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    • THE IRISH ART MARKET NOW

    December 19th, 2016
    The big winter Irish art sales – by de Veres, Whytes, Morgan O’Driscoll and James Adam – grossed almost five million euro. This figure suggests that market for Irish art is in a state of rude good health.  The real story is more complex.  Bidding is brisk, turnover is up and the market has its problems. All auctioneers are finding it difficult to source top quality works.  “What incentive is there to sell when you can get no interest on your money” one asked.
    Right now this remains very much a buyer’s market. Prices are deflated and a correction upwards is long overdue.  The view is that this has to happen, the only question is when.  Meantime prices are far from stratospheric across all levels and ranges. Todays art buyer has become both discriminating and picky and there is a price above which they will not venture.
    The market in 2016 was unpredictable and threw up some surprising results.  Adams failed to get their main Yeats away at the latest sale but still grossed 1.35 million with 76% of lots on offer finding buyers. Morgan O’Driscoll capped off what he described as an unbelievable year with a Dublin sale that drew bidders from 12 countries and grossed over a million this month. The September sale at Whyte’s was the most successful since 2008 and a small west of Ireland landscape by Paul Henry made a hammer price of 87,000 at their latest sale. A large pastel by Sean Scully sold for 165,000 at the late November auction by de Veres, which grossed around 1.6 million. And Sean Keating’s Aran Woman and her Children sold for 130,000 at hammer a Mealy’s this month – the first time since 2008 that a Keating sold for a six figure sum. Sell through rates of around 75%-80% are being reported from most sales.

    The Bronze Horses of St. Marks by Patrick Hennessy made a hammer price of 32,000 at James Adam.

    The Bronze Horses of St. Marks by Patrick Hennessy made a hammer price of 32,000 at James Adam.

    Garden at Night by William Crozier sold for a hammer price of 19,000 at Whyte's

    Garden at Night by William Crozier sold for a hammer price of 19,000 at Whyte’s

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    SALES OF OLD MASTERS DOUBLE AT CHRISTIE’S IN 2016

    December 18th, 2016
    SIR PETER PAUL RUBENS (Seigen 1577-1640 Antwerp), Lot and his Daughters, circa 1613-1614. Courtesy CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2016

    THE MOST EXPENSIVE PAINTING SOLD IN EUROPE THIS YEAR – SIR PETER PAUL RUBENS (Seigen 1577-1640 Antwerp), Lot and his Daughters, circa 1613-1614 made £44.9 million. Courtesy CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2016

    Old Master sales at Christie’s in 2016 came to £152 million, doubling the auction sales total of 2015.  Classic Week, which ended in London on December 15, achieved a total of £47.8 million. This was a dedicated series of sales spanning Old Master Paintings, Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Antiquities, Japanese Art and private collections.  There was global participation with more than 1,200 registered bidders from 53 countries and substantial cross category buying. The entire classic week series achieved $272.3 million in 2016.

    Karl Hermanns, Global Managing Director, Old Master, 19th Century, Russian Art, said: “Classic Week in December concludes an outstanding year for the classical arts at Christie’s. Following its launch in April in New York and in July in London the new Classic Weeks series, complementing Christie’s innovative 20th-century weeks, have achieved for our clients significantly increased sales, cross-category bidders and new bidders. We are particularly encouraged by the number of 20th-century clients and Asian collectors participating in these sale. Classic Week auction sales were led by the masterpiece by Rubens, ‘Lot and his Daughters’, which achieved £44.9 million, the highest auction price for any work of art sold in Europe in 2016. Old Master and Victorian pictures also sold well alongside the best modern and contemporary art in the Defining British Art sale, the flagship event of Christie’s 250th anniversary. Christie’s also led the market in Old Master private sales, led by the historic sale of Rembrandt portraits, which sold to the French and Dutch states. Our specialists will continue to innovate and to inspire collectors with curated sales weeks of the highest quality. We look forward to hosting the next Classic Weeks in New York in April 2017 and in London in July 2017.”

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    MACLISE PORTRAIT OF CATHERINE DICKENS, WIFE OF CHARLES

    December 17th, 2016
    An important original portrait of Charles Dicken’s wife Catherine by Cork born artist Daniel Maclise has been discovered hidden beneath what had been thought to be the original work. Doubts about the authenticity of a portrait of Catherince – treasured by the Charles Dicken’s Museum at Doughty St. in London for 20 years – emerged during the past year. It seemed crude to the museum curator Louisa Price, especially when compared to two gigantic paintings of the Napoleonic Wars by Daniel Maclise in the House of Lords. There were gaps in its provenance.

    An investigation showed it to have been heavily overpainted, with up to 70% of the surface not original. In September the painting was scanned and x rayed at the Hamilton Kerr Institute to determine whether the original Maclise work was underneath. The painting underneath was confirmed as the original 1847 work by Maclise, a friend of Charles Dickens. It remained in Catherine’s possession after she separated from Dickens in 1858.  The museum, which holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of Dicken’s material in the house where he completed The Pickwick Papers and wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, is working to raise funds for a complete restoration of the Maclise painting.

    The overpainted portrait by Daniel Maclise of Catherine Dickens being examined at the Hamilton Kerr Institute.

    The overpainted portrait by Daniel Maclise of Catherine Dickens being examined at the Hamilton Kerr Institute.

    The x-ray showing the original work underneath

    The x-ray showing the original work underneath

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    A WORLD RECORD FOR A PRINTED SCIENTIFIC BOOK

    December 15th, 2016
    Sir Isaac Newton’s (1642-1727) Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica

    Sir Isaac Newton’s (1642-1727) Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica

    Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia made a world record for a world record for a printed scientific book when it sold for $3,719,500 at Christie’s in New York on December 14. It had been estimated at $1-1.5 million.  One of the most important books in the history of science Sir Isaac Newton’s (1642-1727, knighted 1705) Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica  was described by Einstein as  “perhaps the greatest intellectual stride that it has ever been granted to any man to make”.

    This was a First edition, Continental issue bound in full inlaid morocco for presentation by the publisher/bookseller Samuel Smith. Two apparently concurrent issues can be distinguished, identified by their title in uncancelled or cancelled state. One was distributed by Edmond Halley and Newton themselves through a number of unnamed booksellers, the other was largely turned over to Samuel Smith for distribution on the Continent (as here). This Continental issue is considerably rarer.

    The fine books and manuscripts sale totaled $9,433,063, with 82% sold by lot and 91% sold by value.  This was the highest total for a various owner sale of Books & Manuscripts at Christie’s. There was active in-room, phone, and online participation from institutions, established collectors, and new buyers with registered bidders from over 25 countries.

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    CERRUTI TO TAKE OVER AS CHRISTIE’S CEO FROM JANUARY

    December 14th, 2016
    Patricia Barizet and Guillaume Cerruti. Christie's London, 14 December 2016 © Christie’s 2016

    Patricia Barizet and Guillaume Cerruti. Christie’s London, 14 December 2016 © Christie’s 2016

    The Board of Christie’s has appointed Guillaume Cerutti as Chief Executive Officer effective from January 1.  Currently President of Christie’s Europe, Middle East, Russia and India (EMERI) operations he is a respected authority in the art world. He has operated for over a decade as a senior executive in the art auction world and within the cultural industry for over twenty years. François Pinault assumes the role of Chairman of the Board and Patricia Barbizet is appointed Vice Chairman.

    Patricia Barbizet commented: “As we conclude a successful year, the time is right to adapt our structure and further enhance the tremendous work we have done to make the company more efficient, creative and collaborative. I believe Guillaume’s experience and deep knowledge of the art world will bring Christie’s one more step forward. Christie’s is a key asset for its shareholder.  Alongside Mr. Pinault, as CEO of Artemis, I will remain closely involved as we continue to expand Christie’s global reach and introduce more best-in-class services for today’s collectors.”

    Guillaume Cerutti said: “It is a great honour to take forward the company’s strategic initiatives and continue the successful work that have been implemented under Patricia’s tutorship. At year-end, Christie’s continues to lead the market globally, and is poised for continued success. I will rely on Christie’s exceptional talents to build and adapt the company for the future.”

    François Pinault said: “Two years ago I asked Patricia to take the helm of Christie’s and adapt the organisation to the new challenges of the art industry and market. During these two years, she has worked tirelessly on the key milestones we had established to capitalise upon Christie’s leadership. She has led the company to a point where it is appropriate to pass the baton to Guillaume Cerutti. It will now be for him to push this advantage even further. Patricia and I will provide Guillaume our continuous support so Christie’s can thrive for the greatest benefit of its clients, its specialist community, its employees and all art connoisseurs.”

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    A MAJOR PIECE OF HARRY POTTER HISTORY

    December 13th, 2016
    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

    A major piece of Harry Potter history, a rare presentation copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard created, hand-written and illustrated by J.K. Rowling sold for £368,750 to an anonymous buyer bidding on the telephone at Sotheby’s in London this afternoon. With a personal inscription by the author the copy, number 3 of the 7 that J.K Rowling produced, was presented to British publisher Barry Cunningham who famously accepted the first Harry Potter book for publication.  Cunningham played an instrumental role in launching J.K Rowling’s career as an international best-selling author. In a dedication written in the front of the book, JK Rowling wrote: “To Barry, the man who thought an overlong novel about a boy wizard in glasses might just sell… THANK YOU”.

    Cunningham recalls the experience of receiving the copy in December 2007 as ‘unreal’, becoming ‘progressively more exciting’ as he opened a white jiffy envelope to reveal a beautiful, cloth-wrapped manuscript book, adorned with semi-precious stones and a sterling silver mounted skull. The original packaging, in which the copy was delivered, is included as part of the lot. Originally presented as a personal gift to ‘those most closely connected to the Harry Potter books’, the manuscript of wizarding tales is one of only seven unique copies produced for the most important people in Rowling’s life during this time. In 2007, a seventh copy produced specifically for sale at auction to raise money for J.K Rowling’s charity Lumos, was sold at Sotheby’s for a record-breaking £1.95 million. Bound in brown morocco leather, the manuscript carries seven unique mounted rhodochrosite stones. At the end of the volume, the author notes that these semi-precious stones are ‘traditionally associated with love, balance and joy in daily life.’ The exterior is additionally embellished with hallmarked sterling silver ornaments, centred by an ominous skull.

    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

    The Tales of Beedle the Bard

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    MUCH TO INTEREST COLLECTORS AT FONSIE MEALY’S DUBLIN AUCTION

    December 10th, 2016
    THERE is much to stimulate the interest of collectors and seekers of once off and distinctive Christmas presents at Fonsie Mealy’s rare book sale at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin on December 13. There are rare Irish books, fine duplicates, early printings, 17th century travel, Americana, science and religion, the Edith Somerville and Coghill family archives and a private collection of modern Irish literature, are to be sold.
    Among the highlights are a signed volume from the library of Dean Swift, a rare volume printed by Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia 1744, the first printing of Shakespeare’s works outside of London and Lt. Cresswell’s “North West Passage” atlas folio from 1854 with eight plates.
    Edith Somerville of Castletownsend – author with her cousin Violet Martin of the Irish RM series –  studied painting London and in Dusseldorf and Paris with another cousin and future brother in law Egerton Coghill. Lot 765 is an outstanding portrait of her then seven year old nephew and godson Patrick Coghill and the sale includes a number of drawings, watercolours and sketches by her with west Cork scenes and including some of her original drawings for the Irish RM.  There is a collection of typescripts and manuscripts by Brendan Behan, photographs by Sir Jocelyn Coghill, the first secretary of the Dublin Photographic Society and a selection of Cuala Press broadsides. The original volume from Dean Swift’s library, signed “Jon Swift”  has an estimate of 10,000–15,000. A spectacular early coloured view of the North West Passage with a series of eight sketches in colour and a coloured map of the route by Lt. Cresswell is estimated at 15,000-20,000.
    UPDATE:  The volume from Dean Swift’s library sold for 9,000 at hammer, the Benjamin Franklin imprint made 12,000 at hammer, the first printing of Shakespeare’s works outside of London failed to sell and the North West Passage folio sold for 24,000.  The sale brought in 410,000 euro on the hammer.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for December 7, 2016)

    One of a series of eight sketches in colour of the North West Passage by Lt. S.G. Cresswell published in 1854

    One of a series of eight sketches in colour of the North West Passage by Lt. S.G. Cresswell published in 1854 UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 24,000 AT HAMMER.

    One of a series of eight sketches in colour of the North West Passage by Lt. S.G. Cresswell published in 1854

    One of a series of eight sketches in colour of the North West Passage by Lt. S.G. Cresswell published in 1854  UPDATE: THIS LOT SOLD FOR 24,000 AT HAMMER

    Spring in Co. Cork by Edith Somerville (1858-1949)

    Spring in Co. Cork by Edith Somerville (1858-1949) UPDATE: THIS MADE 500 AT HAMMER

    A Co. Cork album of Irish and other military figures, one dated 1864

    A Co. Cork album of Irish and other military figures, one dated 1864  UPDATE: THIS MADE 540 AT HAMMER

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    CORK SOLDIER’S ZULU MEDAL SELLS FOR £70,000 AT HAMMER

    December 8th, 2016
    The South Africa medal awarded to Michael Minihan.

    The South Africa medal awarded to Michael Minihan.

    The Zulu War Medal awarded to Cork born Michael Minihan – one of the defenders of Rorke’s Drift in the Zulu War – sold for a remarkable £70,000 hammer price (£84,000 when auctioneers commission is added) at Dix Noonan Webb in London today. The pre-sale estimate was £26,000 to £30,000. Bidding quickly soared past the estimate and eventually it was a contest between a telephone bidder and a bidder in the room.

    “The defence of Rorke’s Drift, immortalized in the film Zulu, remains one of the most epic actions in military history,” said Will Bennett, spokesman for Dix Noonan Webb. “Medals to the 150 strong garrison do not come onto the market all that often and so bidders competed strongly to own this important reminder of the bravery shown by Minihan and his comrades.”

    The medal was bought by a British private collector bidding in the room. It was a record price for a medal to a Rorke’s Drift defender who was not awarded the VC.  Michael Minihan was one of 16 Irishmen known to be among the 150 strong British garrison which fought off an attack by up to 4,000 Zulu warriors.  No less than eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for the defence of the mission station – the former trading post of Irish merchant James Rorke. The 1964 film Zulu starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine was based on this battle.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for November 30, 2016)

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    ANTIQUE AND INTERIORS SALE AT HEGARTY’S, BANDON

    December 8th, 2016

    More than 360 lots – including antique furniture, art, silver and collectibles – will come under the hammer at Hegarty’s antique and interiors sale in Bandon on December 11.  The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:

    MARK O'NEILL, b. 1963, "A SIMPLE ARRANGEMENT"

    MARK O’NEILL, b. 1963, “A SIMPLE ARRANGEMENT”  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    LATE 19TH CENTURY TIP-UP WINE TABLE

    LATE 19TH CENTURY TIP-UP WINE TABLE

    ROSEWOOD & SATINWOOD INLAID, DAVENPORT

    ROSEWOOD & SATINWOOD INLAID, DAVENPORT  UPDATE: THIS MADE 900 AT HAMMER

    AN IRISH SILVER TANKARD

    AN IRISH SILVER TANKARD  UPDATE: THIS MADE 7,000 AT HAMMER

    ARTHUR K. MADERSON, "Crossing the Cunnigar, Low Tide, Evening, Dungarvan".

    ARTHUR K. MADERSON,
    “Crossing the Cunnigar, Low Tide, Evening, Dungarvan”. UPDATE: THIS WORK WAS UNDER NEGOTIATION AFTER THE AUCTION.

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    A RECORD FOR SEAN KEATING AT MEALY’S

    December 7th, 2016
    Sean Keating (1889-1977) - Portrait of an Aran woman and her children.

    Sean Keating (1889-1977) – Portrait of an Aran woman and her children.

    There was a record for a work by Sean Keating at Mealy’s today.  His  c1946 Portrait of an Aran Woman and Her Children has just sold for a hammer price of 130,000 at Mealy’s sale in Castlecomer. This large scale work – 49″ x 58″ – has not been seen in public since the 1940’s and was not on the open market before. According to the art historian Dr. Eimear O’Connor this is no ordinary Aran scene. The models are Sean Keating’s wife, May (née Walshe) (1895-1965), and the couple’s two sons, Justin (1930-2009) in the centre, and Michael (1927-2001), who all sat for him at various intervals throughout 1944. The cat, whose name is now lost to time, was a family pet. Keating’s plan was to exhibit the painting with the RHA, the Oireachtas, or with Victor Waddington that year. However, in spite of his good intentions, he put the canvas to one side and did not get back to complete it until 1946.

    Their eldest son, Michael, pictured in a youthful day dream, was to become a highly respected civil and mechanical engineer, while Justin, also deep in thought, qualified as a vet, and went on to become a politician of note.  The work had been estimated at 40,000-50,000.  The top price for a Keating was 190,000 and there has not been a six figure sum paid for a Keating since 2008.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for December 1, 2016)

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