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A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT H. SMITH
In the world of business, Robert H. Smith was known as one of the most successful and innovative real estate developers in the country. His crowning achievement was the building of Crystal City, an entirely self-sufficient metropolis in Arlington, Virginia. Scholars and curators visiting the stylish Smith residence were continually amazed by Mr. Smith's growing collection of Renaissance and Baroque bronzes. Generous with his knowledge, Mr. Smith would proudly share his latest trouvé-one day a magnificent Antico bronze and gilt Nymph; another, a peerless andiron Goddess by Alessandro Vittoria. What united the collection were Mr. Smith's impeccable taste and his relentless and unforgiving pursuit of quality. He assembled what is without doubt the most remarkable group of Renaissance and Baroque bronzes in the country with a particular emphasis on small bronzes by and after Giambologna, an achievement which is commemorated in two beautiful catalogues--one authored by the late Anthony Radcliffe, the other by Nicholas Penny.
In addition to its outstanding and sustained quality, the collection also testifies to another of Mr. Smith and his wife Clarice's great passions: philanthropy. Mr. Smith was the largest single donor to his Alma Mater, the University of Maryland, who named its business school for him and its performing arts center for Clarice Smith, herself a widely exhibited artist. In an act of extraordinary generosity, Mr. Smith bequeathed his collection of bronzes to the National Gallery of Art where they will be enjoyed by millions of visitors from around the world. Not only was Mr. Smith a tireless patron of these great American institutions, he was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Israel Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Christie's is honored to offer choice works from the Smith Collection in several auctions this season, including Old Master Paintings, 19th Century Paintings, European Furniture & Decorative Objects, and Silver. The silver collection--cultivated over many years with the enthusiastic support of Mrs. Smith and her discerning artist's eye--ranges from rare 17th-century French pieces to magnificent silver-gilt works from the German renaissance to classic English Georgian objects by celebrated makers such as Paul de Lamerie. The remarkable works to be offered show us that Bob Smith lived a life in which civilization in all its manifestations touched him deeply. His devotion to the arts was a cornerstone of a remarkable life of business achievement, collecting, and philanthropy.
A CONNOISSEUR'S COLLECTION: PROPERTY OF ROBERT H. & CLARICE SMITH
A DUTCH PARCEL-GILT SILVER BEAKER
MARK OF FRANSOYS ELIOET, UTRECHT, 1626
Details
A DUTCH PARCEL-GILT SILVER BEAKER
MARK OF FRANSOYS ELIOET, UTRECHT, 1626
Tapering circular and on short trumpet shaped foot, the rim engraved with scrolls, flowers and exotic birds, the interior rim engraved with later inscription, CJR from EHO 1900, marked underneath
3¾ in. (9.5 cm.) high; 5 oz. (157 gr.)
MARK OF FRANSOYS ELIOET, UTRECHT, 1626
Tapering circular and on short trumpet shaped foot, the rim engraved with scrolls, flowers and exotic birds, the interior rim engraved with later inscription, CJR from EHO 1900, marked underneath
3¾ in. (9.5 cm.) high; 5 oz. (157 gr.)
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