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    MAGRITTE MASTERWORK TO LEAD CHRISTIE’S SURREAL SALE

    Monday, February 5th, 2024
    René Magritte –  L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend) (1958) (£30,000,000-50,000,000). UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £33,660,000.

    René Magritte’s L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend) will highlight Christie’s Art of the Surreal evening sale in London on March 7. Presented to coincide with the centenary of the Surrealist Manifesto, penned by André Breton in October 1924, the painting comes to auction for the first time since 1980. Depicting the enigmatic bowler-hatted man, Magritte’s ‘everyman’, L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend) is property from the Gilbert and Lena Kaplan Collection and was last exhibited in Brussels at the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique in 1998. The estimate is £30-£50 million.

    Gilbert Kaplan was a pioneering entrepreneur who founded Institutional Investor in 1967 at the age of 25. He was also a renowned cultural connoisseur. Having established and built a commercially successful company, he celebrated its 15th anniversary, together with his own 40th birthday, by conducting Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, the Resurrection Symphony, at the Lincoln Center in New York. The debut was well received and following the sale of Institutional Investor, he went on to conduct the symphony around the world, lecturing and teaching at Juilliard. Reflecting his lifelong passion, he had a radio show on WQXR called ‘Mad About Music’. Two of the men close to Gilbert Kaplan’s heart were Gustav Mahler and René Magritte. Kaplan served on the Board of Carnegie Hall for more than 30 years and set up a fellowship programme at Harvard’s Music Department, which continues to support students today.

    The figure of a man in a bowler-hat made his first appearance in Magritte’s work in the 1926 painting Les rêveries du promeneur solitaire (The Musings of a Solitary Wanderer). The figure came to function within Magritte’s oeuvre as a symbol of the bourgeois, of the anonymous, faceless masses, the everyday working man and that of the lone wanderer. In L’ami intime (The Intimate Friend) the distinctly ordinary, yet also mysteriously anonymous bowler-hatted man is seen, almost like a silhouette, from behind. Gazing out the window onto a serene, mountainous landscape and a cloud-filled sky, he appears oblivious to the strange sight of a baguette and wine glass floating in mid-air behind him.  

    POWER OF STREET ART AT JULIEN’S

    Monday, February 5th, 2024
    Gangsta Rat Live by Banksy. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR $190,500

    Gangsta Rat Live by Banksy, an aerosol on a metal door mounted in an acrylic shadow box frame, will lead Julien’s Power of Street Art auction in Los Angeles on February 15.  It was originally executed on a British Telecom street box in Liverpool in 2004 during the Biennial contemporary art festival and documented by Banksy.  It comes to market with an estimate of $80,000-$100,000 (€73,640-€92,050).The sale is a curated collection of some of the most revolutionary street art created in the shadows, streets and walls of urban spaces.  Among the artists featured are Banksy, Invader, RETNA, Jamie Reid, Billy Morrison, Louis Waldon, Jeff Hamilton and Jorge Jimenez-Deredia.  Turf Wars, Police Van Chimp and Crazy Horse, both by Banksy, are each estimated at $100,000-$200,000 (€92,050-€184,100).  There are five works by famed French street artist Invader including PA _595 attached to a wall in Paris in 2005 $8,000-$12,000 (€7,360-€11,050).  A Jamie Reid signed Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK limited edition print is estimated at $1,000-$2,000 (€920-€1,840).

    UPDATE: Iconic masterpieces from two of the art world’s revolutionary enfants terribles and superstars, Banksy and Invader, were the top sellers at an auction netting a total of nearly $900,000.

    Jamie Reid signed Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK print. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    WHISKEY MEMORABILIA AND LITERARY LINK AT VICTOR MEE

    Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
     A rare Sir John Power and Sons Dublin Whiskey mirror  UPDATE: THIS MADE 12,000 AT HAMMER

    The market for collectibles is strong so there are high expectations around an etched framed Sir John Power and Son Dublin Whiskey advertising mirror at Victor Mee’s sale in Belturbet, Co. Cavan and online. This is a rarity in a sale on February 6 and 7 which will include the pub memorabilia collection of Cannons of Castlebar.  The  gilded lettering is by William Cleland of Belfast and there is an original paper label attached.  Such is the demand  for lots of this calibre that the estimate is a cool €8,000-€12,000.  The mirror is lot 100 in an auction with over 1200 lots due to get underway each day at 5.30 pm.

    An Allman’s of Bandon reverse painted glass advertising sign. UPDATE: THIS MADE 500 AT HAMMER

    Not everything is as expensive as this.  But there should be local interest down south in lot 164, an Allman’s of Bandon Fine Old Irish Whisky reverse painted glass advertising sign with an estimate of just €200-€300.  Allman’s produced whisky, Powers adds an “e” to make it whiskey, which is more generally the spelling used in Ireland.  Either way it is good stuff. Lot 625 is a framed political print of the capture of Thomas Kent in Fermoy and it is estimated at just €50-€80.  He was the only person outside of Dublin apart from Roger Casement to be executed for his role in the Easter Rising and the railway station in Cork, formerly Glanmire Road Station, was renamed Kent Station in his honour in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the Rising.

    A framed politial print of the capture of Thomas Kent in Fermoy  UPDATE: THIS MADE 60 AT HAMMER

    A sale of memorabilia like this underlines the fast pace of change in the world we live in.  Take pub ashtrays.  Once ubiquitous they seemed to be doled out by sales reps for breweries and distilleries and cigarette manufacturers like snuff at a wake.  They  could be found on every bar counter and table until the smoking ban came into effect in Ireland 20 years ago.  Now they turn up at auctions like this and if you are so inclined you can pick one up for €20 to €40. Lot 295 is a 1930’s sign for Hoey’s Court, Dublin the birthplace of Jonathan Swift, which has since been demolished. The estimate is €150-€250.  The catalogue is online.

    A 1930’s sign for Hoey’s Court, birthplace of Jonathan Swift, which has since been demolished. UPDATE: THIS MADE 340 AT HAMMER

    ARTWORK SIGNED BY ALL FOUR BEATLES MAKES $1.7 MILLION

    Friday, February 2nd, 2024
    THE BEATLES, 1966 – Images of a Woman. Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd.

    This painting – made and signed by all four Beatles – sold for $1,744,000 at Christie’s Exceptional Sale in New York. This is one of the highest sums ever paid for a piece of Beatles memorabilia. The sale of the best in decorative and applied arts, works of historic importance and iconic objects of pop culture brought in $6.7 million with bidding from around the globe. A 1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins country gentleman hollow body electric guitar once owned by Elvis Presley sold for $302,400.

    MAJOR DERAIN WORK TO HIGHLIGHT CHRISTIE’S SALE IN PARIS

    Thursday, February 1st, 2024
    André Derain, Matisse et Terrus, 1905 – © Christie’s Images Limited 2024

    An unknown masterpiece by Andre Derain and a pivotal work in the history of the Fauves movement comes up at Christie’s in Paris on April 9. Directly from the collection of Catalan painter Etienne Terrus, who hosted André Derain and Henri Matisse in Collioure during the summer of 1905, Matisse and Terrus marks the friendship between these three founding figures of Fauvism. The painting holds particular significance in Derain’s oeuvre from Collioure, for more than its portrayal of tripartite friendship. At the 1905 Salon d’Automne in Paris, its bold style and vivid fauvist palette were described as “an orgy of pure tones” giving official birth to one of the major modern art movements. Captivated by light and colors, Derain gradually eschews lines, and separates color from its descriptive, representational purpose, allowing it to exist on the canvas as an independent and focal element. These thick, sweeping strokes of pure pigment, filled with sensual vitality epitomize the breakthrough towards modernity. Estimated at €2 – €3 million it will highlight the ART IMPRESSIONISTE & MODERNE – ŒUVRES CHOISIES sale.

    MARK KNOPFLER GUITAR COLLECTION MAKES £8.8 MILLION

    Thursday, February 1st, 2024
    Mark Knopfler’s 1959 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024

    The Mark Knopfler guitar collection brought in £8,840,160 at Christie’s in London last night. Bidders registered from 61 countries, new auction records were set and the top lot was his vintage 1959 Les Paul Standard which realised £693,000 setting a new world auction record for the model.  The collection of the celebrated singer-songwriter, guitar hero and frontman of the iconic British band, Dire Straits aroused phenomenal competition and the 122 lot auction lasted over six hours and was 100% sold. A total of  25% of the total hammer price will be divided equally and donated to charities that Mark Knopfler has supported for many years: The British Red CrossTusk and Brave Hearts of the North East. 100% of the funds raised from the final lot are being donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. In addition, Christie’s is contributing a further £50,000 to each of the four charities.

    A MICHELANGELO DRAWING OF A BLOCK OF MARBLE

    Monday, January 29th, 2024
    MICHELANGELO DRAWING ATTACHED TO A LETTER – COURTESY CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LIMITED 2023

    A pen-and-brown-ink diagram of a block of marble drawn by Michelangelo with an estimate of $6,000-8,000 will come up at Christie’s in New York on April 17 as part of A Park Avenue Collection. This sale will comprise French furniture, Old Master paintings, drawings and Chinese works of art, representing more than 40 years of passionate collecting.  This small work depicts a block of marble, with the word ‘simile,” or ‘similar’ in English. It comes attached to a letter by Michelangelo’s descendant. The diagram was known in the literature, but recently identified by Christie’s Old Master Drawings Department, who found the letter and diagram attached to the back of a different drawing that had been in a private collection for decades. When Christie’s specialists saw the letter last year they immediately realised the small drawing on the back was by Michelangelo. Subsequent research has confirmed that attribution. The diagram and letter will be offered as a single lot.

    A tiny number of works by Michelangelo remain in private hands; perhaps fewer than 10. The current piece is one of a group of diagrams of marble blocks in Michelangelo’s hand, most of which are housed in the Casa Buonarroti in Florence, founded by Michelangelo’s last direct male descendent, Cosimo Buonarroti, who died in 1858. It was was given in 1836 to an English tourist, the future governor of Hong Kong, Sir John Bowring. It is likely that Cosimo Buonarroti would occasionally be moved to cut these diagrams from a larger sheet of such drawings for presentation to honored guests.

    AUCTION SEASON IN IRELAND READYING FOR LIFT OFF

    Monday, January 29th, 2024
     A Neo-Classical marble chimneypiece at Sheppards. UPDATE: THIS MADE 4,200 AT HAMMER

    The antiques season in Ireland is lifting off and those who get their kicks from an auction fix will find plenty of action now that January is almost done.Immediate upcoming choices at Sheppards in Durrow on January 30 and 31and at Woodwards in Cork on February 3 include elegant Georgian and Regency furniture, marble chimney pieces, garden sculpture and furniture, longcase clocks and even an old carved stone statue of St. Peter. If brightening up the home was one of your new year resolutions then these eclectic auctions, on view in Durrow and Cork respectively, offer as good a place as any to begin.  

    Top lots at Sheppards include a Neo-Classical marble chimneypiece (€4,000-€6,000) and an attractive George III satinwood cylinder bookcase (€3,00-€5,000).  More than 700 lots will come under the hammer in this two day sale. Feature lots include a George III sideboard, a pair of Regency tea tables, a Georgian inlaid side table, a classical contemporary Italian Smania display case with figural veneered drawers and open glass shelves, a designer chrome and walnut console table, a 19th century wine cooler and an Indian marriage chest. Among the Chinese selection at Sheppards  are pairs of vases, painted panels, censers, jardinieres, chargers and porcelain vases converted to lamps.  A 19th century French ormolu clock is estimated at €500-€800 and an 18th century giltwood pier mirror has an estimate of €1,400-€1,800.  The catalogue is online and sales get underway each day at 10 am.

    A carved stone statue of St. Peter at Woodwards. UPDATE: THIS MADE 725 AT HAMMER

    Woodwards will begin their 2024 season with a selection of house contents from residences in Blackrock, Rochestown and Belgooly.  Among the more unusual lots is a very old carved statue of St. Peter (€500-€1,000).  There is an estimate of €800-€1,200 on a longcase clock by Harvey of Clonmel and furniture lots include a William IV teapoy (€250-€400), a Georgian walnut chest on chest (€500-€800), a Georgian work table (€300-€400), a Queen Anne inlaid desk (€400-€600) and a small Edwardian walnut bureau (€200-€300).Value in antique furniture continues to be a feature in 2024 and estimates are low on a range of items as diverse as a William IV sewing table, an Edwardian chest of drawers, a quartetto nest of tables, a Victorian card table, a demi lune side table and an Edwardian credenza.  there will be more than 300 lots, including a selection of artworks and the Cook St. auctions rooms are open for viewing from this afternoon.

    PICASSO LITHOGRAPH AT KILCOLGAN AUCTION

    Saturday, January 27th, 2024
    Dove with Yellow Sun, a lithograph by Picasso, at Aidan Foley’s auction in Kilcolgan. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Art by Graham Knuttel, George Gillespie, Markey Robinson, John Kingerlee, Michael Hales and a Picasso lithograph titled Dove with Yellow Sun are feature lots at Aidan Foley’s two day sale at Kilcolgan, Co. Galway on January 29 and 30. The selection among over 1,000 lots will include a pair of Georgian side tables, a Regency pedestal sideboard, a pair of French marble topped bedside lockers, a large pair of porcelain and gilt metal jardinieres, a pair of metal and stained glass Moroccan style lights and a bottle of Jameson Dublin Whiskey bottled by Scotts of Kilkee.  The catalogue is online.

    AFFORDABLE ART AT MORGAN O’DRISCOLL ONLINE AUCTION

    Friday, January 26th, 2024
    MARTIN GALE (B.1949) – Owl (1978). UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,400 AT HAMMER

    This watercolour by Martin Gale comes up at Morgan O’Driscoll’s current off the wall online art auction which runs until January 29. The auction of affordable art features work by a wide variety of practitioners including Peter Collis, Oisin Kelly, Elizabeth Magill, Markey Robinson, Alan Kenny, Thomas Rose Miles, Felim Egan, Cecil King, William Crozier, Peter Collis, Pauline Bewick and many more. The catalogue is online.