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Lot Essay
A leading philanthropist, visionary collector and tireless patron of the arts, Anne Hendricks Bass (1941 – 2020) was widely admired for her refined eye, intellectual rigour and deep commitment to beauty in all its forms. She was one of New York’s most respected philanthropists supporting the New York Botanical Garden, the Museum of Modern Art and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Additionally, her efforts to save Texas Ballet Theatre from bankruptcy and her 25-year tenure on the New York City Ballet board created a lasting impact on American arts.
During her lifetime, Mrs. Bass was celebrated not only for her philanthropic spirit and enduring commitment to the arts, but also for her refined taste, timeless elegance, and exceptional eye for beauty. Lots 114 to 139 showcase the fine collection of jewels assembled with discernment and passion over decades, and comes from Mrs. Bass’s personal collection. It represents one of the most impeccably curated private jewelry collections to appear on the market. The collection features the exceptional pieces of famed houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Cartier. Most notably, it features one of the finest private assemblages of jewels by the legendary Joel Arthur Rosenthal, widely known as JAR. Many of these exceptional works are featured in the landmark 2002 publication JAR Volume I, making this sale a rare opportunity to acquire creations of profound beauty and historical importance.
Mrs. Bass’ legacy and refined spirit endure, not only through her remarkable patronage of the arts but also through this extraordinary collection of jewelry.
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Three letters: JAR, short for Joel Arthur Rosenthal. Born in 1943 in New York, JAR has ascended to the pinnacle of the jewellery world, becoming one of the most influential artists of his era.
Despite his fame, Rosenthal remains an enigma, operating behind a veil of privacy - a forgotten word - rarely revealing more than necessary. His boutique, located at Place Vendôme in Paris, is equally elusive, marked only by a small sign bearing those three letters: JAR. Entry is by invitation.
Yet, despite—or perhaps because of—this aura of mystery, JAR is celebrated as one of the most important jewellery artists of his time. His creations, known for their sculptural beauty and meticulous craftsmanship, are coveted by collectors worldwide. Rosenthal’s ability to blend artistry with exclusivity has cemented his legacy in contemporary jewellery design.
After graduating from Harvard, Rosenthal moved to Paris and initially worked as a screenwriter and needlepoint artist, with his work in multi-colored yarns later influencing his distinctive jewellery designs. His journey took a brief detour to New York, where he worked as a salesman for Bulgari. However, Paris called him back, and in 1978, he opened his own shop.
JAR’s exclusivity extends beyond his creations. He has held only two public exhibitions: one in London in 2002 and another at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013. He is the only living jeweler to have had a solo exhibition at The Met.
Producing a mere 150 to 200 pieces each year, JAR’s jewellery is coveted by collectors. Each piece is a whispered secret between artist and buyer, forged for no one else. This rarity, combined with his unparalleled artistry, solidifies JAR’s status as a leading figure in the world of fine jewellery.
During her lifetime, Mrs. Bass was celebrated not only for her philanthropic spirit and enduring commitment to the arts, but also for her refined taste, timeless elegance, and exceptional eye for beauty. Lots 114 to 139 showcase the fine collection of jewels assembled with discernment and passion over decades, and comes from Mrs. Bass’s personal collection. It represents one of the most impeccably curated private jewelry collections to appear on the market. The collection features the exceptional pieces of famed houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Cartier. Most notably, it features one of the finest private assemblages of jewels by the legendary Joel Arthur Rosenthal, widely known as JAR. Many of these exceptional works are featured in the landmark 2002 publication JAR Volume I, making this sale a rare opportunity to acquire creations of profound beauty and historical importance.
Mrs. Bass’ legacy and refined spirit endure, not only through her remarkable patronage of the arts but also through this extraordinary collection of jewelry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Three letters: JAR, short for Joel Arthur Rosenthal. Born in 1943 in New York, JAR has ascended to the pinnacle of the jewellery world, becoming one of the most influential artists of his era.
Despite his fame, Rosenthal remains an enigma, operating behind a veil of privacy - a forgotten word - rarely revealing more than necessary. His boutique, located at Place Vendôme in Paris, is equally elusive, marked only by a small sign bearing those three letters: JAR. Entry is by invitation.
Yet, despite—or perhaps because of—this aura of mystery, JAR is celebrated as one of the most important jewellery artists of his time. His creations, known for their sculptural beauty and meticulous craftsmanship, are coveted by collectors worldwide. Rosenthal’s ability to blend artistry with exclusivity has cemented his legacy in contemporary jewellery design.
After graduating from Harvard, Rosenthal moved to Paris and initially worked as a screenwriter and needlepoint artist, with his work in multi-colored yarns later influencing his distinctive jewellery designs. His journey took a brief detour to New York, where he worked as a salesman for Bulgari. However, Paris called him back, and in 1978, he opened his own shop.
JAR’s exclusivity extends beyond his creations. He has held only two public exhibitions: one in London in 2002 and another at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013. He is the only living jeweler to have had a solo exhibition at The Met.
Producing a mere 150 to 200 pieces each year, JAR’s jewellery is coveted by collectors. Each piece is a whispered secret between artist and buyer, forged for no one else. This rarity, combined with his unparalleled artistry, solidifies JAR’s status as a leading figure in the world of fine jewellery.