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Paris Steals Helen of Troy

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    Posted 10 years ago

    VioletOrange
    (150 items)

    As I grow older, this has become one of my favorite works in clay. While Paris's arm is too long and the beautiful horse is a little out of proportion to its riders - just look at the close-up of the expressions on the faces of Helen and Paris and their embrace - and you will understand one of the reasons I appreciate this so much.

    The artist, Helen Fuchs Gundlach, is rather obscure - or at least I have found out very little about her. Born 1892, died in 1959 in Ebenezer, NY, Erie County. She was a sculpter, painter and lecturer. She lived on Seneca Street in Ebenezer and owned the "Hickory Shade Studio". This work was done in 1941 and the artist asked $100.00 for it (expensive then I think). Most of this information is written on the bottom of the piece. If you search the internet you can find/see one of her paintings and one other clay work, entitled "Garden of Eden" - it sold last year for $50.00

    She was of another time here in America and perhaps also in the world. The work itself speaks of an education in the classics. The words "Ebenezer", "Seneca Street" and "Hickory Shade Studio" evoke a simpler time and perhaps a better one, at least in some respects. I contrast her classic education/knowledge with the fact that 25% of school children here in my country think the sun revolves around the earth and many can tell you what color underwear (if any) certain reality "stars" wear - but don't have a clue (or care) who the Vice President is. I love my country but think we have lost something . . . or maybe I'm just older than I realize.

    I hope, out there somewhere, there is a grandchild or great-grandchild of Helen who knows who she was and thinks about her with pride. When we leave this earth, for most of us, all that remains is a stone with a name on it. For artists like Helen Fuchs Gundlach they leave behind something that transcends time . . . creations of beauty.

    White and red clay in white crackle and blue glaze, 10" x 9".

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    Comments

    1. cogito cogito, 10 years ago
      I haven't heard of her until now, but from the piece above it is clear that she was influenced by the early 20s Wiener Werkstatte and Austrian deco ceramicists.
    2. vetraio50 vetraio50, 10 years ago
      Just lovely! Very nice piece!
    3. SEAN68 SEAN68, 10 years ago
      beautiful!!!
    4. VioletOrange VioletOrange, 10 years ago
      Thanks guys and yes indeeed Wiener Werkstatte and Austrian deco
    5. SEAN68 SEAN68, 10 years ago
      I DO LOVE WIENER WERKSTATTE . its a dream that will true for me some day!!!
    6. AmphoraPottery AmphoraPottery, 10 years ago
      I enjoy your writing style, VioletOrange.
    7. inky inky, 10 years ago
      I love the emotion in their faces....just love it.....:-)
    8. antiquerose antiquerose, 10 years ago
      I say --- "They need to find a bedroom.....LOL"

      just kidding -- it is very STUNNING!!
    9. VioletOrange VioletOrange, 10 years ago
      Thank you SEAN68, AmphoraPottery, inky and antiquerose
    10. maryh1956 maryh1956, 10 years ago
      It certainly is an emotional piece!
    11. VioletOrange VioletOrange, 10 years ago
      Thanks so much, Leah
    12. VioletOrange VioletOrange, 9 years ago
      Thanks so much Phil. I appreciate both the art you collect and the art you make. Ernie
    13. Timmy1, 9 years ago
      Helen Fuchs Gundlach was my Grandmother. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer before I was born. Thank you for the nice comments about her art work! I wish I had more pieces and paintings of hers.
    14. VioletOrange VioletOrange, 9 years ago
      Wonderful to see your comments Timmy1. This is the only piece by your grandmother that I have and I treasure it - as you must treasure her accomplishments and her memory.
    15. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      Hey Timmy1, don't know if this will ever reach you but I have a painting by your grandmother. Lest try to communicate somehow. Not sure how to reach you directly but if you comment here it will show up in my email.
    16. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Hi artnstuff,
      Thanks for trying to reach me! I'd love to see my Grandmother's painting that you have. Is there a way you can post or e-mail a picture of it? Did she have a name for the painting on the back of it and/or the year it was painted? I'd love to know where you purchased it and how long you had it! Thanks so much! I truly appreciate you trying to contact me!
    17. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      Sure, I can e-mail you some pics and information. I'll need your email so I think that means you'll have to post it here. I don't see any way for us to contact each other directly through this platform. Maybe you know another way?
    18. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Can you possibly post the details and some pictures on this website like the person did who purchased my Grandmother's "Paris Steals Helen of Troy? They recommend we not post our email address or telephone number as everyone would see it.
      Thank you so much!
    19. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      You're welcome to find me at facebook.com/jim.aikens.
    20. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Sorry, that won't work. I'm not on Facebook and don't know the first thing about it. If you can possibly post it on this website it would be greatly appreciated. If I think of any other way I will let you know.
      Thanks so much!
    21. Karenoke Karenoke, 7 years ago
      Put chill bumps on me to see that a family connection has been made.
      Beautiful art and story!
    22. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Dear artnstuff,
      In the meantime, Could you please let me know what her painting, that you have, is of? (Ex. Scenery, person, etc.) Does it have a date on it? Did she name the painting? Where did you get it from? A friend of mine is trying to find you on Facebook but she said there are three with your name.
      Thank you!
    23. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      Sorry I haven't gotten back to you Timmy. You have not been forgotten!
      I set up an email to use.... artnstuff78@hotmail.com send me an email there and I'll forward you some pics. It's a country scene with a prominent apple tree. I'll take some pics tonight.
    24. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      Hi Timmy1. I posted the painting here on this site. I hope you can find it.
    25. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Thanks artnstuff! I will look for it! Greatly Appreciate all the time it took you to do this for me! It means a lot to me! I would have gotten back to you sooner but had to rush one of our German Shepherds to the emergency hospital. Thanks again!
    26. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Hi VioletOrange,
      I just decided to visit collectors weekly to look again at the picture you posted of my Grandmother's "Paris Steals Helen of Troy". My husband and I were wondering how far her piece traveled for it to reach your hands. We are curious what country and state you live in. I do wish my Grandmother had lived longer so I could have known her. She had so much talent and accomplished so much in her life. I love and treasure the paintings and ceramics I do have that were made with her skillful and loving hands and creative mind. Thank you!
    27. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Hello artnstuff,
      I recall you saying my Grandmother's oil painting was a gift to you. I am curious how far it traveled to reach you. Do you mind sharing what country, state, and city/town you are from?
      Thank you!
    28. artnstuff, 7 years ago
      Hi Timmy,
      Not far, I'm in Lockport, NY.
    29. Timmy1, 7 years ago
      Wow, you are close! You don't happen to know where your friends bought my Grandmother's oil painting from, do you? FYI, Several days ago I did send you an email to the address you set up. Thanks for youf reply!
    30. PhilDMorris PhilDMorris, 6 years ago
      I see why this is a favourite, each artist seems to have their strength, the pure delight and happiness is beautiful !~
    31. lgundlach, 6 years ago
      Helen was my great-grandmother. There are several of her paintings hanging in my parents' home, and although she's quite obscure, her paintings are some of my favorites. I believe we also have a little sculpture of baby Jesus in the manger. It's so nice to see that people outside of the family appreciate her talent!
    32. lgundlach, 6 years ago
      My father is also really into genealogy, so if you're interested in more information about the artist herself, do let me know. :)

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