“Bayou #2” is an original painting in oil, ink, charcoal, and oil pastel on canvas by artist Meredith Pardue.

January 12, 2024
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When it comes to curating an enchanting and exclusive interior sanctuary, few elements possess the irresistible allure and unparalleled charisma that vintage and antique furniture and décor offer. Jean-Marc Fray Antiques stands as a beacon of expertise, curating an exquisite collection of rare and legendary masterpieces. Our philosophy centers on the harmonious fusion of vintage and antique treasures with captivating artwork, elevating your living space to a realm of luxury and sophistication. From meticulously sculpted vintage figurines and magnificent head busts adorning your vintage Italian coffee table to the awe-inspiring grandeur of oil paintings and lithographs gracing your Antique Louis XVI buffet, and the mesmerizing allure of photography complementing your Murano Glass lighting, infusing artistry into your home with an aura of serenity and boundless happiness. Allow us to share some of our favorite tips on mastering the artful fusion, pairing vintage furniture with art pieces.

Optimal Art Choices to Enhance Your Home’s Decor

As dedicated and passionate connoisseurs of the arts, we deeply appreciate the profound impact art can have on our lives, especially for those who possess a deep appreciation for artistic value and expression. Infusing the rare beauty of art into our living spaces is a magnificent way to channel our creativity and appreciation for the aesthetic. It allows us to transform our homes into personalized sanctuaries that resonate with our individuality, creating the haven of our dreams. Much like a masterful painter choosing the perfect hues for their canvas, selecting the ideal artwork to complement your antique and vintage treasures can result in a space that is not only harmonious but also visually captivating.

“#7 deep violet” by Austin based artist Ann Swingler. This piece is included in her VIGIL collection. “This body of work emerged from decades of walking receptively, without agenda or expectation, foraging, gardening, and praying quietly. The beauty, awe, and wonder I see in nature encompasses life and death as holy, including all withered and battered states in between. I hope this work will support, in some way, all who give back to the earth and appreciate its preciousness, and hold vigil for its healing. These nine pieces incorporate mixed media collages and photographic encaustic work. My process begins by creating a small collage box from dried botanicals and layering them between glass. The boxes are photographed, enlarged, and then glued to wooden panels. The images are delicately embellished with color pencil and oil pastels before the final layer of encaustic wax.”

Paintings That Breathe Life

Within the realm of art, paintings and lithographs hold a cherished place in our hearts. When thoughtfully paired with vintage and antique pieces, these pieces can breathe life into your space, infusing it with a profound sense of history and narrative. Whether it’s a classic oil painting exuding timeless elegance or a vibrant contemporary lithograph adding avant-garde flair, your choice of paintings and lithographs serves as a powerful tool to reflect your artistic sensibilities and passions.

Framed print by Roy Lichtenstein created for the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1989. This original poster titled “Drowning Girl” was inspired by a DC Comic and shows a girl drowning in water and emotion. The speech bubble reads “I don’t care! I’d rather sink than call Brad for help!” The work by Lichtenstein shows his prowess at hand-painting pop art pieces that imitate the mechanical printing process and showcase his consideration of the comic style. A renowned artist of the time, his work can be found internationally in museums such as the MoMA. This is an original vintage poster.

Roy Lichtenstein “Drowning Girl” New York MoMA Print

Oil painting, signed and featuring a downtown cityscape. This piece is multi media on canvas with a gold frame. Perfect piece to mix with a vintage buffet underneath.

Vintage Oil Painting

“Bayou #2” is an original painting in oil, ink, charcoal, and oil pastel on canvas by artist Meredith Pardue.

 

Photography in Vintage Spaces

Photography, when seamlessly integrated with the eternal appeal of vintage pieces, has the unique ability to elevate your living space and transform it into a personal sanctuary that resonates with your distinct style and sensibilities. Whether you’re the creative genius behind the lens or you’ve enlisted the services of a professional maestro, the addition of photography becomes nothing short of an entrancing portal to an alternate universe right within your home.

_cloud_ 7 by Sherwin Rivera Tibayan Each piece is printed, signed and editioned (on back of print), and framed by the artist. Limited edition of 5 prints, with 2 additional APs (Artist Proofs) Each print is a 16”x20” image on 17”x22” paper Each photograph is printed on Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag papers. Sherwin Rivera Tibayan (Philippines, 1982) is an art photographer based in Austin, Texas, whose work explores how contemporary photography and technology both change and challenge our relationship to historic images. His projects have been exhibited nationally and internationally, with recognition from organizations such as Photolucida, the Magenta Foundation, and the Houston Center for Photography. "_cloud_ is an ongoing series of black and white prints involving constructions made from close-up views of tangled headphone wires. This project began with the daily frustration of untangling my headphones in order to use them. I started to think of these knotted wires and the constant task of undoing them as stand-ins for the much larger and more numerous physical and psychological entanglements we have with technologies of leisure and convenience. By moving so close to something so familiar, I wanted to find a way to transform the material nature of an everyday object—one that so publicly isolates and connects us—into an an updated Rorschach test of sorts, providing viewers with an unchanging visual space to cast the flux of their private imaginings, anxieties and pleasures.

“_cloud_ 7” By Sherwin Rivera Tibayan

Smoking in Venice 2003 by Stephen Elledge is a limited edition (10 total) direct print on aluminum backing.

Smoking In Venice By Stephen Elledge

_cloud_ 7 by Sherwin Rivera Tibayan Each piece is printed, signed and editioned (on back of print), and framed by the artist. Limited edition of 5 prints, with 2 additional APs (Artist Proofs) Each print is a 16”x20” image on 17”x22” paper Each photograph is printed on Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag papers. Sherwin Rivera Tibayan (Philippines, 1982) is an art photographer based in Austin, Texas, whose work explores how contemporary photography and technology both change and challenge our relationship to historic images. His projects have been exhibited nationally and internationally, with recognition from organizations such as Photolucida, the Magenta Foundation, and the Houston Center for Photography. "_cloud_ is an ongoing series of black and white prints involving constructions made from close-up views of tangled headphone wires. This project began with the daily frustration of untangling my headphones in order to use them. I started to think of these knotted wires and the constant task of undoing them as stand-ins for the much larger and more numerous physical and psychological entanglements we have with technologies of leisure and convenience. By moving so close to something so familiar, I wanted to find a way to transform the material nature of an everyday object—one that so publicly isolates and connects us—into an an updated Rorschach test of sorts, providing viewers with an unchanging visual space to cast the flux of their private imaginings, anxieties and pleasures.

 

Sculptures to Evoke Ethereal Beauty in Your Space

The artful blend of sculptures and head busts with vintage pieces within your interior design scheme is akin to a masterstroke in creating an ethereal and harmonious living environment. These sculptural elements serve as quintessential focal points, guiding the eye with their intrinsic beauty and intricate forms, flawlessly merging with vintage furniture.

French Art Deco period Hermes sculpture made of plaster and supported by a wood base. The perfect edition to your living room or dining area, mixing vintage and art together.

Art Deco Period French Hermes Sculpture
 French Art Deco bronze bust of Jean Mermoz. This piece has a beautiful green patina and black marble base. Jean Mermoz was a French pioneer aviator, 1901-1936. This depicts his courageous expression with a slight movement in the hair. He was most noted for his adventurous spirit. He succeeded at dangerous night flights and ambitious desert flights. He was also the first pilot to cross the South Atlantic ocean by air as well as several other feats.

French Art Deco Period Bronze Jean Mermoz Bust

Unique pair of vintage Italian gold leafed resin heads. Perfect for a vintage living space, spice up your home with art and vintage.

The Balancing Act of Matching or Contrasting

The choice between harmonious matching and striking contrast when pairing your art with vintage pieces is a pivotal decision that shapes the ambiance of your space. This balance hinges on personal taste and the desired atmosphere. Both approaches hold their unqiue allure, and the choice lies in your desire to evoke a sense of serenity and continuity through matching or to infuse your space with drama and individuality through contrast.

Create a unique and eclectic space by mixing art with vintage or antique pieces.La Fontaine Paris, 1999 by Stephen Elledge is a limited edition (ten total) direct print on aluminum backing.

The Drama of Color and The Power of Texture

One of the most remarkable aspects of combining art with vintage and antique pieces is the opportunity to create texture and contrast. Antique furniture often boasts intricate details, rich wood grains, and unique craftsmanship. To complement these characteristics, consider artwork that adds texture and depth to the space.

Sometimes, matching colors of your art with your vintage pieces creates a cohesive and soothing atmosphere. On the other hand, contrasting your art with your vintage pieces infuses energy and intrigue into the room. For instance, if you have a collection of ebonized French antique furniture with sleek tones, consider art that features complementary shades to tie the room together effortlessly. Think of this choice as your interior design artistic canvas, where your personal style shines the brightest.

The marriage of art and vintage pieces is a dynamic and creative process that allows you to craft a space that is truly exceptional. It’s a fusion of past and present, a chemistry between art and history, and a sublime marriage of artistic mediums. Whether you choose to create texture and contrast, match or contrast colors, the key is to let your individual preferences and personality shine through in your interior design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different eras and art genres. Combining a whimsical contemporary photograph with a timeless Louis XVI commode can result in a captivating and distinctive atmosphere that reflects your personal taste and style. Embrace your inner interior designer and start creating a living space that transcends mere decoration; it becomes a canvas itself, a masterpiece, where the layers of history, artistry, and design coalesce into a breathtaking narrative.

Visit Jean-Marc Fray in Austin, Texas, and explore our extensive selection of antique and vintage gems that can serve as the canvas for your artistic vision! Get 1st Dibs on new arrivals by signing up for our weekly email subscription or by following us on Instagram.

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