Antiques and San Telmo
Topic: Antiques
The Magnificent San Telmo Market

San Telmo is the center of the most ancient area of the city of Buenos Aires. With only 25 square blocks, this small district concentrates in itself a bit of every thing this city has to offer to locals and visitors. The Plaza Dorrego is the meeting point and from where we start our journey.

Every day is a good day to visit San Telmo… but on Sundays it's just something else.



                     
San Telmo, Flea Market

The narrow stone paved streets are no longer busy with traffic, for on Sundays they are walking streets only, were one can find lovely couples passing by, kids playing, young and older people enjoying their free day, foreign visitors buying handcrafted items, antiques, collectibles, having coffee on a sweet little coffee house that has put its tables on the street because of the beautiful day. As we approach the Plaza, in between human statues, two tangueros are posing for photograph and a puppeteer, taking advantage of a melancholic tango song, puts on an improvised play of very high artistic quality. As we keep on walking we can appreciate the crowd around the Plaza Dorrego, were the antiques' market takes place every Sunday. As we enter this outdoor market, the options are more than plenty; some interesting places catch my eye: some wild magazine collections from the 30s, beautiful ancient phonographs that still work are playing one of Gardel's most beautiful tangos. Really close to that stand, I view, astonished, the perfect image of the Argentine's 60s: two posters, side by side, like twin brothers: El Che Guevara and the four legendary Beatles.
On the street many talented artists play a tango, a milonga, and the folkloric chamam¿; the sound track of this beautiful spectacle.

As the sun goes down and the market begins to close, we appreciate the care and love with which the artisans and antiquarians put away each item that was exhibited during this sunny afternoon. What an amazing spectacle of history, home of the immigrants who long ago came to this land to build a nation.

So we walk away, we pass by a traditional Bistro locally known as bodeg¿n, we can appreciate that the fire ‘s already burning, and its coals are heating the grill for an outstanding asado; without thinking it twice we walk in to finish this day in the best possible Argentinean way, asado and an excellent red wine from Mendoza.

Interested in buying antiques and collectibles from Buenos Aires or for that matter any other item that I have mentioned in any article you have found on this my web site, you can buy Toys from my museum and thru my eBay, at the Toy Museum on eBay press here; Toy Museum on eBay or thru The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, press here; Art Dealer on eBay From Art to Antiques. Or contact me direct.



For more information at:Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer, webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, Argentina.



Sulky-Ciclo Made in Argentina

Original Antiques found in Buenos Aires
Topic: Antiques
Art Deco statuettes: the outbreak of modern decorative design



The early 1900s brought new air into the world of arts and crafts. Modern times had arrived and nothing would ever be the same again. If for the world of economy and politics it had all began several centuries ago, in the world of arts it was just beginning.

A new look upon nature and life, an innovative application of ancient techniques, the perceptive eye begins to train in order to captivate the fast and strong movement of modernity; Art deco sculptures and artists work under this haven.

The modern application of chryselephantine is not only Art Deco?s trademark, but in many ways it?s heart and soul. The nobility and natural-sophistication of ivory blending with modernity?s icon ?shiny metal in a clean line composition are the raw materials upon which the artist plays his and her magic.

The ancient Greek origin of this technique is illustrative of the cultural intentions behind Art Deco movement, the intrinsic cultural value within the cradle of Western civilization ?the Greek art- is lifted into a higher level whilst applied to the fast and furious 20th century.

Embodying a time gap link (avoiding the darkness within the Middle Ages) these art deco sculptures are natural, hieratic, stylish and in many ways erotic. Socially adapted to the fact that this was the age of consumption, art ?in this way- begins to be available to ?the educated masses? of the middle classes around the world as decorative items.

As much as Degas was fascinated by the blend of art, hard work and body building in ballet, and expressed his admiration in his art; during the 19th century, Gerdago and Gustave Schmidtcassel crafted chryselephantine ballerinas of sharpen gestures and spectacular movements frozen at the specific moment of climax.

Claire-Jeanne-Roberte Colinet a superlative Frenchwomen artist also executed superb dancing figures in clean lines and detailed expressions. A trademark of hers is the fact that she generally avoided the use of polychrome.

Dimitri Chiparus, Rumanian of origin Frenchman by choice, was indeed a fabulous artist. He was amazingly prolific, especially considering the fact that he did not stick to one specific theme. From children to religious sculptures he found inspiration mainly in the way illustrated men had perceived nature by means of religion, mythology and folklore. Once again in the world of chryselephantine, dancers are the key theme

Ferdinand Preiss? work evidences a superlative craftsmanship at the same time that an anticipatory preference for hyperrealism that would stand strongly in the decades to come.

Joseph Lorenzl is an Austrian outstanding artist; one of the best well known and most prominent sculptors of the time. His women were idealized and perfect featuring ?mainly that slim boyish shape that was so in at the time. His beauties are usually nude, seductive and erotic in a subtle way.

The brief list and description above considers only some of the most prominent artists of the time, however it?s indeed illustrative of the predominant theme and technique.

These, unlike many collectibles and antiques of our days, were very much appreciated objects of their time. The fact that less than 80 years after their social and cultural peak they have become coveted antiques lays on the fact that the inventory of these exquisite items was devastated by the Second World War. A great majority was destroyed during the bombings and riots, but another important number was unassembled and melted for the bronze within (this was a material in high demand for weapon production).

Notwithstanding there was a number of pieces that survived, hence the high demand and prices. These are truly rare and amazing findings for art dealers, antiquarians and museum experts, not available for every one? No wonder why private collectors have been paying exorbitant prices for major pieces.

Bob Frassinetti.


When I first became an art & antique dealer many years ago, the only experience I had had with ART was through means of my College studies in England. It was a fine ground base on top of which to begin to work out the eye, the senses, training myself to discover the artist’s input. But as we all know, theory is not enough in these very practical cases, for there are some things that are not in the books. You must get out to the markets, fairs, auctions and stores and begin to knit your own net of signs and definitions that take you to a safe place were you know pretty much for sure that you’re acquiring what you think you are acquiring.

Indeed this is a very important and central matter when antique hunting. The other central aspect to the job is to know how to link the aesthetic value with the monetary (price) value.

Valuating an item is a complicated matter not only in terms of salesmen and buyers, both interested in getting the best out of the object in question, but because there’s a social and cultural value intrinsic to the item that must be taken into consideration in these cases.

After these many years of experience and training, the learning experience has paid off for I worked out a solid and trustworthy business with world wide experience to prove it. At the same time I find myself being contacted upon my opinion to valuate vintage and antique items in general for the positive record I’ve managed to develop in the field, but also to estimate prices on items that till recent time were not so well known. Such is the case of Argentine toys and some particular artists like Janos Viski. The reason is that along with the everyday work of buying and selling antiques I’ve worked out a variety of intensive research projects that aim to recover from oblivion key masterworks fairly unknown till recent days.



If you need assistance or aid to sell a particular sort of antique, art or collectible please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I love art and antiques deeply and wish to put a little bit of my help into developing a safe and reasonable world wide market, that’s why I don’t charge to estimate the value of any antique, art piece or collectible.

As an artdealer I do provide a customized business service for auctioning and direct sales where I combine my knowledge expertise with my broad business contact.

For either case feel free to contact me directly and I’ll work out the best plan to suit your needs.

Interested in buying antiques and collectibles from Buenos Aires or for that matter any other item that I have mentioned in any article you have found on this my web site, you can buy Toys from my museum and threw eBay, threw the Toy Museum on eBay press here; Toy Museum on eBay and threw The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, press here; Art Dealer on eBay From Art to Antiques. Or contact me direct. For more information :Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer is a webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, Argentina.



                                                 
Bob Frassinetti in the News!

Buying Antiques in Argentina
Topic: Antiques
Antiques in Buenos Aires. Antiques in Argentina

Rainbow of cultures, cosmopolite city, Buenos Aires is a fantastic place to
buy extraordinary antiques, vintage items and collectibles.
There are several reasons why Buenos Aires has so interesting antiques.
The first of them is quite simple. Back in the mid 1800s, when thousands of
hundreds of immigrants came to this southern country seeing a better life
and opportunities they brought some of their most precious possessions with
them. The need of money or the lack of inheritances fed the flow of vintage
and valuable items such as paintings, scholar items, furniture, and several
other valuable objects.
On the other hand, during Argentina's golden years, back in the late 1800s
early 20th century, a solid social group involved in field related business
got very wealthy thanks to great investments and financial turns. This
upcoming class wanted to support their richness with a solid cultural
background and social status. They then invested a good deal of their new
profits in art, antiques, and collectibles of extremely high standards from
all over the world, specially from Far East, Europe and Exotic lands such as
India.
This were the first inputs of great antiques that Argentina received early
in the 20th century. The flow of outstanding objets never stopped. Argentina
's highest class, the wealthiest portion of society has always looked upon
Europe as a role model in terms of living standards and style.
An interesting fact is that a good part of their children were brought up in
British bilingual schools, and in several cases, the refined language spoken
at home was English.
From the marble in their bathrooms to the sculptures in their gardens, to
their clothing and books, most of this social group's belongings were
exquisite foreign items.
An other interesting antique market of Argentina, are countryside auction
houses, where all sort of antique estancia/ ranch objects can be found.

In historical terms also, we can point out two different moments within the
antique market's situation. The first one can be dated in the early 80s,
after the military dictatorship during Alfonsin's government the country
went through a very complicated inflationary process. During this time many
families who were no longer in so comfortable economic situations had to get
rid of their most precious belongings. This was one of the highest points
within the antique market in Buenos Aires, were some of the finest antiques
could be adquired in BA for very reasonable prices.
The second most important turn within this market took place recently. When
Carlos Menem and Domingo Cavallo's economic policy one on one (1 peso- 1
dollar) collapsed, once again, the antiques market grew at an extraordinary
rate, this time, with an additive, the exchange rate 3 pesos to 1 dollar has
made this turn much more appealing to the international antiques' consumers.
The intense growth within this field has not been merely in terms of
quantity. In terms of quality, Argentinean Antiquarians have set a new tone
to this market, for it's not just a matter of objects -very beautiful and
antique objects- but a matter of cultural and social patrimony.
Several antiquarian's fairs, auctions and gatherings are taking place at
this very moment.
Expo Anticuaria is an annual event held at the Buenos Aires Sheraton Hotel
and Convention Center were the antique lover and specialist meet, exchange
ideas and of course items.
Expo trastienda, is also an annual event and gathering point for all art
specialists antiquarians and interested visitors. A mega art fair with the
finest artists -well know and upcoming too- the best antique shops and art
dealers participating, sharing their experiences and their knowledge.

These two events are just an example of the growth in terms of quality that
the antique's world has had in Argentina during recent years.


Email Bob Frassinetti.
The Buenos Aires Art
Dealer,Argentina.

Glass Candy containers from Argentina
Topic: Collectables



Glass Candy Containers made in Argentina

Glass Candy containers are one true gem of the 19th century glass production. These are extraordinary handcrafts of great detail and inspiring hard work that unlike most of the sophisticated glass products are aimed for the massive public. Yes, indeed there were variations from social standard to social standard, but they all were made in the same way, one by one, blown and cased into the individual unique sort of mold and hand painted.

There are dual treats, equally amazing and treasuring. A toy on the one hand and a candy container –candy being the key word here- on the other.

In a historical approach we shall not overlook the fact that this specific product expressed a new Era conception regarding childhood. Children were not small adults, but kids that needed to explore the world in a different way than grownups. This was a time in man kind history that renews its vows towards the future generations and their playtime.

According to experts, the first two documented pieces were shaped like Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Liberty Bell, both dating to the Centennial Exposition in 1876 in Philadelphia, US.

This is one object that besides having a dual use of value –toy and candy container- it rapidly became a cherished collectible because of its artistic features. By the early 1900s this was a worldwide trend.

Argentina was no stranger to these products. Argentines are deeply fond of candies and sweets –bare in mind the national pride and “addiction” to the extremely sweet milk jam-. And as soon as the local glass industries began to grow, we have knowledge of the production of all sorts of candy containers. Some of them were, what we would denominate minimalist in this modern days, plain glass jars with glass tops, other more sophisticated versions exhibited outstanding engraving and crafting, and others were –are, for there are still some of these that have remain in good condition to our days- true art pieces, from the exquisite theme to the unique hand painting and detailing.
Cristalerias Picardo, Rigollieu and San Carlos are the exponents of the early 1900s glass production in our country, and in that same line we can state that these were the local industries that were producing glass candy containers at that time for sweet factories like Mu Mu, here in Argentina….. The themes exhibited in these items were amazing and varied, from birth moments, penguins, motorcycles, historical monuments, holiday themes, to animals, dolls and trains human figures like soldiers to ballerinas. The list is endless; the possibility of having the chance of recovering one of those artistic highpoint is sublime.


Interested in Glass? See Reyne Haines and REYNE GALLERY | 17 East 8th Street | 3rd Floor | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202REYNE GALLERY Press here to see. And Just GlassPress here to see JUST GLASS MALL


Friends we have made on the web........

As it happened with Rayne, we have met amazing and fabulous people throughout these many years of hard work and development. Mike from the UK, has enlightened us with his wonderful and amazing theatre plays and fire engines. With Pascale from Canada, we discovered the unknown glacier Antarctic territories and the Glacialis Productions.

Together with Jenny from Niceville, Jenny Fortune a whole new fabulous world of crazy adventures has popped just in front of our eyes.

While Paully, Christmas 2004 , Anderies,Jennifer, Erin and JoAnne, Mad Dog and antiques , have shared with us wonderful times hunting antiques, discovering Buenos Aires and its hidden treasures.

Hundreds of college students from Buenos Aires and from all over the world have researched and learnt about the world of antique toys and antiques in general thru our websites and research projects, The Buenos Aires Toy Museum..

We’ve traveled thru the many Argentine lighthouses with Klaus and Jim, in spite of the fact that we weren’t together on the boat…Together with Leon from Helmets of the Deep, Helmets of the Deep for Sale we dived into the deepness of the ocean, and surfaced together with Jim, spotting unknown treasures...

We have been the eyes thru which many, many wonderful people has got o know Buenos Aires, Argentina and its art, antiques, collectibles and design… Colonia

And our new and wonderful friends from all over the world have open our eyes into a wonderful world of wisdom and friendship that we treasure and value deeply. Giuseppe Pirone , Jenny Fortune , Pascal Debusschere , Sandra Bao and the list goes on, to many to mention......

And if I was to die tonight, I would "Thank you all", my best wishes from a not so far away Argentina, Bob Frassinetti.

Interested in buying antiques and collectibles from Buenos Aires or for that matter any other item that I have mentioned in any article you have found on this my web site, you can buy Toys from my museum and threw eBay, threw the Toy Museum on eBay press here; Toy Museum on eBay and threw The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, press here; Art Dealer on eBay From Art to Antiques. Or contact me direct. For more information :Email Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go to The Buenos Aires Art Dealer is a webzine magazine on Art, Antiques & Collectibles made or found in Argentina. The Buenos Aires ArtDealer, Argentina.



Bob Frassinetti