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  • Archive for March, 2016

    STRONG SALES AND ATTENDANCES AT TEFAF MAASTRICHT

    Monday, March 14th, 2016

     

    Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)  Jupiter as a satyr (A fragment cut from Jupiter and Antiope)

    Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641)
    Jupiter as a satyr (A fragment cut from Jupiter and Antiope)

    Significant sales are being notched up at TEFAF, which runs all this week at Maastricht in The Netherlands.  Among them was  Jupiter as a Satyr – a fragment cut from Jupiter and Antiope, c.1620, oil on canvas, by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641), which was acquired from The Weiss Gallery by a private collector who is making a long-term loan of the work to the Rubenshuis museum, Antwerp.  The Metropolitan Museum, New York, acquired Aristoteles Head, 1925, woodcut print, by Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita (1868-1944), from E.H. Ariëns Kappers.  James Butterwick sold two 1916 works by Alexander Bogomazov to the Kröller-Müller Museum, The Netherlands – Memories of the Caucasus and Landscape, Caucasus.

    TEFAF reports that sales across all collecting categories are strong.  Over 10,000 international private collectors, curators and representatives from the world’s leading museums and public institutions visited on the preview day and there was more than 7,000 visitors on the opening day.

    PROCLAMATION MAKES 185,000 AT HAMMER AT WHYTE’S

    Sunday, March 13th, 2016
    This original copy of the Proclamation sold for a hammer price of 185,000 at Whyte's today.

    This original copy of the Proclamation sold for a hammer price of 185,000 at Whyte’s today.

    An original copy of the Irish Proclamation sold for 185,000 at Whye’s sale of History and Literature in Dublin this afternoon. It was a busy auction that exhibited a huge appetite for memorabilia and collectibles in this centenary year of the Irish Rising.  A bottle of 100 year old whiskey, which Whyte’s believe to be the oldest bottle of Irish whiskey ever offered at auction, sold for a hammer price of 15,000.  Eamon de Valera’s 1917 prison autograph book from Dartmoor sold for 5,400 and a collection of memorial posters of leaders of The Rising sold for 4,800 at hammer. Seven examples of 1966 50th anniversary silver ten shilling coins made 2,000 and 1916 Rising medals awarded to husband and wife James and Margaret Joyce sold for a hammer price of 6,800.  Three unpublished photographs of Roger Casement on board a German submarine bound for Ireland sold for 4,200.

    Many lots exceeded their top estimate. The sale grossed 570,000 and was 82 per cent sold.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for March 4, 2016).

    ATKINSON’S PAINTING OF QUEEN VICTORIA AT CORK HARBOUR MAKES 28,000

    Saturday, March 12th, 2016

    A painting depicting the Royal Yacht Squadron escorting Queen Victoria to Cork Harbour in 1849 sold for a hammer price of 28,000 at Woodwards auction in Cork today.  It is by the Cobh based painter George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson, and it will return to Cobh, where it is to be part of a private collection. Based in Cobh George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson responded enthusiastically to the brief visit, after the which Cove was renamed Queenstown, reverting to Cobh in the late 1920’s. He provided pictorial evidence of the visit, which is extremely rare.  Last sold for 40,000 the work had an estimate of 25,000-35,000 this time around.

    Woodwards reported a highly successful auction.  Three pencil and wash drawings by the Cork artist William Harrington, whose work is not widely known outside Cork but whose early work from the 1960’s and ’70’s is especially keenly collected locally, made hammer prices of 2,600, 2,500 and 2,500 respectively.  They included The Apple Seller, illustrated below.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for February 18, 2016).

    George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson - The Royal Yacht Squadron escorting Queen Victoria to Cork Harbour, 1849 sold for 28,000 at hammer.

    George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson – The Royal Yacht Squadron escorting Queen Victoria to Cork Harbour, 1849 sold for 28,000 at hammer.

    William Harrington - The Apple Seller sold for 2,500 at hammer.

    William Harrington – The Apple Seller sold for 2,500 at hammer.

    A MASTERPIECE BY RUBENS AT CHRISTIE’S IN JULY

    Friday, March 11th, 2016
    SIR PETER PAUL RUBENS (Seigen 1577-1640 Antwerp), Lot and his Daughters, circa 1613-1614. Courtesy CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2016

    SIR PETER PAUL RUBENS (Seigen 1577-1640 Antwerp), Lot and his Daughters, circa 1613-1614. Courtesy CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2016

    Sir Peter Paul Rubens’s masterpiece, Lot and his Daughters (circa 1613-1614) is to be sold by Christie’s  in London in July. An outstanding example of Rubens’s early maturity this is one of the most important paintings by the artist to have remained in private hands. It has been hidden from public view for over a century. Lot and his Daughters will be exhibited during Christie’s New York Classic Week on April 8-12 and in Hong Kong from May 26-30.  It will be the centerpiece of a curated week of sales, Classic Week, in London and will lead Christie’s Old Master & British Paintings evening dale on July 7.

    The work boasts a distinguished provenance. It was once part of the collections of wealthy Antwerp merchants; a Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands; Joseph I Holy Roman Emperor; and the Dukes of Marlborough. It was included in the first volume of The English Connoisseur from 1766 and has since been listed in all the major publications on Rubens’s work. The sale of this painting by the quintessential artist of the Northern Baroque presents a rare opportunity for both international collectors and institutions.

    “After the historic private sale of two Rembrandt Portraits* to the French and Dutch states earlier this year, Christie’s is leading the masterpiece market by offering this monumental work by the other stellar artist of the Northern School, Sir Peter Paul Rubens. The impact of this painting in the flesh is overwhelming: we look forward to seeing the reactions of those who come to view it when we exhibit it in New York, Hong Kong and London.”  said Paul Raison, Deputy Chairman, Old Master Pictures.

    UPDATE: THIS MADE £44,882,500, THE HIGHEST PRICE EVER ACHIEVED FOR AN OLD MASTER AT CHRISTIE’S

    LARGEST FANCY VIVID BLUE DIAMOND EVER TO APPEAR AT AUCTION

    Friday, March 11th, 2016
    The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4.

    The De Beers Millennium Jewel 4.

    The largest oval fancy vivid blue diamond ever to appear at auction – the De Beers Millennium Jewel 4 – will lead Sotheby’s Spring sales in Hong Kong on April 5. Th2 10.10 carat internally flawless stone is estimated at US$30-35 million.  Offered for sale from an Asian private collection it is the only oval-shaped stone among the twelve rare diamonds – eleven blue and one colourless – that form the world-renowned De Beers Millennium Jewels collection unveiled in 2000 in celebration of the millennium.  Each of the eleven blue diamonds in the collection boasts a combination of colour intensity, even saturation and brilliance that are rivalled by few other stones.

    QUEK Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman, Asia, and Chairman International Jewellery, Asia, said, “Over the years Sotheby’s has had the honour to bring to the market many important coloured diamonds, including the Blue Moon of Josephine that set the world auction record for any diamond last November.  The market for coloured diamonds has gone from strength to strength”.

    UPDATE:  It sold for US$31.8 million, the highest price ever paid for a jewel at auction in Asia.

    PELÉ THE COLLECTION AT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS IN JUNE

    Thursday, March 10th, 2016

    Pelé The Collection – with over 2,000 lots – is to be offered by Julien’s Auctions in London in June. The three time World Cup Champion, FIFA Player of the Century and Brazilian football icon  is to sell his vast collection of awards, memorabilia, personal property and iconic items spanning his entire career for the first time. They will be sold on June 7, 8 and 9 at Julien’s Auctions.

    This global sports icon known to the world as Pelé won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Although just 5’ 8” tall, Pelé was a giant on the field leading his Brazilian team Santos FC to many championships. Pelé: The Collection is unprecedented and extraordinary. It covers every stage of his career — both personal and professional. Among many highlights are his Jules Rimet Trophy ($400,000-$600.000), his 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup Medals ($100,000-$200,000), his 1,000th goal ball ($40,000-$60,000), his 1977 NY Cosmos NASL Championship ring  ($30,000-$40,000) and the L’Equipe Athlete of the Century Award ($20,000-$30,000).  The collection will be exhibited at The Mall Galleries in London from June 1-6 and three days of live and online auctions over six sessions get underway on June 7.

    PELÉ JULES RIMET TROPHY

    PELÉ JULES RIMET TROPHY

    PELÉ 1958 FIFA WORLD CUP WINNER’S MEDAL

    PELÉ 1958 FIFA WORLD CUP WINNER’S MEDAL

    PELÉ 1970s BRAZIL NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM GAME WORN JERSEY

    PELÉ 1970s BRAZIL NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM GAME WORN JERSEY

    A "World Record" certificate presented to Pelé by the Guinness Book of Records for the most career goals (1,279 in total).

    A “World Record” certificate presented to Pelé by the Guinness Book of Records for the most career goals (1,279 in total).

    NEWLY DISCOVERED EARLY REMBRANDT AT TEFAF

    Wednesday, March 9th, 2016
    Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (Leiden 1606-1669 Amsterdam) - Smell

    Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (Leiden 1606-1669 Amsterdam) – Smell

    Major unveilings at TEFAF Maastricht, which opens on March 11 include a newly discovered very early work by Rembrandt.  Talabardon & Gautier will present the work which was purchased at auction in 2015 catalogued as Continental School, 19th century.  Meticulous research and cleaning by the gallery revealed it to be The Unconscious Patient (Smell), c.1624-25.  The oil on panel was executed when Rembrandt was only 18 or 19 years old. In addition an example of what is believed to be one of Rembrandt’s earliest signatures was discovered during cleaning.

    TEFAF provides an unparalleled platform for dealers to unveil discoveries and re-attributions to a discerning audience of international collectors.

    The 2016 TEFAF Art Market Report issued today shows that global sales fell 7% during 2015 from $68.2bn to $63.8bn.  The volume of sales declined by 2% to 38.1 million. The picture that emerges in 2015 is of a highly polarized market, whereby most of the value within the market is shared between two sectors – Post War and Contemporary and Modern art – and is concentrated in sales at the very highest price levels.

    Although the global sales figure fell in 2015, sales in the US rose by 4% to their highest ever total of $27.3bn confirming its position as the global market leader, with a 43% share of total sales values. The UK, in second place, had a 21% share and China accounted for 19% by value.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for March 3, 2016)

    LATE 19TH CENTURY ITALIAN SCULPTURE THE TOP LOT AT FONSIE MEALY

    Wednesday, March 9th, 2016
    Cristoforo Vicari (b1848) - a carved marble sculpture of a woodland nymph.

    Cristoforo Vicari (b1848) – a carved marble sculpture of a woodland nymph.

    This soup ladle by Samuel Johns, Limerick sold for 7,600.

    This sauce ladle by Samuel Johns, Limerick sold for 7,600.

    This 19th century Italian carved marble sculpture of a woodland nymph was the top lot at Fonsie Mealy’s sale in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny on March 8.  By Cristoforo Vicari and mounted on a large green marble plinth it made 50,000 on the hammer.  An 18th century carved carrara marble fireplace from Wolfe Tone’s house in Dublin made 36,000, a gilt mounted Vernis Martin kingwood display cabinet made 12,ooo, a 19th century diorama in two sections of a working factory staffed by mice made 10,000, a collection of ten South African one ounce gold Krugerrands, nine from 1974 and one from 1972, sold for 9,500 and a pair of fine cast Irish George II silver candlesticks sold for 9,000.

    An 18th century sauce ladle by Samuel Johns, Limerick c1750 sold for 7,600, four Irish William IV carved armchairs made 8,500, an early 18th century Irish carved oak table made 8,000 and a three quarter length portrait of John MacNamara of Moyreisk, Co. Clare made 5,400.  A large George III style carved gilt wood over mantle originally at Clontarf Castle sold for 3,000.

    The auction realised 480,000 on the hammer.

    (See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for March 7 and March 2, 2016).

    LUCIAN FREUD AT IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

    Tuesday, March 8th, 2016
    Reflection (Self Portrait), 1985 (oil on canvas), Freud, Lucian (1922-2011) / Private Collection / © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Image

    Reflection (Self Portrait), 1985 (oil on canvas), Freud, Lucian (1922-2011) / Private Collection / © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Image

    A landmark Lucian Freud project for Ireland was announced today by the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).   The gallery has secured a long term loan of 50 works by the world renowned artist, regarded as one of the greatest figurative painters of the 20th century.  IMMA director Sarah Glennie said: “From September 2016, the IMMA Collection: Freud Project will be presented in a new, dedicated Freud Centre in the IMMA Garden Galleries for five years. With this extraordinary resource IMMA will create a centre for Freud research with a special programme of exhibitions, education partnerships, symposia and research that will maximise this exciting opportunity on offer in Ireland.”

    The museum announced highlights of its 2016 exhibition programme today. It will include solo exhibitions by Patrick Hennessy and the Italian artist Carol Rama. Artists will take over the courtyard in the summer for a project entitled A Fair Land in collaboration with Grizedale Arts.  In the Autumn there will be an exhibition of artist Emily Jacir, whose work explores various histories of migration, resistance and exchange through the telling of very personal stories. In a new invited curators initiative Indian curator Sumesh Sharma and Irish curator Kate Strain will present projects at IMMA that reflect their individual practices and bring new curatorial perspectives into IMMA’s programme.

    LEONARDO DA VINCI AT IRELAND’S NATIONAL GALLERY

    Monday, March 7th, 2016

    Ten drawings by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), on loan from the Royal Collection in Britain, will go on display at the National Gallery of Ireland from May 4 to July 17.  They have been selected to show the extraordinary scope of the artist’s interests, from painting and sculpture to engineering, zoology, botany, mapmaking and anatomy. His use of different media – pen and ink, red and black chalks, watercolour and metalpoint – is well represented.

    This is the only Irish venue for this touring exhibition organised by Royal Collection Trust and supported by Key Capital. The drawings are on show in Newcastle until April 24 and after Dublin they will tour to Nottingham and Swansea.  In May, the National Gallery will provide a public programme of free talks, tours and workshops themed around Leonardo da Vinci – Artist, Inventor, Renaissance Man. Online booking for free tickets will open mid-April through the Gallery’s website.

    Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Expressions of fury in horses, lions and a man Pen and ink Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

    Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
    Expressions of fury in horses, lions and a man
    Pen and ink
    Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

    Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) A male nude c.1504-5 Red chalk Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

    Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
    A male nude c.1504-5
    Red chalk
    Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016