An artist with punch
Q. I’m intrigued by this fanciful watercolour I inherited that looks like gnomes riding a horse. I don’t know if it has any value, but I’m wondering if it might have some history to it, as it doesn’t seem like an amateur work. It measures 11 by 23.5 centimetres (4.25 by 9.25 inches) but with no signature, just initials at the bottom right corner. The second initial looks like a D. I know this is probably a long- shot, but I’m hoping you might be able to help. Arthur, Guelph
A. You have a fantastic work by Richard Doyle (18241883). His distinctive monogram sometimes has a bird perched on it. Doyle was English and a very talented caricaturist, illustrator and painter of fairy art. His wonderful, outstandingly imaginative illustrations appeared in many publications, including “Punch” magazine and books such as “The Woodman and the Elves” and “A Fox-Hunter’s Nightmare.” Fairies and elves, such as those in your piece, were a large part of his rise to fame. His brother, Charles, father of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was also an illustrator of fairy art. I believe your work is watercolour with pen and ink. Only great talent could convey the moving drama through the varied facial expressions of the tiny riders on such a small work. His works have pushed $100,000 for larger examples. If it could be tied to a publication, this would enhance its value. This treasure is well worth $2,000.
Q. A long while ago I was asked to deal with the contents of a friend and discovered this small antique in the rafters of their second-floor closet attic. It is a set of two glass decanters inside a burled oak box with a brass piece on top inscribed with initials and the date 1808.
Each bottle has a silver top (without markings) and glass stopper. The closed box measures 13 wide by 11.5 by 7.5 centimetres (5.25 by 4.5 by 3 inches). It is in very good condition. I’m interested in finding out the value. Doug, Stratford
A. You have an exquisite toiletry box with its original contents of two bottles for toilet water or “eau de toilette.” Hygiene was not well understood prior to the 20th century and people struggled with cleanliness, good health and appearances. Odours were largely dealt with by masking bad smells with pleasant fragrances. Toilet water was milder and less expensive than perfumes. This one is quite petite and was probably for a woman. The wood is burled walnut and the cut-glass bottles have tops of silver plate. The brass binding helped protect the finely veneered edges of the box. The interior mirror is the clue to its use for vanity. The date is true to habits of the late 18th- and early 19th-century wealthy. This simple but elegant box with its fitted velvet interior was expensive originally. It has been well looked after and is worth $250 today.
Q. This is an antique brass mortar and pestle. It was brought from the old country and handed down to me by my grandmother. It is probably 150 years old. The mortar is 12.5 centimetres high and the pestle is 24 cm long (5 and 9.5 inches). I think they used it for certain religious occasions. There are no marks. I don’t know the value of it. Myra, Toronto
A. Mortars (receptacles) and pestles have been used over centuries to grind materials in making pharmaceuticals and plant materials — including spices for recipes marking special occasions. These tools are made of durable materials, including your bronze example. You have a handled mortar that looks to be 19th century. It is cast and embellished with lathe-turned bands. Although this one has many signs of use, mortars are difficult to date without makers’ marks because similar examples exist that are less than 60 years old — made and used in many countries today. This has lowered the value of unmarked examples. The value of this one is probably not more than $100.