210 Lee Street, Suite 105
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
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Phone: (703) 519-8727
Cellular (703) 622-9978
Hours: By Appointment
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Specializing in Period American Furniture and
American Paintings of the 19th Century and Earlier


Thank you for visiting my website.

I hope you enjoy exploring my evolving collection of early American antiques and American paintings as much as I enjoy discovering each and every piece. While there are always exceptions, such as the occasional foray into maps, prints and silver, I try and stay focused on paintings by American artists working during and prior to the nineteenth century and early American furniture made in the South and mid-Atlantic. It is my objective to work closely with collectors and institutions seeking to acquire objects that are both historically important and aesthetically pleasing, and that value in-depth research. Let me know your collecting interests or specific objects you are seeking and, if I cannot currently offer an appropriate example, I will do my best to locate, authenticate, and research high quality items worthy of consideration for your collection.

A life-long interest in American history and the development of the arts in this country fuels my enthusiasm as a dealer in paintings and antique furniture and I am most fortunate to live within a short distance from a great concentration of research resources.



The Smithsonian museums, including the library of the National Portrait Gallery, American Art Museum and the Archives of American Art are invaluable, as are the extraordinarily rich collections at the Library of Congress. Winterthur, Colonial Williamsburg, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), along with the Virginia and Maryland State Historical Societies each offer unique and superlative research resources which greatly enhance possibilities for research into American material culture. I have had the pleasure of working with all of these institutions along with many others and each day learn more about what information can be found and where.

 

Just as each object must ultimately stand on its own, each dealer, curator and collector must ultimately rely on their own judgment in assessing a painting, print, chair, chest, table or other object. Research certainly adds much to the context and comprehension that informs one’s judgment, but fundamental knowledge, experience and continuing education play critical roles in the continual development of one’s “eye.” I have spent the last several years in the dual role of dealer and student in the Smithsonian/Corcoran School of Art’s Masters Program in the History of American Decorative Arts.


Among my most valuable experiences during this academic interlude was the opportunity to contribute to the research effort for the Gilbert Stuart catalogue and exhibition mounted by the National Portrait Gallery, Metropolitan Museum and National Gallery of Art. The master’s degree however represents a foundation and I have, and will continue to sharpen my eye and insight through participation in such specialist programs as MESDA’s Summer Institute, Antique Forums at Colonial Williamsburg and Study Days offered through Winterthur. As a mentor has frequently exhorted me however, the only way to really develop an eye and judgment is to apply one’s knowledge by actually looking closely at individually works, and then to “look, look and then look some more.” I will be looking every day at American paintings, furniture and fine examples of decorative arts with the hope that my efforts and discoveries will add to my understanding of each object and provide opportunities for you to add to your collection.