By Senior Contributor Brendan Kownacki
Lichtenstein’s take on an American Flag
History came alive over the weekend as a special exhibition of art from upcoming sales by Christie’s went on display at the JW Marriott in downtown DC. The exhibition, titled “Washington to Warhol” featured art and artifacts, all related to the American Presidency and perfectly themed as the 2012 election races closer every day.
Roosevelt by Warhol
This is the eighth such event for JW Marriott in their partnership with Christie’s to pair historic pieces with exhibition space in cities around the the world. Mitzi Gaskins, VP & Global Brand Manager for JW Marriott described it as the hotel’s effort to “Align experiences in our hotel with what guests are passionate about.” That effort goes beyond the individual events where guests can access the art, but also includes the team from Christie’s contributing their expertise to “Tastemaker’s Guide” books available in the hotels to steer guests to the best shopping, culture and restaurants.
Thomas Sully’s Portrait of George Washington
It’s not every day that you get to see documents like that, or Warhol and Lichtenstein side by side with Paul Revere and Thomas Sully, whose portrait of George Washington on horseback was the most valuable piece in the group (estimated to sell for $700,000-$1 million.)
It almost felt like some of these artifacts were stopping at home when they reached the JW on Pennsylvania Avenue. “About as moving as it gets,” Provost said, looking over Julia Ward Howe’s notes of one of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which was written at the Willard Hotel.
“Christie’s is committed to Washington,” Provost said, “let’s bring great Americana to Washington…” and that’s just what they did.
A Teapot Made by Paul Revere in 1782
