Winter 2015 Preview

Winter 14 www.afamag.com | www.incollect.com hough familiarity is reassuring, there is greater value in continuing to develop and to grow into new roles as circumstances change. In her article, “‘A Perfect Likeness’: Folk Portraits and Early Photography,” Jacquelyn Oak addresses how, in the 1840s, the new technology of dagguerreotypy eclipsed folk portraiture. By delving into some of the challenges portraitists faced as a result—the comparable speed of photography versus painting, and economic and personal circumstance—Oak shows the effects of new trends on a customer base, and provides background on the artists who either embraced or where swept aside by the advancing tide; a situation that resonates today. An art form closely aligned with photography is that of still life, which focuses on a moment in time. In his article, “Audubon to Warhol, The Art of American Still Life,” curator Mark Mitchell looks at ways of seeing and relating to objets in still life at various times in this country’s history. Their historic context is what gives still life works from earlier periods an added dimension; As Mitchell points out, much of the meaning of a still life can be lost on the modern viewer who cannot interpret the sympbolically conveyed messages. The reward goes to those who take the time to learn them. Dialogue is a part of any successful relationship—whether between artist and subject or, in the case of Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, between artist father and artist son. In an exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, curator Timothy Standring looks at the relationship between the two, as it was expressed in their lives and particularly through their art. They both influenced and challenged one another. This is perhaps best summed up by Andrew’s quote: “My father was a great inspiration, and there was a bit of competition between us.” While respecting each other’s work, this underlying competition enlivened each artist’s output and made it uniquely individual. The relationship among friends and family is indeed precious. The antiques industry recently lost an individual who was both friend and family to many, Suzanne Courcier. You’ll find David Schorsch’s lovely tribute on page 73, and we join him in expressing both our loss and our sympathies to Suzanne’s life partner, Bob Wilkins. Thank you, Johanna McBrien Founding editor Photography by Ellen McDermott FROM THE EDIT O R T IN MEMORIAM Suzanne Courcier Our Friend and Colleague David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles