The two day sale at Sheppards in Durrow, Co. Laois on May 1 and 2 offers something for everyone among 1320 lots, with more than 600 on offer on each day. There is everything from a rare Irish George III snuff horn to a Chippendale revolving pyramid bookstand on tripod. There will be historic interest in a miniature portrait of Dublin born Rev. William Bruce (1757 – 1841) who became president of the Belfast Reading Society. An opponent of the United Irishmen he formed a Dublin Chamber of Commerce with Napper Tandy and others in 1782. It has been argued that this was the first national political movement which was ‘non-gentry, urban, part-Catholic, part-Dissenter’. Other lots include an Italian School crucifixion attributed to the circle of Pompeo Batoni (1708-1777). The catalogue is on-line. Here is a small selection:
18th century Chippendale library table c1760 with revolving tapered pyramid top (5,000-8,000). Click to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Oval miniature portrait of Rev. William Bruce (800-1,200). Click to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,650
18th century gold mounted Irish horn snuff box. (800-1,200). Click to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD.
Circle of Pompeo Batoni 1708-1777, The Crucifixion (3,000-5,000). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD.