Under the Hammer

Luke Edward Hall's Top Picks from
The Male Form

Luke Edward Hall is a London-based artist and interior designer. Known for his bold sense of colour and playful, romantic work, he is inspired by the past as well as theatre, fantasy, and storytelling.

With the male physique constituting a central motif to his own work, Luke is partnering with Bonhams to celebrate the upcoming cross-departmental sale, The Male Form, on 16 June in London. Here, Luke has curated a selection of lots within the sale and tells us why these works fascinate him.

Lot 88

Raymond Leon Rivoire,
An important large bronze bust of 'Neptune'

I adore this chiselled Art Deco take on the Roman god Neptune, and I particularly like his hair with its band of shells. I wish I could have seen Rivoire’s bronze of Neptune for the SS Normandie. The elegant Deco interiors of the liner have always appealed to me; they recall a bygone age of supremely stylish grandeur.

Lot 85

Roman Marble Figure of Eros

How fantastic would it be to own something nearly two thousand years old? I’ve always been a fan of Greek and Roman art and stories of the gods and goddesses, and Eros particularly appeals to me as a subject because of his connection with love. The sensuality of this sculpture is astounding; I particularly like the sound of the figure’s ‘luxurious locks’.

Lot 91

Duncan Grant,
Paul Roche Reclining

Duncan Grant is one of my favourite artists. I recently acquired a drawing of Grant’s lover Paul Roche standing, so this drawing of a sprawling Roche would make a brilliant partner. I love the passionate immediacy of Grant’s drawings.

Lot 87

Horst P. Horst,
Portrait of a handsome man (Fred)

Horst P. Horst was a true genius in terms of light and composition. I always find his pictures incredibly striking, and this image of a handsome man is no different. There is a wistfulness in the man’s eyes that I appreciate, and a certain elegance in his pose. It’s a lovely depiction of timeless beauty.

Lot 84

Jean Genet,
Querelle de Brest (Paris, Paul Morihien, 1947)

I spent some time researching Jean Genet’s works for a project a couple of years ago, and found him grotesquely fascinating as a character. This rare book includes illustrations by Jean Cocteau, another favourite artist of mine. Cocteau was able to conjure up amazingly sensual scenes with only a few precise lines.

Lot 86

Henry Scott Tuke,
By the Water's Edge

Henry Scott Tuke’s mastery of light meant that he was able to conjure up the magnificence of an English summer in rough, free brushstrokes. I love the fragile romance of this painting, the softness and the stillness, the contrast between skin, rocks, and sea. It is youth, captured.

Lot 89

Francois Joseph Clement,
Head study of a classical youth

I really can’t resist a painting of a classical figure. I very much like this man’s strong profile, composure, and the warm colours of his skin against the grey background. Halkett was particularly known for his portraits, and this is a great example.

Lot 92

David Hockney,
Olympische Spiele München 1972

I’ve always loved the way Hockney depicts water in his paintings and drawings, a technique played out to marvellous effect here. The diver’s reflection is particularly fantastic. I have a soft spot for posters – I’m interested in typography and graphic design, and this poster’s minimalist composition appeals greatly.

Lot 90

Circle of David Loggan,
Portrait of a gentleman

I would love to add a miniature to my collection. This is a charming example. Such wonderful detail. Big hair, armour and a lace cravat – a fabulous look!

The Male Form will take place on 16 June in London, New Bond Street.
To keep updated with all of our sales, follow @bonhams1793 on Instagram and listen to sounds from our salerooms on Spotify.

Lot 88

Raymond Leon Rivoire, An important large bronze bust of 'Neptune'