Auction Houses
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Rediscovering Monet in New York
Sotheby’s May evening sale of impressionist and modern art in New York will offer an outstanding group of six paintings by Claude Monet, spanning the 1870s through the 1910s and including many of his most celebrated subjects: water lilies, Venice, a snowscape, the Seine and the Normandy coast. According to the auction house, these works are emerging after significant time spent in their respective private collections, including a prime example of the artist’s iconic Nymphéas (‘Water Lilies’) series that was acquired by its present owner in 1955 (estimate $30–45 million*), and a Venice scene restituted to the son of legendary collector Jakob Goldschmidt in 1960 that is on offer from the collection of his grandson, the late Anthony Goldschmidt (estimate $15–20 million).
In total, the six Monet paintings are estimated to achieve in excess of $78 million. Each of the works will be on view in London from April 10 – 14, before returning to New York for exhibition on May 1st. Sotheby’s will hold the Evening Sale of Impressionist & Modern Art in New York in May 5, 2015.
“As new generations and new markets rediscover the master, the supply of strong examples remaining in private hands is shrinking fast.” Simon Shaw, Sotheby’s
Images courtesy Sotheby’s
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The Future Never Looked So Bright!
Giacomo Balla, Automobile in corsa, Painted in 1913Estimate $12/18 million
“This is a treasure-trove of Modernism. Collections rarely explore a theme with such power and unity. Each work adds a distinct chapter, showing artists’ engagement with a radically transforming universe – mass communication, the automobile and airplane, technology, photography and cinema. Just as today’s world was born in those years, many more recent movements such as Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art and Abstraction also have their roots in the artists represented here.”
Simon Shaw, Head of Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art department in New YorkThe New York Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale is set for November 6 2013. It will open with a private collection of seminal works created between 1910 and 1930. Futur! Masterworks of the Avant-Garde features museum-quality examples by artists including Giacomo Balla, Joan Miró, Francis Picabia, Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris. Together, these works tell a compelling story of the European avant-garde, from Cubism and Futurism, through Dada, Surrealism and Abstraction.
The fourteen pictures, estimated to sell for $67.2/95.1 million, represent perhaps the finest group of Modernist masterpieces to appear at auction since Sotheby’s landmark sale of the Malbin Collection in 1990. Sotheby’s will debut the collection in its London galleries from 12 – 17 October, before returning to New York for exhibition in its York Avenue galleries beginning 1 November. Highlights will also be shown in Hong Kong and Moscow this autumn.Juan Gris, Tabac, journal et bouteille de vin rosé, Papier collé, oil and charcoal on canvas Painted in June 1914, Estimate $7/10 million“These extraordinary selections reflect the vision of Alain Tarica, who helped form the collection during the late 1960s and early 70s, and is celebrated for creating the collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, and several others. M. Tarica explained how these remarkable works were brought together: “In the same way that the Italian Renaissance was an exceptionally rich period of radical cultural renewal, breaking with long-held traditions, the first half of the 20th Century in Europe also marked a major revitalization in the arts. This couple wanted to build a collection centered on the avant- garde of the first half of the 20th Century, when the artists were working, as they were during the Renaissance, as genuine innovators.”
Simon Shaw, Head of Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art department in New YorkFuturist painting burst into the consciousness of the international art world with the opening of the exhibition Les Peintres futuristes italiens at the Galerie Bernheim-Jeune in Paris in February 1912, and the following month with a group exhibition at Herwarth Walden’s Galerie der Sturm in Berlin. Automobile in corsa, which dates from the movement’s crescendo in 1913-14, is one of the greatest examples of their aesthetic principles. It belongs to a groundbreaking group of works that Balla executed in 1913-14 on the theme of cars in movement, exploring the Futurist themes of dynamism, speed and light. This series took Futurism to the brink of Abstraction. Supremely rare, Automobile in corsa is one of the most spectacular of the series.
- Auction Houses, Contributors, Daniella Ohad, Decorative and Fine Arts Sourcing, Decorative Arts, Design, Educational, New York School of Interior Design, Wright Chicago
Design as an Art Form
“Collecting Design” by Daniella OhadCollecting modern and contemporary design has become one of the most dynamic, influential territories in the international marketplace, a territory that stands at the forefront of style and taste. While at first it was fueled mainly by the fine art market, collecting design has emerged as a discipline in its own right; one that not only dominates interior design, but also attracts those who value living with beautiful things. The design market is now a global barometer of trend forecasting, signifying status and culture. Collecting design inspires scholarly analysis, art fairs, museum exhibitions, and monographs, and was cited recently by the Wall Street Journal as a lucrative avenue of investment. Although collecting design generates tremendous interest worldwide, a dedicated program was nowhere to be found. To fill the gap, I authored the first course exclusively devoted to collecting design, and it is open to everyone.In the ten-session program, I examine the themes, periods, and styles with the strongest presence in the marketplace, including the American Arts & Crafts Movement, French Art Deco, American Modernism, Mid-Century Design in the US, Italy, and France, the Studio Movement, European Design of the 70s, and Contemporary Design. Each lecture is complimented by dialogues with dealers, collectors, curators, designers, and writers. I have the honor of sharing insights and candid advice from the world’s most knowledgeable experts. Together, we examine exhibitions, publications, auction records, relevant connoisseurship, major design fairs, and the stories behind the scenes. For information and registration: https://www.nysid.edu/academics/continuing-education-professional-studies/collecting-design.Contributing Story from Daniella OhadWatch Her YouTube Design Videos Right Here - Art Deco, At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Decorative Arts, Drouot, Fine Arts, Furniture, Interior Design
15 Must Have Art Deco Pieces For Your Collection
In my view, there’s just too few art deco sales on the auction block this year. The big auction houses in NY will hold theirs presumably at the end of 2013. So I’m always on the hunt for some great pieces that will hold a sufficient amount of appeal, and add some real value to my clients’ collections. Over the pond, one of my favorite auction houses, Drouot, is holding a Sunday afternoon sale in Brussels. These 2 pieces that you’re seeing at the top, are among 15 of my TOP PICKS from their impressive collection.Pierre CHAREAU (Attribué à) Lampadaire en chêne patiné acajou, à hauteurs variables. Fût à double jambage dont un à crémaillère permettant les différentes évolutions. A partie haute trois lames plates coudées enserrant des plaques (postérieures) en albâtre formant un éventail lumineux. Base quadrangulaire à doucine. Right: Miroir Infinitly Grand miroir en verre fumé sans teint, cadre en laiton à l’intérieur duquel se reflètent des diodes pour donner une impression de profondeur infinieArt Deco Sale in Brussels on Sunday, March 3rd, 2013Drouot Grand Sablon Forum in BrusselsLeft: TRAVAIL DES ANNÉES 1960. Lampe en métal nickelé à abat-jour circulaire légèrement bombé, cache ampoule cornet traversé par un tube fixé sur la base. Right: ÉCOLE FRANÇAISE début XXe Portrait de Femme Huile sur toile Signé”Martin” et datéAimé HENRY DE FIGANIERES (1909-?). “Cache cache”, 1973 Huile sur toile 65 x 50 cm
Signé et daté en bas à droiteClaude CUNDA (Ne en 1915)“Composition abstraite”, 1974 Huile sur toile 116 x 89 cm Signé en bas à droite et daté “1974”Left: Travail des années 1940. Chaise de boudoir recouverte de tissu moiré passepoilé à dossier coquille animé de cordelettes dorées et orné en partie arrière basse d’une coquille laquée. JACQUES ADNET (1900-1984). Guéridon en placage de palissandre à deux plateaux soutenus et joints par deux montants pleins galbés.JACQUES ADNET (1900-1984)Important guéridon à base en bois verni noir. Fût cylindrique recouvert de plaques de miroirs juxtaposés. Plateau circulaire débordant à fond miroir orné au centre d’une
ronde de lunules et cerclé d’une lame en médal chroméPaul KISS (1885-1962)Spectaculaire paravent à quatre vantaux en fer forgé. Structure à lames plates de section carrée à parties hautes galbées. Décor ajouré de gerbes de fleurs stylisées à enroulements ouverts et coudés.
Du réceptacle à la base les lames parallèles ondulentTravail Art Déco Deux tables gigognes en bois laqué de forme U inversé à décor de coquille d’oeuf sur la table supérieure, d’une bande asymétrique sur la table supérieure et d’une
fleur stylisée sur chaque montant plein.Corradini Argenteria (Bologne)Vase en cuivre martelé de style art déco figurant l’allégorie des beaux-arts. Cachet de la manufactureNikki de St Phalle (1930-2002) “Nana”, 1968 Plastique polychrome, édition Alvimar
Signé et marques de l’éditeur.Xavier PUIGMARTI (né en 1952)“Milo II”, 1990 Technique mixte sur toile 162 x 130 cm Signé et daté au dosDrouot Auction House, France -
Bedecked and Bejeweled
Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels SaleIf you didn’t make it to the Magnificent Jewels Exhibition today at Sotheby’s York Avenue Galleries, I strongly suggest you do so by December 4. The famed auction house had one of their spectacular sale last September, during the auction of “Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor”, which culminated in an impressive selection of Mrs. Astor’s famed jewels. And now they’re having another important jewelry sale on December 5th, as they’ll be offering an impressive array of jewelry owned by leading women of New York: Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder, and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman.The auctions of Magnificent Jewels will include important white and colored diamonds from additional private collections, as well as an assortment of period and signed jewels. The all day sale will be divided into three sessions. It will start with Mrs. Charles Wrightman’s Jewelry collection, afterwards, the Evelyn and Estée Lauder’s sale which will lead into the various jewelry collections sale. During the press preview, I was informed by one of their specialist that that very same day, they will hold a Timepiece, and an Antique sale as well. In case you’re unable to make it to this extraordinary auction of antique jewelry, it is a comfort knowing that Sotheby’s has a permanent department of Contemporary Diamonds sold at retail prices. It is by appointment only.Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder Collections
Botton right: 18 karat white gold, diamond and ruby ‘Love’ bracelet, FranceTop left: Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Pendant-Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York 1978, from the collection of Estée Lauder.Set with a heart-shaped Fancy Intense Yellow diamond weighing 47.14 carats, formelry in the collection of hte Duchess of Windsor (pictured top right)Evelyn H. Lauder at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Annual Hot Pink Party, 2011Top right: 18 karat gold, platinum, coral, diamond and emerald brooch, David WebbBottom right: 18 karat gold, platinum, diamond colored stone and enamel bangle-bracelet, also by David WebbLeft: 18 karat gold, ruby, emerald and diamond evening bag, David Webb.18 karat two-color gold and sapphire evening bag, Bulgari (centered)From the Collection of Evelyn Lauder, sold to benefit the Breast Cancer Research FoundationMrs. Charles WrightsmanLeft: Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch, circa 1840, formerly in the Collection of HRH Princess Marina,Duchess of KentTop Left: Mrs Wrighsman’s Platinum, 18 karat White Gold, Coral Onyx and Diamond Wilting Hibiscus necklace, designed by Suzanne Belperron, 1932-1940. Pair of platinum, carved coral,onyx and diamond ear clips, verdura, 1986Speaking of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, Hamish Bowles, International Editor At Large of Vogue wrote“She continues to exert a powerful mystique, aura of elegance and absolute sense of connoisseurship over the younger generation.”Various Jewelry CollectionsPlatinum and diamond double clip-brooch, circa 1930Approximately 10.25 caratsPair of 18 karat white gold and diamond ear clips, with interchangeable pendantsHigh End Weekly™ ImagesAll rights reserved -
A Very Good Year
Image courtesy Sotheby’sROYAL RED & BLUE
Sotheby’s achieved their highest Contemporary Art Evening Sale by tallying $375,149,000 the best auction result in any category in the Company’s history. Mark Rothko’s No. 1: the majestic canvas lead the way with a final bid of $75 Million. Royal Red and Blue was one of eight works hand-selected by Rothko for his landmark solo show of the same year at the Art Institute of Chicago. Measuring 1133⁄4 x 671⁄2 in (288.9 x 171.5 cm), No.1 (Royal Red and Blue) has remained in the same collection for 30 years.Mark Rothko’s Blue and Gray, via The New York ObserverMark Rothko’s No. 61 (Rust and Blue)Source: Museum of Contemporary Art, Los AngelesOverall, this was the highest auction total in Sotheby’s history. New artist records for: Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Hans Hofmann, Arshile Gorky, Robert Motherwell, Wade Guyton, as well as for a work-on-paper by Andy Warhol and a painting by Takashi Murakami. Note: The previous record for a Sotheby’s auction was the May 2008 Contemporary Art Evening Sale which totaled $362,037,000.Mark RothkoNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. - At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Brooke Astor, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Life and Style, Sotheby's
The Stately Home of Brooke Astor
“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail pertaining to the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.”Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartmentBrooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works byRiches: Holly Hill, Staircase, The main staircase at Holly Hill, showing a selection of dog pictures. Courtesy Sotheby’s
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.The Park Avenue duplex apartment of Brooke Astor in the Rosario Candela designed building is on 73rd street. It is one of New York City’s most famous residences, and housed the iconic library that is one of the most photographed rooms in the history of American interior designEDITOR’S TOP PICKSPortrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paperIn The Mix: Louis XV style ormolu-mounted Chinese blue-glazed porcelain clock, 19th Century, The Dialsigned Balthazar A ParisMid 20th Century Art: James Montgomery Flagg, I Like It This Way, signed James Montgomery Flagg lower rightA pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwoodBergères en gondole, 20th CenturyFor a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebbled surface cowhide (see below)Image Courtesy Kick Shaw ProductionsA George III style mahogany etagereOne is not enough. Etageres should come in twos, so I would have Rosini & Sons, my furniture maker,duplicate this snazzy piece of furniture.A pair of Chinese Cizhou-type baluster vases, mounted as lamps from the Qing Dynasty,from the 19/20th CenturyA pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.1 of 2 polychrome-painted and carved figures of sheep, Dan Falt, northeast harbor,Maine 20th CenturyThere’s no rule that says you cannot bring these painted sheep into your indoor space. I personally like a whimsical element in my decor, because it invigorates an interior and makes it that much more interestingThe Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid)Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant selection in the September auction.A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartmentMughal-style “chrysanthemum” gem-inlaid jade hand mirror from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)Every room should have a mirror, even if it is just a small oneBon Voyage: A sixteen-piece T.Anthony red canvas luggage set comprised of thirteen suitcases and three handbags. Together with two similar handbags, All initialed B.R.A.A modern, neoclassical style cream and green painted low tableOne of the very few pieces from the sale which is estimated below $2,000. Sometimes you just have to mix the highs with the lows. And this lovely piece fits the billThree gold photo frames, Cartier, New York and another maker, Mid-20th CenturyThe September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William DelanoAccording to Sotheby’s “The sale will comprise fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. The approximately 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700La Sortie Des Six Metegrave; Tres from Raoul Dufy, circa 1935Sir Cecil Beaton, Lilac, signed Beaton (twice)An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th centuryImages Courtesy Sotheby’sAll rights reserved -
Classic Cars Fit for a Prince
Owning a piece of history has never been easier than it is right now. Over 38 vehicles out of more than 100 from the Royal family of Monaco are up for grabs during an auction from Heritage which takes place today, July 26. You may be wondering why are these irreplaceable rides are on the auction block ….High Retro: This Porsche 928 is considered the high-lights of the sale, with a reported estimate of $317,000
According to Prince Albert – a huge collector of classic cars – he’s simply ready to “add some new models to a collection which is so very dear to my heart”. What’s great about this sale is that while there are a number of classic cars among the lot, overall, the vehicles on offer are what they call ‘real world’ models which are affordable to the man on the street. The 1925 Citroën (pictured below) is estimated between $15,500 to $19,000. Heritage described the sale as a ‘unique opportunity to acquire a motor car from one of the most well known collections, from the most famous and prestigious Principalities’.True Provenance: 1925 Citroën 5 HP torpédo Trèfle, Super-culasse from Prince Albert II of MonacoPhotos via Daily Mail UKDesigned initially as a replacement for the Porsche 911, the 928 S has a 4.7-litre V8 engine which Heritage Auctions described as a ‘very fine tourer’. Prince Albert II was quoted as saying: ‘The Princes of Monaco have always been passionate about motor cars. Prince Pierre initiated the Grand Prix in 1929, and competed in it, in a Torpedo. My father, Prince Rainier, took over the development of the race, which has today become one of the most prestigious events in the world.”NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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Stephen Spielberg’s film archives among the highlights of Swann Galleries’ Upcoming Auction
An outstanding assortment of more than 430 Vintage Posters will go for auction on Thursday, February 2nd at the Swann Galleries. This sale, the first of Swann’s 2012 season, features some exceptional rarities, as well as iconic images from the United States and Europe. The public exhibition of the posters started this past Saturday, and will continue until Wednesday, February 1st, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art Nouveau collectors will be pleased to know that approximately 100 rare and important posters of that style will be featured in the sale.Bernard Vellemot for PerrierOf note is a stunning set of Alphonse Mucha’s The Seasons, two variations of Mucha’s celebrated Reverie, one 1897, the other circa 1898. A run of posters of Judaic and Hebraic interest includes Miskovitz’s rare advertisement for the film The Promised Land, billed as “the first movie filmed in Palestine,” with text in Hungarian and Romanian, circa 1930s. Steven Spielberg adapted this image for a poster promoting his Jewish Film Archive. There are also posters for the Jewish National Fund, the Palestine & Near East Exhibition, the inauguration of an international memorial monument at Birkenau, and more. Also on view is a number of ski and winter resort posters from around the world. American examples include Ernest Haskell’s 1896 image for Truth Magazine, which is the first American ski poster, and possibly the earliest ski poster from anywhere; 17 posters for the annual Dartmouth Winter Carnival, including some of the most striking and rare images from the late 1930s. Lou Hechenberger’s bright and colorful image of a female skier toting her skis in New Hampshire. Last but not least are my personal favorites, three exceptional posters from Bernard Vellemot for Perrier’s campaign ads which ran in the 1970s and 1980s. The Swann Galleries is located at 104 East 25th Street, NYC.BERNARD VILLEMOT (1911-1989). Perrier / C’est Fou. Circa 1979. 24×17 inches, 63×45 cm.
Lot 190. Estimate: $600 – $900BERNARD VILLEMOT (1911-1989). PERRIER / C’EST FOU. 1984. 17×23 inches, 43×60 cm.
Lot 191. Estimate: $600 – $900.JULES CHÉRET (1836-1932). Palais De Glace. 1893.98×34 inches, 250×87 cm. Chaix, Paris.Lot 25. Estimate: $3,000 – $4,000Left: JEAN CARLU (1900-1997). Mon Savon. 1925. 61×46 inches, 156×117 cm. Editions d’Art Robert Lang, Paris. Lot 153. Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000. Right: ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939). [Reverie] 1897. 26×19 inches, 66×49 cm.Lot 59. Estimate: $12,000 – $18,000Cover Image: BERNARD VILLEMOT (1911-1989). Perrier / C’est Fou. 1977. 24×17 inches, 62×44 cm. S. E. Lalande – Courbet. Lot: 189. Estimate: $600 – $900.JOSEPH BASS (DATES UNKNOWN). [Abima Theatre] 1958. 37×27 inches, 94×68 cm.
Lot 104. Estimate: $500 – $750Photos Courtesy of Swann Galleries
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Design Masters at Phillips de Pury
Phillips de Pury’s Design Masters auction took place last evening to a stunning result of $4,914,925. The crown jewel was the gonse chairs by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. This was a magnificent triumph for Art Deco.
Stunning Results: Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Pair of “gonse” armchairs, 1930-1932. Lacquered wood, fabric. Underside of one frame branded with “Ruhlmann”. Estimated at $600,000 – $800,000. Realized at $1,426,500Over the last few years, the results for auction houses world-wide have proven that Art Deco ruled supreme. Another significant factor came to light as a result of the Design Masters sale. It became quite obvious that a continuing strong appeal and results for French mid-century design is in demand, and that Phillips de Pury is the market leader in Italian glass. Exceptional prices for works by glass masters Carlo Scarpa and Fulvio Bianconi (realized prices totaled $287,000) came up in the very top.George Nakashima
Early “Conoid” bench with single free-form arm, 1961
American black walnut, hickory, three East Indian rosewood butterfly keys. Underside signed in black marker with “Reed.” Together with a copy of hte original order card and a letter of authenticity from Mira Nakashima.
Estimate at $100,000 – $150,000
Realized at $230,500Dagobert Peche
Rare table lamp, 1921
Ash, ash-veneered wood, fabric.
Estimate at $120,000 – $180,000Gio Ponti
Monumental chandelier, for the Hotel Parco dei Principi, Rome 1964
Rosted glass, brass, manufactured in Italy. Certificate of authenticity from teh Gio Ponti Archives.
Estimated at $80,000 – $120,000Jean Royere
Extremely rare “Oeuf” chest of drawers, ca. 1958
Ash, Ash-veneered wood, fabric
Estimate $120,000 – $180,000
Realized at $158,000Photos courtesy of Phillips de Purry