M.S Rau’s team of researchers and authors brings with them a diversity of backgrounds and experience in the fine and decorative arts, as well as advanced certifications in the jewelry field. Their expertise spans over 500 years of art history, from masterpieces of the Renaissance to the iconic works of the Impressionists. They have written numerous articles and curated special exhibitions on a host of topics ranging from ancient artifacts to WWII memorabilia, from important silversmiths to splendid porcelain and all manner of rarities in between.
Amanda Chunn
Researcher and Writer
Amanda Chunn has more than ten years of experience working with fine art and antiques in both the non-profit and retail realm. She has curated a number of successful exhibitions, including those focused on both the fine and decorative arts. She holds advanced degrees in Art History and Library and Information Sciences and is an Applied Jewelry Professional in Gemology. She is a member of the Appraisers Association of America and ArtTable, and is an independent appraiser of fine art and antiques.
Recently published blogs:
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known simply as Rembrandt, remains one o...
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How to Collect Art: The prospect of building anything from the ground u...
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Art and the institution have been inextricably linked for centuries; the...
Read moreCatie Cullen
Researcher and Writer
With five years of fine art experience in the academic, museum and commercial sectors, Catie Cullen remains devoted to researching history’s treasures. Her previous experience spans archival research, archaeological collections management, fine arts education and coordinating art installations with contemporary artists. Catie holds a Master’s degree in Art History from Tulane University with a focus in Islamic art.
Recently published blogs:
Many have heard the colloquial phrase “home is where the heart is,” but ...
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In the world of furniture, there are many different styles that derive ...
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The turn of the 20th century marked the beginning of a period of global...
Read moreEmily Otranto
Researcher and Writer
Emily’s life-long love for history, literature and art lead her to pursue two bachelor’s degrees in History and Secondary Education, and a Masters in American Studies. Emily has an interest in America as a philosophical extension of Enlightenment thought, and uses an interdisciplinary approach in all her research. After falling in love with the city of New Orleans, she joyfully applies her eight years of experience as an educator, historian and writer as a contributing writer on the M.S. Rau team.
Recently published blogs:
From secretary desks to writing desks, read on to learn everything you ...
Read moreLauren Goforth
Researcher and Writer
Lauren Goforth has over 12 years of experience working in the visual arts in both the nonprofit and private sectors. She has a background in curating exhibitions of emerging and established artists in contemporary art spaces and has formerly written for fine art publications in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She earned a degree in Art History from Sewanee: The University of the South with a focus in Modern and Contemporary Art, and she is an Applied Jewelry Professional in Gemology.
Recently published blogs:
Many of history’s most enduring and significant works of art have been ...
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Art of the 19th century was ruled by the academic tradition. The term “A...
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Rene Magritte was undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic artists of the 2...
Read moreMallory Whitten
Jewelry Operations Manager
Mallory Whitten’s passion for rare gemstones and historic treasures has guided her career for over seven years. After graduating from Tulane University, Mallory received her Applied Jewelry Professional certificate and is currently pursuing a Graduate Gemologist Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America.
Recently published blogs:
Color is likely the first thing you notice when looking at a stunning wo...
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Throughout history, women’s jewelry has represented wealth,...
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For any woman who considers herself a collector or connoisseur of antiqu...
Read moreReagan Garvin
Sales Operations Supervisor
Reagan Garvin finds her inspiration for fine art and objects in matching passionate collectors with wonderful treasures. She has worked with collections focused on Japanese art and ceramics and Southern American folk art and has also collaborated with contemporary artists. She has worked in the field for more than three years and has a degree from Tulane University and an Applied Jewelry Professional certification (GIA).
Recently published blogs:
Antique objet d’art and furniture items are always excellent additions t...
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The passionate relationship between artists and their muses has fascinat...
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Mankind’s fascination with space has spanned centuries and touched many ...
Read moreRebecca Villalpando
Researcher and Writer
Rebecca Villalpando is a dedicated Art Historian and experienced museum professional. She earned her Master's degree in Art History at Tulane University with a focus on 18th-century portraiture, art of the Black Atlantic world and Modern and contemporary art of the African Diaspora. Her previous experience includes exhibition and collections development at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and curatorial assistance at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Recently published blogs:
What is Harlem Renaissance Art? One of the most influential 20th centur...
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