MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE (American, 1819-1904). Jacqueminot Roses, circa 1883-1890. Oil on canvas. 20 x 12 inches (50.8 x 30...

Description

MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE (American, 1819-1904)
Jacqueminot Roses, circa 1883-1890
Oil on canvas
20 x 12 inches (50.8 x 30.5 cm)
Signed lower left: M.J. Heade
Original period frame
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Massachusetts;
Richard York Gallery, New York;
Private collection, New York;
Babcock Galleries, New York;
Private collection.

LITERATURE:
T. Stebbins, The Life and Work of Martin Johnson Heade, New Haven, 2000, no. 520, illus., p. 329.

Heade painted flowers throughout his career, focusing especially on the subject during the final decade of his life when he was living in St. Augustine, Florida. Although he concentrated on southern varieties, such as Cherokee climbing roses and magnolias, jacqueminot roses remained a favorite. A visitor to his studio in 1896 remarked, "Mr. Heade, assisted by Mrs. Heade, received most cordially, surrounded by the exquisite blossoms Mr. Heade loves to paint, great Jacqueminot (sic) roses, rich and full..."1 Heade's Jacqueminot roses were regularly admired in Saint Augustine Tatler articles from the 1890s: "Then such roses! Great beautiful jacqueminots; with petals so delicately shaded as they rest by the rich plush draperies, handled as only Heade can paint them."2

In Jacqueminot Roses, Heade plays with textures, contrasting the velvetiness of the roses and tapestry with the hardness of the wood table and crystal vase. Heade scholar Ted Stebbins points out signifiers of class in the painting: "Though tumblers appear ordinary to modern eyes, they too were upscale items popular among the middle class. Such glasses were advertised as tumbler 'half pints' by numerous firms; they are made of blown glass with diamond-shaped etching over a frosted area, with cut flat flutes below."3

1 "The Painters," Saint Augustine Tatler 5, 3 (February 1, 1896), 5.
2 T. E. Stebbins, Jr., The Life and Work of Martin Johnson Heade: A Critical Analysis and Catalogue Raisonné. New Haven, 2000, p. 155.
3 Ibid., 136.


More information about MARTIN JOHNSON HEADE. See also: Heade, Martin Johnson, Heade, Martin J., Martin Johnson Heade Artist.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.