Object Notes

One of the more enigmatic artifacts of the ancient Mediterranean world is this type of marble figurine found mainly in the Aegean islands of the Cyclades. These starkly abstract human figures dating from the 3rd millennium B.C.

This richly detailed painting thrusts us into the tumultuous history of the French Revolution and its aftermath. The two men shown greeting each other at the center of the painting are Joseph Cange, a prison guard, and Monsieur George, an aristocrat who was imprisoned during the Terror, the most radical phase of the Revolution that took place between 1793 and 1794.

Painted at the height of Anne Vallayer-Coster's artistic powers, this still-life painting belonged to a high-ranking official of the entourage of the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. It was exhibited at the Salon of 1777, the year after it was painted.

Painted at the height of Anne Vallayer-Coster's artistic powers, this still-life painting belonged to a high-ranking official of the entourage of the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. It was exhibited at the Salon of 1777, the year after it was painted.

Originally set just above an fireplace in a royal bedroom, Charles-Antoine Coypel’s painting is playful on two levels. Forging arrows, of course, required the assistance of flames, while “fire” referred metaphorically to the desires Cupid sparked. We see atop the composition a levitating Amour who holds an arrow at the ready and points to his left.

In Nicolas Mignard’s painting, the crisp draperies, pure colors, and simple setting are perfect testimony to the Italian influence, particularly of the Bolognese school, on French art at the beginning of the 17th century. The shepherd Faustulus rescued twin babies Romulus and Remus, the future founders of Rome, after they were abandoned on the banks of the Tiber River.

One of the grandest examples of cabinetry in the Reves Collection is this rare, architectural cabinet on stand. Its front and sides feature pale ivory panels of stained woods and tinted ivories in intricate floral designs likely based on Flemish, German, or French engravings.

There are many striking animal support figures in Achaemenid Persian art. This figure, which may have been the support of a bronze vessel, is much mor

An exceptionally refined piece, this tripod may reflect the influence of Assyrian art, with its great man-animal sculptures.