Turn 65, and mere mortals sign up for Medicare. But Barbie? She turns 65, and the London Design Museum unveils “Barbie: The Exhibition,” showcasing more than 250 pieces related to the evolution of the iconic doll from 1959 to the present, including more than 180 iterations of Barbie herself.
So yes, it’s true. This is Barbie’s world, and we can only buy a ticket to it. Of course, if you can’t make it to London for the exhibition, which runs through Feb. 23, 2025, you can read all about it in the September issue of Kovels Antique Trader.
Long before Barbie was made famous for wearing a black-and-white striped swimsuit, a piece of art by John Singer Sargent became infamous because of a dress strap gone awry. Sargent was enjoying life in late 19th-century Parisian art circles; painting commissioned portraits of some of society’s wealthiest and most prestigious clients. But all that came crashing to a halt when Sargent unveiled his portrait of American-born socialite Virginie Amélie Gautreau, Madame (later renamed Madame X), at the Paris Salon in 1884.
The portrait, featuring Gautreau swathed in a black gown with a tight, heart-shaped bodice, plunging neckline, and one of its jewel-studded straps sliding off her shoulder, was deemed indecent and caused a massive scandal. The controversy almost ruined Sargent’s career. Today, Madame X is Sargent’s most famous portrait, and Gautreau’s black dress is one of the most iconic in fashion history. Contributing editor Kris Manty provides a revealing story on the artist and our changing sensibilities.
Louis Comfort Tiffany famously said, “Color is to the eye what music is to the ear.” Tiffany lived that philosophy, creating spectacularly colorful glass works in his Tiffany Studios that, more than a hundred years later, offer a symphony of visual delights. Whether found in spectacular table and floor lamps, lanterns, or stained-glass works designed for churches, Tiffany Glass continues to stun collectors and glass art enthusiasts. You’ll read more about the man and his vision in our new issue.
Speaking of a man of vision, contributing editor Dr. Anthony Cavo could see his future in the antiques world as a child. He was bitten at an early age by the same bug that has infected so many of his fellow antiques and collectibles lovers. Cavo tells an amusing tale of antiquing adventure, discovery, and a brush with stolen property as an 8-year-old. Fortunately, the statutes of limitations on all past transgressions have expired, and he can share his entertaining story with you without fear of prosecution.
Among many auction highlights found throughout the issue, the September Sales Reports look at the auction of jewelry belonging to the late Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a wine auction at Bonhams Skinner, and highlights from an Americana event at Jeffrey S Evans & Associates featuring a small stoneware sugar bowl purchased for $50 at an estate sale that sold for $34,800!
You’ll discover this small wonder and many others of varying degrees in the September issue of Kovels Antique Trader.
Kovels Antique Trader is published monthly in spectacular color on glossy paper. For subscription information, click HERE.
You may also like:
Making a Statement: The Jewelry of Madeleine Albright
Dr. Anthony Cavo Explains the History and Value of a Reader’s Mid-Century Ceramic Ashtray
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