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SALE INFORMATION

Our June 3rd auction has many contemporary interpretations of the image of the hand as the central subject in paintings, works on paper and sculpture. The use of the hand as a symbol in art history is as old as art itself. The symbolism of the hand as religious icon is seen most often in images of Christ. Christ’s hand gesture emerged as a sign of blessing in early Christian and Byzantine art and continued through the Renaissance as the most frequently occurring hand gesture in Western art. The Hand of God is a motif that was used in Christian and Jewish art when the depiction of God as a full human figure was not acceptable. Often depicted as an isolated motif and sometimes including part of the arm, the hand was used as a subject in itself, or to depict and represent the intervention or approval of God. As a symbol, the use of the hand as a subject relates to traditions in other religions as well, including the Arabic hamsa, or hand of Fatima, which was an amulet for protection and is still widely used today. The same amulet is known as the hamesh hand in Hebrew. Eastern Orthodox religions used icons with representations of a hand emerging from a circular design at the center. Throughout art history, the hand has been used as a symbol of blessing, spiritual approval, power and justice.

The Camilla and Earl McGrath Collection has many fine examples of works of art whose central subject is the hand. In this collection, these works have a very personal meaning as Earl McGrath lost a finger in an accident and was known for his humorous retelling of the story. The McGrath’s 57th Street apartment hosted a wall of art that was gifted to Earl by friends and artists. Relying on Earl’s notorious sense of humor, most of the works were images of hands and fingers.

For inquiries regarding the items in this sale please contact us at 518-751-1000 or info@stairgalleries.com.

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