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  • Archive for January, 2011

    TEFAF AT MAASTRICHT 2011 OFFERS RARITIES

    Thursday, January 6th, 2011

    A fragment from an Egyptian water clock.

    The last fragment of an Egyptian water clock still in private hands  and a painting containing one of the few self portraits by Bernardo Bellotto are among the rarities at The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in 2011.

    The 2011 fair at Maastricht in The Netherlands, the 24th, will include over 30,000 objects, all rigorously vetted by an international committee of experts. Maastricht has built its reputation on the unique quality of its exhibits.  It will run from March 18 to March 27.

    The Egyptian water clock was commissioned  by Alexander the Great c332-323 BC. It depicts Alexander offering wine in front of the goddess Hathor.  Water clocks were used to measure time in temples, and ensure that rituals were carried out at the appropriate hour.  It will be offered for sale by Galerie Harmakhis of Brussels for 150,000 euro.

    Architectural Capriccio with a self-portrait of Bellotto in the costume of a Venetian Nobleman depicts the

    Architectural Capriccio by Bellotto

    lavishly clad artist extending his arm proudly towards the splendid surroundings.  Otto Naumann of New York will exhibit the work priced at 8.2 million euro.

    In 2011 TEFAF Paper includes a loan exhibition.  Wim Pijbes, managing director at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, will bring his personal choice of late 15th century works on paper from the museum’s collection.  Directors Choice, the Happy Hunter will show prints and drawings with a hunting theme.  TEFAF is the best hunting place for professional and private collectors, Wim Pijbes remarked.

    Everything at the fair, which covers antiques, paintings, antiquities, modern design, jewellery, paper and manuscripts, is covered by 28 specialist vetting committees.  All modern and contemporary art is also vetted.

    LAST SKETCH MADE BY YEATS AT BONHAMS

    Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

    Roundabout Ponies by Jack B. Yeats. (click to enlarge) IT SOLD FOR £5,760

    The last sketch by Jack B. Yeats (1871-1957) has been consigned by the family of his former nurse to Bonhams first Irish art sale in London on February 9 next.  The pen and ink drawing, `Roundabout ponies’, measures just over 5 x 4 inches and is estimated at £1,500-2,000.

    It was gifted by the artist to the matron of Portobello Nursing Home in Dublin, where he died. They had been friends for a long time.
    Yeats Catalogue Raisonne author Hilary Pyle says of it: “He died on 28 March 1957. His last drawing, a tiny gay swirling sketch of two roundabout ponies on writing paper, was drawn two days before.”

    Penny Day, head of Irish art at Bonhams, said:  ”This little gem exhibits the unique artistic vitality he had right to the end.”
    See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for September 15 and December 22.
    UPDATE:  IT MADE £5,760 INCLUSIVE OF BUYER’S PREMIUM.