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    • A YEATS AT WOKINGHAM AUCTION

    September 17th, 2015

    The Pound Street Band, a pencil, pen, ink and watercolour by Jack Butler Yeats comes up at Wokingham auctioneers Martin and Pole on September 23.  Estimated at £5,000-7,000, it was sold at Christie’s in 1998 for just under £10,000.  Executed around 1912 it was shown at the Theatre Exhibition, Birmingham in 1917.  It was purchased two years later from the gallery of Joseph Abernethy, Dunedin by a Colonel W. M. MacDonald.
    Hilary Pyle’s catalogue raisonne of Yeats records this as a compilation of drawings made by the artist referring to incidents and characters he saw on his return to the West from Devon every year. The picture, according to auctioneer Pascal McNamara at Martin & Pole, Wokingham, Berkshire has come from the estate of a retired Irish-born lady in the area.

    The auction will also feature a silver bread tongs by Cork silversmith Richard Garde with Dublin hallmarks for 1828. It is estimated at £200-300.

    Jack B Yeats - The Pound Street Band.

    Jack B Yeats – The Pound Street Band.  UDPATE: THIS WAS WITHDRAWN

    A bread tongs by Cork silversmith Richard Garde with Dublin marks for 1828.

    A bread tongs by Cork silversmith Richard Garde with Dublin marks for 1828.  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £420

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    A $60MILLION+ TWOMBLY AT SOTHEBY’S IN NEW YORK

    September 16th, 2015

    Cy Twombly - Untitled, 1968 [New York City]

    Cy Twombly – Untitled, 1968 [New York City]  UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR $70.5 MILLION

    Untitled, 1968 [New York City] – a seminal example of Cy Twombly’s  ‘Blackboard’ paintings  comes up at Sotheby’s in New York on November 11.  It is expected to realise more than $60 million.  The work is from the collection of Los Angeles philanthropist Audrey Irmas and sale proceeds will benefit The Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice. The foundation supports causes including Wilshire Boulevard Temple, which will receive $30 million from the sale. The funds will launch the campaign for the Temple’s new building, designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) led by Rem Koolhaas, and to be named The Audrey Irmas Pavilion. The building will be OMA’s first commission from a religious institution, and the firm’s first cultural building in California.

    “It is always a pleasure to welcome spectacular works of art back to Sotheby’s” said  Anthony Grant, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman, Americas. “We last offered the painting in 1990 as part of the Saatchi Collection. The brilliance of the artist’s gestural genius is on full display as the written form dissolves into a nuanced grey background. All of us who know and care about the arts in Los Angeles have benefited from the extraordinary generosity of Audrey Irmas and her late husband Sydney, and so we are thrilled to be offering this Twombly masterpiece to benefit such a wonderful cause.”

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    A SUNDAY INTERIORS AUCTION AT JAMES ADAM, DUBLIN

    September 15th, 2015

    The Sunday Interiors sale at James Adam in Dublin on September 20 offers everything from a portrait of Casimir Markievicz to a Victorian silver claret jug.  There are 400 lots of furniture, paintings, silver and decorative arts. Here is a small sample.  The catalogue is online.

    A VICTORIAN SILVER REPOUSSÉ CLARET JUG, London 1878 (2,000-3,000).

    A VICTORIAN SILVER REPOUSSÉ CLARET JUG, London 1878 (2,000-3,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,900

    HUGH DOUGLAS HAMILTON RHA (1734-1808) Viscountess Lifford (4,000-6,000)

    HUGH DOUGLAS HAMILTON RHA (1734-1808) Viscountess Lifford (4,000-6,000)  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 3,500 AT HAMMER

    IRISH BREAKFRONT MAHOGANY BOOKCASE, c.1920 (2,000-3,000).

    IRISH BREAKFRONT MAHOGANY BOOKCASE, c.1920 (2,000-3,000).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 2,000

    A portrait of Casimir Markievicz attributed to John Butler Yeats (1839-1922) (3,000-5,000)

    A portrait of Casimir Markievicz attributed to John Butler Yeats (1839-1922) (3,000-5,000)  UPDATE: THIS WAS WITHDRAWN

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    ANDY WARHOL’S PRINTMAKING INNOVATIONS AT LONDON SALE

    September 14th, 2015

    The breadth of Andy Warhol’s work and his innovations in printmaking will be highlighted at Sotheby’s biannual prints and multiples sale in London on September 29.  The auction will feature more than 30 lots by the artist – 89 prints in total – comprising both single works and complete sets.  There are two private collections, one a private Slovakian collection, the other from the family of Hermann Wunsche, which offer insight into Warhol’s importance in Europe.   Wunsche co-ordinated the first catalogue raisonne of Warhol’s editions which was published in Germany in 1980.

    Goethe The complete portfolio, comprising four screenprints in colours, 1982 (£60,000-80,000).

    Goethe
    The complete portfolio, comprising four screenprints in colours, 1982 (£60,000-80,000).

    The Star Screenprint in a unique combination of colours, 1981, from Myths (£25,000-35,000)

    The Star
    Screenprint in a unique combination of colours, 1981, from Myths (£25,000-35,000)

    Cowboys and Indians The complete set, comprising ten screenprints in colours, 1986 (£130,000-180,000)

    Cowboys and Indians
    The complete set, comprising ten screenprints in colours, 1986 (£130,000-180,000)

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    SHEPPARDS SALE AT CAPARD HOUSE, CO. LAOIS

    September 11th, 2015

    With more than 1,100 lots the sale of the John Farrington Collection by Sheppards on September 22 and 23 offers an across the board selection of furniture, art, garden furniture, jewellery and the range associated with the big house.  This is a two day on the premises house auction at Capard House, Rosenallis, Co. Laois. To avoid heavy traffic associated with Ireland’s National Ploughing Championships the advice for motorway drivers is to exit the M7 at Junction 18.  Here is a small selection:

    One of a pair of large powder blue Chinese vases, Qing Period (30,000-40,000).

    One of a pair of large powder blue Chinese vases, Qing Period (30,000-40,000).

    George III mahogany, satinwood and marquetry bureau (1,500-2,500).

    George III mahogany, satinwood and marquetry bureau (1,500-2,500).

    Large ebony and gilt wood console table (3,000-5,000).

    Large ebony and gilt wood console table (3,000-5,000).

     

    An Irish George III three pillar dining table (40,000-60,000).

    An Irish George III three pillar dining table (40,000-60,000).

    A monumental George III giltwood mirror (15,000-25,000).

    A monumental George III giltwood mirror (15,000-25,000).

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    RARE SANCAI CERAMICS FROM TANG DYNASTY AT CHRISTIE’S HONG KONG

    September 11th, 2015

    A selection of Chinese ceramics and works of art will come up at Christie’s Pavilion sale in Hong Kong on October 2. Rare sancai ceramics from the Tang dynasty will be presented, in addition to a wide array of beautifully carved jade and precious stone ornaments and accessories; ceramics from the Song to the Qing dynasties, alongside bamboo, wood, lacquer and bronzes.  Here is a taster.

    A large sancai glazed tripod dish, Tang Dynasty (US$130,000-260,000).

    A large sancai glazed tripod dish, Tang Dynasty (US$130,000-260,000).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR US$347,352

    A small tourmaline box and cover, Qing Dynasty (US$11,000-16,000).

    A small tourmaline box and cover, Qing Dynasty (US$11,000-16,000).

    Fine jade carvings from the Yidetang collection.

    Fine jade carvings from the Yidetang collection.

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    FRENCH CROWN JEWELS ANYONE?

    September 10th, 2015
    The Dowager Countess of Harcourt diamond necklace of about 65 carats. (US$1.3-1.9 million).

    The Dowager Countess of Harcourt diamond necklace of about 65 carats. (US$1.3-1.9 million).  UPDATE: TIFFANY PURCHASED THIS FOR US$1,548,718

    The Dowager Viscountess Harcourt diamond necklace incorporating 28 diamonds from the landmark 1887 auction of the French Crown Jewels will come up at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on October 7.  The necklace is accompanied by thorough documentation of its passage through various notable owners over more than a century.  After the Third Republic of France was formed the Ministry of Finance decided to sell the once exclusive property of kings and queens in a public auction in 1887. Jewellers from Europe, North Africa and the United States flocked to the sale, along with European aristocrats and wealthy Americans.  Tiffany was rumoured to have purchased about one third of the lots including 28 mine cut old diamonds from the Great Comb a Pampilles.  They were sold a week later to Junius Morgan of the English banking family. They were passed to his young grand daughter Mary Burns who became Viscountess Harcourt in 1899.  The first Viscount Harcourt had the diamond chains remounted into the present necklace around 1900.  It is estimated at US$1.3-1.9 million.

    The sale offers a selection of superb natural coloured gemstones, diamonds, jadeite and jewels from the most coveted brands worldwide, including iconic designs from Cartier from the 1920s to the present. Among these is a ‘Panther’ ring featuring a 10.62-carat natural Burmese ruby.

    Pride of place goes to the Cowdray Pearls, one of the finest and rarest grey pearl necklaces known (US$4.5 – 7 million).  Formerly in the collection of Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860 – 1932), a distinguished connoisseur and collector, this magnificent necklace strung and mounted by Cartier comprises 42 extremely rare and superb natural grey saltwater pearls well-matched in lustre, shape and size. They are accompanied by a pair of natural grey pearl earrings with mounts by Cartier London.

    The Cowdray Pearls (US$4.5 – 7 million).

    The Cowdray Pearls (US$4.5 – 7 million).  UPDATE: THEY SOLD FOR US$5,266,667

    A 10.62 carat Burmese Mogok ruby, onyx and diamond ring. (|US$2.3-3.2 million).

    A 10.62 carat Burmese Mogok ruby, onyx and diamond ring. (|US$2.3-3.2 million).

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    SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT MORGAN O’DRISCOLL’S ART SALE IN DUBLIN

    September 9th, 2015

    There is something to suit all tastes at Morgan O’Driscoll’s Irish and International art auction at the RDS on September 14.  The sale of 110 lots features mostly Irish art and sculpture, but some international artists are represented as well.  You do not, for example, see art by Robert Motherwell cropping up every day at auction in Ireland.  The screen print by Motherwell in this sale, from his London series, was at Marlborough Fine Art in London and then in a private collection.  The Pig Market by the Cork 19th century artist Charles Henry Cook (c1830-1906) is one rarity. It is estimated at 3,000-5,000. Born in Bandon he exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy in the 1860’s and ’70’s from an address at Patrick St. in Cork.  St. Patrick’s Day by Cook is in the collection of the National Library of Ireland.  The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for September 2, 2015).

    ALICE MAHER (B.1956)RED ARCH / ARCHWAY (1995) (1,000-1,500).

    ALICE MAHER (B.1956) – RED ARCH / ARCHWAY (1995) (1,000-1,500).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 900 AT HAMMER

    ROBERT MOTHERWELL (1915-1991) AMERICAN LONDON SERIES I: UNTITLED (GREEN) (1971) (1,000-1,500)

    ROBERT MOTHERWELL (1915-1991) AMERICAN:  LONDON SERIES I: UNTITLED (GREEN) (1971) (1,000-1,500)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,500 AT HAMMER

    Column by Edward Delaney (1,000-1,500).

    Column by Edward Delaney (1,000-1,500).  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    The Pig Market by Charles Henry Cook (3,000-5,000).

    The Pig Market by Charles Henry Cook (3,000-5,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,400 AT HAMMER

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    IRISH SIDE TABLE ESTIMATED AT £300-500 SELLS FOR £19,500

    September 8th, 2015
    This 18th century Irish side table sold for £19,500 today.

    This 18th century Irish side table sold for £19,500 today.

    An 18th century carved mahogany side table, described by Stockport auctioneers Capes Dunn as “probably Irish” sold for a hammer price of £19,500 against an estimate of £300-500 today.

    The table has a rounded rectangular top above a cross grain moulded frieze, on acanthus capped straight cabriole legs with claw and ball frieze, tied by a deep apron.

    The front is carved with leaves from a meandering vine and centred by a grotesque mask.

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    THE TAUBMAN COLLECTION AT SOTHEBY’S, NEW YORK

    September 7th, 2015
    Willem de Kooning, Untitled XXI 1976 $25/35 million

    Willem de Kooning, Untitled XXI 1976 $25/35 million

    More than 500 works spanning the period from antiquity to contemporary art from the collection of A. Alfred Taubman are to come up at Sotheby’s in New York.  They will be sold in a series of dedicated auctions beginning in the autumn.  The sales are estimated at more than $500 million, making this the most valuable private collection ever offered at auction. Represented in the broad-ranging collection are an impressive number of iconic artists including: Mark Rothko and Frank Stella; Pablo Picasso and Egon Schiele; Winslow Homer and Charles Burchfield; and Albrecht Dürer and Raphael.

    Alfred Taubman, who passed away in April at the age of 91, immersed himself in the arts throughout his life – from his early training as an architect, to critical roles as a founder of the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution, a board member of the Whitney Museum of American Art and longtime Chairman of the Arts Commission of Detroit, the entity which oversaw the Detroit Institute of Arts. A self-made man he launched The Taubman Company in 1950 with a $5,000 loan. He revolutionized the retail experience, creating many design innovations considered standard today.  In 1983 he acquired Sotheby’s. He set about changing the way Sotheby’s did business opening it up beyond the dealers who were its historic mainstays and helping to create the stunning growth of the international art market.

    Under his stewardship, sales such as The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor (1987), The Andy Warhol Collection (1988), and the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1996) were presented.

    In the early 2000s, an investigation into alleged price-fixing between Sotheby’s and Christie’s led to a confession by Sotheby’s ceo Diana Brooks of a price fixing scheme.  In a plea bargain arrangement prosecutors offered to keep her out of prison if she agreed to implicate Taubman. She did. Taubman was convicted in a jury trial of price fixing.  He was fined $7.5 million sent to jail for ten months.  After his release in 2003 he continued to insist on his innocence. Works from his collection will be presented at sales of Masterworks on November 4, Modern and Contemporary Art on November 5, American Art on November 18 and Old Masters on January 27, 2016.

    Thomas Gainsborough, The Blue Page c1770 $3/4 million

    Thomas Gainsborough, The Blue Page c1770 $3/4 million

    Martin Johnson Heade, The Great Florida Sunset 1887 $7/10 million

    Martin Johnson Heade, The Great Florida Sunset 1887 $7/10 million

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