A magnificent 15th century portable altarpiece painted by an artist of the Flemish Primitive School will create international interest at three days of sales at Sheppards in Durrow, Co. Laois on July 8, 9 and 10. Centred on the crucified Christ the altarpiece was discovered during the clearance of a garage at a presbytery in Co. Wexford. It is not known when it came to Ireland. It is estimated at 80,000-120,000. There will be a wide variety of lots at this auction of around 1,500 lots including a pair of Dublin made Gainsborough armchairs, a large early 19th century Chippendale hall lantern, a 19th century Dresden pen and ink stand, an 18th-19th century cloisonne Guang or ritual vessel, and a Dublin 1744 printing of the Life of Robinson Crusoe. The sale includes contents from All Hallows in Dublin, but not the letters written by Jacqueline Kennedy to Fr. Joseph Leonard, which were withdrawn. The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for July 3, 2014)
The 15th century portable altarpiece of the Flemish Primitive School (80,000-120,000). UPDATE: IT MADE 40,000 AT HAMMER
An 18th-19th century cloisonne Guang or ritual vessel (20,000-30,000) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 250,000 AT HAMMER
A large early 19th century Chippendale brass hall lantern (4,000-6,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 14,500 AT HAMMER
A pair of Dublin blind fretwork carved Gainsborough chairs c1780 (4,000-6,000) UPDATE: THESE MADE 13,000 AT HAMMER.