BLAISE PASCAL (1623-1662) – LA PASCALINE Christie’s Images Ltd., Anna Buklovska UPDATE: THE SALE DID NOT GO AHEAD AFTER A PARIS COURT PROVISIONALLY STOPPED THE MACHINE FROM BEING EXPORTED.
Described by Christie’s as the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction La Pascaline – the first attempt in history to substitute the human mind with a machine – comes up at auction in Paris on November 19 with an estimate of €2 million – €3 million.
Author of a Traité des Sons [treatise on the communication of sounds] at the age of 12, of an essai de géométrie [essay on conic sections] at 16, Blaise Pascal developed the first calculating machine in history at the age of 19. He did so to assist his father, Etienne Pascal, President of the Cour des Aides de Normandie [Board of Excise]. As such, Etienne Pascal was responsible for re-organising the province’s tax revenues – a task requiring countless mathematical operations, accounting calculations and other topographical surveys. To simplify the process, Blaise Pascal designed calculating machines. For the first time in history mental arithmetic had been mechanised. Blaise Pascal designed three types of machines: one for decimal calculations (additions, subtractions, multiplications and divisions), one for accounting (for monetary calculations) and one for surveying (for calculating distances).
Only nine original models of this major scientific and technical revolution remain in existence, and nearly all are held in museums across Europe: These include a model in Clermont-Ferrand, a model in Dresden, a model in Bonn belonging to the IBM collection, and a later version at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. This is the only one in private hands, the only known model dedicated to survey calculations and this particular 17th century arithmetic machine is still fully functional. It will highlight the the Bibliothèque Léon Parcé sale.
William Gronow-Davis – Seefin Castle, Co. Galway at Sheppards. UPDATE: These were unsold
More than 60 years later the name John Profumo retains a whiff of scandal. The Tory politician resigned in 1963 after lying about his affair with Christine Keeler to the House of Commons – politicians caught out in a lie had to resign in those far off days – but ultimately rehabilitated himself through charity work in east London. It all adds interest to a pair of oils on board by William Gronow-Davis at Sheppards sale of Important Irish Art in Durrow on September 16.
The paintings of Seefin Castle near Craughwell were presented to Major Philip Profumo, younger brother of John, by the Galway Blazers. The presentation was made by members of the County Galway Hunt for the seasons 1966-69. Both paintings retain their original frames and presentation packs. The estimate is €2,000-€3,000.
The auction offers 263 lots of Irish and international art spanning two centuries. Top lots include a complete set of 14 Custom House Keystones representing Irish rivers by Rory Breslin along with art by William Ashford, Dan O’Neill, Peter Curling, Donald Teskey, James Brohan, James Humbert Craig and a watercolour by Jean Dufy. The catalogue is online and there will be viewing in Durrow from September 12 until September 15.
Donald Teskey – Ballycastle Bay, Co. Mayo (2021) UPDATE: THIS MADE 19,000 AT HAMMER
Claude Lalanne – Unique Structure Vegetale bed. UPDATE: THIS MADE £889,000
Prices everywhere are skyrocketing so how about a bed for €346,000. Not imaginary, not just any old bed and probably not a bad investment. The Unique Structure Vegetale bed in gold patinated bronze was commissioned directly from Claude Lalanne in 2012 by Pauline Karpidas. It is described by Sotheby’s, who estimate it at £200,000-£300,000 (€230,880-€346,000), as a fusion of nature, surrealism and personal sanctuary.
Pauline Karpidas first met the Lalannes – Francois Xavier (1927-2008) and Claude (1924-2019) – in 1978 at their magical home and workshop at Ury, outside Paris, in 1978. Long before they became synonymous with global superstardom in the worlds of art and interiors she was one of their first collectors. No less than 60 works by Les Lalannes, including many uniquely designed commissions, will feature at Sotheby’s day and evening sales of her collection on September 17 and 18 and the online sale which runs from September 8 until September 19.
Claude Lalanne – detail, Structure Vegetale
The Surrealistic contents of the London home of this trailblazing collector, 250 lots with an estimate of £60 million (€69.34 million) in total, constitute the most valuable designated collection ever to be offered in Europe. She shares with Les Lalannes a knack of seamlessly merging high art and functional living and the sale offers masterpieces by Hans Bellmer, Max Ernst, Yves Tanguy, René Magritte, Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
Leonora Carrington – The Hour of the Angelus. UPDATE: THIS MADE £952,500
Among them are La Statue volante (The Flying Statue), one of Magritte’s most enigmatic paintings from the last decade of his career (£9 million – £12 million)(€10.4 million – €13.87 million). A 1949 work by Leonora Carrington, The Hour of the Angelus (£600,000-£800,000)(€693,420-€924,560) reflects the inspiration she drew from Mexico’s traditions where Aztec, Mayan and Catholic beliefs coexisted in harmony. It echoes the myths passed down to Carrington by her Irish grandmother. The treasure trove of paintings includes two works by Andy Warhol inspired by Munch, his favourite artist alongside Henri Matisse.
The Manchester born collector credits her late husband Constantine (Dinos) Karpidas, a Greek shipping magnate, with opening her eyes to the beauty of wonderful things. After coming face to face with exceptional Surrealist paintings at the Athens home of gallerist Alexander Iolas in 1974 her love of art took on an entirely new life. She studied Surrealism, visiting galleries and libraries and museums and became friends with Les Lalanne, Warhol and others along the way. This is the lifetime journey of a true collector who honed her eye and her sensibility as she delved deep into her subject.
An immersive exhibition telling the story of the journey of Pauline Karpidas over half a century gets underway at Sotheby’s in London on September 8.
Rene Magritte – La Statue volante. UPDATE: THIS MADE £10,120,000
THE MELLON BLUE – Fancy Vivid Blue pear-shaped cut diamond of 9.51 carats. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR US$25.59 MILLION
The Mellon Blue, a blue diamond of 9.51 carats with an estimate of $20-30 million will lead Christie’s sale of magnificent jewels in Geneva on November 11. One of the finest coloured diamonds to appear on the market the stone – then set as a pendent – belonged to Rachel Lambert Mellon, better known as Bunny Mellon (1910-2014), an American horticulturalist, philanthropist, and art collector. Bunny Mellon was a symbol of elegance and sophistication whose taste extended to jewellery selected with the same care and sensitivity brought to interiors and gardens. Bunny Mellon’s horticultural vision can be seen at the White House. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy asked Mellon to redesign the White House Rose Garden where Mellon created more open space for public ceremonies and introduced American species of plants to the garden. Elsewhere, in France, Mellon created a landscape design for the home of Hubert de Givenchy, who was a close friend, and assisted with the restoration of the “Potager du Roi” at the Chateau de Versailles. Graded Internally Flawless and recently set as a ring the diamond is remarkable for both its intense colour and its extraordinary purity.
GREEN GLAZED CRACKLES VASE. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
This 19th century Chinese green glazed vase is lot 56 at the James Adam timed online Asian art sale which runs until September 17. The estimate is €400-600. A total of 296 lots are on offer at reasonable estimates and the catalogue is online.
PATRICK KAVANAGH – TARRY FLYNN WITH AN INSCRIPTION TO BRENDAN BEHAN MADE €18,000 AT HAMMER
An historic 1949 edition of Tarry Flynn by Patrick Kavanagh made a hammer price of €18,000 at a two day book sale by Purcell Auctioneers in Birr today. Published in New York by Devin Adair it is the actual copy used in an infamous court case involving Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan. Kavanagh brought a libel case against The Leader magazine in 1952, and Behan was a key figure in his downfall. During the 1954 trial, Kavanagh, under oath, denied knowing Behan, but this was disproven when the defense produced this copy of Tarry Flynn inscribed by Kavanagh to Behan. Kavanagh lost the case. The inscription on the inside cover reads: “For Brendan, the poet and painter, on the day he decorated my flat, Sunday 12th, 1950.”
A first edition of At Swim Two Birds by Flann O’Brien published in 1939 by Longmans made a hammer price of €8,800.
Rare Almost Pair of Inlaid Burr Walnut Bonheurs du Jour. UPDATE: THESE WERE UNSOLD
This exceptional near pair of bonheurs du jour will lead the live and online auction by Reilly’s in Prosperous, Co. Kildare on September 6. The estimate is €3,500-3,900. The live and online auction, which will includes contents from Ardeen House, Ballysax, The Curragh, offers a good selection of antique furniture along with porcelain, paintings, prints, clocks and barometers along with rugs, mirrors and various collectibles. The catalogue is online.
A tutti frutti gem set bracelet at Morgan O’Driscoll’s inaugural jewellery sale. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Sparkling September is practically upon us and in newly minted wealthy Ireland this means that some magnificent jewels will soon come to the auction block. Even though economists argue that GDP – which ranks us among the wealthiest countries in the world – gives a false picture because multinational profits are repatriated, Ireland’s wealth and healthy budget surplus shows.
At a time decades ago when regular antique furniture was falling out of favour many of the smaller auction houses turned to art to keep their turnover afloat. It worked. Jewellery is adding to the money mix now and regularly boosts turnover at sales around Ireland. Art and jewellery are not by any means the trappings of a country where wealth is absent.
A Cartier diamond and gold necklace, a sapphire and diamond ring and signed pieces by Vourakis, Buccellati, Marina B. and Tiffany & Co. will highlight Morgan O’Driscoll’s inaugural jewellery sale on September 8. With a renowned art auction business developed over the past 30 years the Skibbereen based auctioneer has launched a brand new jewellery department led by Colin Weldon.
Certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Weldon is a seasoned jewellery specialist with a track record of sourcing and selling exceptional pieces. GIA certification is an assurance of the quality of a diamond and enhances resale value. Morgan O’Driscoll’s jewellery department will specialise in vintage, antique, and contemporary pieces, with designs from iconic jewellery houses, rare gemstones, and private collections from around the globe.
At this online sale, which will be on view at Buswell’s Hotel in Dublin from September 5 – 8, feature lots include a ruby and diamond cluster ring (€40,000-€60,000), a tutti frutti gem set bracelet (€40,000-€60,000), an ornate 17th century stomacher pendant (€30,000-€40,000) and a diamond necklace by Cartier (€27,500-€35,000).
A pair of fancy intense yellow diamond earrings at Morgan O’Driscoll. UPDATE: THIS LOT WAS UNSOLD
Among the other offerings are an emerald and diamond cluster ring (€20,000-€25,000), a sapphire and diamond ring (€20,000-€25,000), a pair of fancy intense yellow diamond earrings (€17,500-€25,000), a cabochon ruby and diamond cluster ring (€15,000-€20,000), a multi coloured tourmaline and diamond necklace (€15,000-€20,000), a South Sea pearl necklace (€12,500-€17,500), a 1997 Rolex submariner watch (€5,000-€7,000) and a Hermes Kelly handbag (€7,000-€9,000).
This 1940 Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring made a hammer price of €550,000 at James Adam in Dublin in May.
Demand for fine jewellery is growing globally. A retro tank Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring from the 1940’s made a hammer price of €550,000 at James Adam in Dublin in May over a top estimate of €250,000. The next jewellery sale at Adams, on September 9, features two early 20th century prized Kashmir sapphire pieces, a c1900 brooch with an 8.24 carat stone (€200,000-€300,000) and a c1905 brooch with a 6.53 carat stone (€150,000-€250,000).
Who would have thought that a landslide in the Himalayas in 1880 would reverberate through a Dublin salesroom in 2025. The landslide exposed an unusual type of rock from which blue stones protruded. Mining began in 1882 and by 1887 the supply had been exhausted. A new mine found in the valley below was quickly exhausted as well and no other deposits have been found. Kashmir sapphires possess a distinctive tint known to experts at blue velvet.
A c1900 Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch at Adams in Dublin on September 9. UPDATE: THIS MADE €550,000 AT HAMMER
With a distinguished Irish American provenance the Kashmir stones at Adams will attract international attention. Gifted by Benjamin and Amy Sands of New York to their daughter May on her marriage in 1908 to the Hon Hugh Melville Howard, younger son of the 6th Earl of Wicklow they were inherited by their daughter Katherine Frances Howard (1910-1990) of Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow and Ounavarra, Co. Wexford, godmother to the present owner.
The fine jewellery and ladies watches sale at Adams will be on view in Dublin from September 5-9.
An Art Deco style diamond set geometric plaque bracelet. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
An Art Deco style diamond set geometric plaque bracelet will lead the auction of fine jewellery, silverware and antiques at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin on August 27. The estimate is €9.400-€10,000. A total of 473 lots, including 286 jewellery lots, will come under the hammer. The catalogue is online.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish 1881-1973) Jeune couple accroupi, l’homme avec un tambourin at Lynes and Lynes. UPDATE: THIS MADE 5,000 AT HAMMER
A marine chronometer, a Picasso etching, a c1730 bureau bookcase or a modern burr poplar and satinwood side cabinet inlaid with mother of pearl? The choice is yours at upcoming sales at James Adam in Dublin on Wednesday August 27 and Lynes and Lynes in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork next Saturday (August 30).
The etching of a young couple by Picasso is the top lot at Lynes and Lynes. Published by Vollard in Paris in 1939 and signed in pencil from an edition of 260 it is from a private source in Cork. The estimate is €5,000-€8,000. Lynes and Lynes will offer three ships chronometers, one by Whyte Thompson and Co., makers to the admiralty, Glasgow (€900-€1,200), another by Thomas Mercer (€700-€1,000) and a third manufactured by the First Watch Company, Moscow (€300-€500).
A c1730 bureau bookcase at James Adam. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Antique furniture is more difficult to sell nowadays. A c1730 bureau bookcase at the At Home sale at Adams might break the mould. Capable of lending grace and utility to many modern homes it comes with twin mirrored panel doors, a fall front, desk, shelves and drawers and measures just 103 cms wide. The estimate is €1,500-€3,000. By way of contrast an inlaid demi lune side cabinet by Restall Brown & Clennell at Adams is a modern piece with an estimate of €2,000-€3,000.
With nearly 900 lots in total each sale offers a wide variety of lots at affordable price points, online catalogues and in person viewing.
Marine chronometers at Lynes and Lynes. UPDATE: THESE MADE 1,300, 850 AND 260
Lynes and Lynes will include contents from the recently sold Montenotte House and lots from the estate of late surgeon Tom Burke and his wife Kay of Blackrock, Cork. There are tables to choose from including a large 19th century dining table, a Cork Regency tea table and a Georgian wine table. There are Cork 9-bar chairs and Arts and Crafts dining chairs, a Cork Regency linen press and a fine painted cabinet. The sale offers silver and jewellery, a specialist collection of antique continental dolls and old advertising signs including one for the Metropole Hotel in Cork. Viewing gets underway in Carrigtwohill today and continues all next week.
A pair of red ground 19th century Chinese silk scroll wall hangings and a George V silver epergne feature among the lots adding interest to the At Home sale by James Adam in Dublin. The auction offers silver, furniture, a longcase clock, paintings, a 19th century gilt surround continental headboard, sofas, rugs, lamps, mirrors and an Irish silver Art Deco style three piece coffee service.
A c1960 Louis Vuitton train vanity case at James Adam. UPDATE: THIS MADE 460 at hammer
Or how about a Louis Vuitton c1960 train vanity case identified as reference model M23820 (€500-€800), a 20th century Aubusson style needlepoint tapestry, an Anglo-Indian carved ebony side chair or a brass dinner gong?
Auctions like these offer endless variety and objects to suit all tastes. Go on. Be inspired….
