culture. He began his carving career at the age of 13, and was majorly influenced by his great-grandfather Charles Edenshaw and his grandmother Florence Davidson who had 13 children, providing a large number of ‘aunties’ to whom Robert was very close. Robert met Bill Reid in 1966 with whom he would develop a lasting relationship and during his apprenticeship learn the fundamentals of two-dimensional design…read more.

Danish sterling silver Christmas spoon and fork set by A. Michelsen, gold plated with inlaid enamel decoration, made for Christmas 1968. Designed by Henry Heerup, with the motif "A Mother’s Heart". Marked on verso "JUL 1968", "H. Heerup” for the designer, and with firm "A. Michelsen Sterling Danmark", Size in inches: 6.5 h x 1.5 w

Pair of Royal Copenhagen of bisque porcelain wall plaques "Night" and "Day" after Bertel Thorvaldsen, marked for Royal Copenhagen Denmark with three waves and dated for 1969-1974, Size in inches: ¼ h x 6 w x 6 d

Denmark’s famous Bertel Thorvaldesn was considered the greatest sculptor in Europe and one of the leaders of the Neoclassical movement which spanned the 18th and 19th centuries. Born in Copenhagen in 1770, he was accepted into the Danish Royal Academy at the age of 11 and was awarded a stipend to travel to Rome where he made a name for himself and maintained a large workshop. He spent most of his life in Italy and was received as a national hero upon his return to Denmark. The Thorvaldsen Museum was erected in Copenhagen, next to Christiansborg Palace, to house his works. The museum is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

“Night” and “Day” date from 1815 and are Thorvaldsen’s most popular reliefs which hang opposite each other in the Thorvaldsen Museum. The two reliefs personify the two halves of the day and together represent the whole of the 24-hour period. “Night” floats across the sky with eyes closed like those of the children in her arms, her wreath braided with poppies (known for their sleep-inducing properties) and an owl flying underneath. “Day” flies across the sky, looking over her shoulder and turning her gaze to the small torch-bearing boy who symbolizes the light and the sun. The two plaques together represent the whole of the day.