Sunday, August 31, 2008

NO EGGS BROKEN AT SALE OF RUSSIAN FINE ART, SCULPTURE AND DECORATIVE SILVER ART

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2008

ABERDEEN-AUCTIONS
Sale August 2-3, 2008

CONTACT:
ALEX TURCHAK
(727) 656-2974

Aberdeen-Auctions of St. Petersburg, FL achieved excellent results in the August 2 – 3 sale of Russian artifacts.

Three Russian eggs were the stars of the show at the Aberdeen-Auctions sale of August 2-3. The top cackle rights went to a five inch tall burgundy model with gold exterior decoration made in the manner of Carl Faberge. It opened to reveal a small bouquet of porcelain and silver flowers. Nestled in its custom made case with Cyrillic markings the egg brought a winner of $17,250 including the fifteen percent buyer’s premium. A diminutive four inch version made of porcelain with a gilded body and star within a sunburst on the reverse featured the figure of a female saint on the face. Manufactured by the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory of St. Petersburg and signed “FNB” in unclear Cyrillic, the egg attracted 24 bids closing at $14,950. A third egg also porcelain by the Imperial Manufactory displaying the figure of a Russian pope, signed “KZ” in Cyrillic, hammered at $12,650.

The 365 lot online sale carried by LiveAuctioneers.com registered 326 online bidders, five absentee bids and 27 phone bidders representing dealers and collectors from 28 countries.

Several pleasant surprises were recorded in the sale. One of the best was a two volume set in Russian entitled “Travels in the East of Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia When Cesarewith” by E. E. Ukhtomskiy, published in St. Petersburg in 1893. From the collection of P. Dunkan, it was illustrated by N. N. Karzan and included more than 500 lithographs. Estimated at $4,500/$6,000, it raked in 58 bids with a winner of $14,370. Another little eye opener was a Russian silver and enamel napkin ring enameled with colorful foliage. Circa 1902 with Cyrillic maker’s marks, the 1¾ by 2½in ring was estimated at $440/$500. It closed at $1,350.

Horses were a popular as eggs, at least bronze ones were. A 7in tall bronze figure of a mounted peasant boy with two more horses, by Evgeni Lanceray (1848-1886), inscribed with signature and foundry mark brought a winning bid of $14,650 against the $11,000/$13,000 estimate. Another work by Lanceray, a 9in tall figure of a Kirgiz horseman went for $7474 and a 9½in bronze by Vasili Grachev (1831-1905) mounted on a rose marble base depicting a couple kissing while on horseback with a date stamp of 1877 sold for $9,200. Substituting cast iron for bronze worked for a Russian troika being pulled by a pair of horses, marked and dated 1912, the 18 by 10 by 7in figure set sold for $4,150 against the estimate of $1,000/$1,500.

Russian art also did well starting with a Russian gilded silver and enamel photograph frame, the work of master Antip Ivanovich Kuzmichov, Moscow 1888. The enamel featured colorful cloisonné and translucent royal blue enamel. The 5in frame bore the maker’s mark in Cyrillic, the assayer mark, a Moscow hallmark and a scratched inventory number 3955. It sold within estimate at $14,950. But the art itself was the top lot of the sale. A 25 by 20in framed oil on canvas of theater action by Natal’ia Sergeevna Gonchaova (1881-1962) signed lower left sold over estimate for $20,700. It was closely followed by a pair of village scenes, oil on canvas, by Jacopo da Ponte Bassance (Italian 1610/18 – 1593). From a private collection in Lexington, KY the framed 46 by 70in paintings sold for $18,400. A work by Walter Dendy Sadler (English 1854-1923),oil on canvas entitled “The Complete Angler” dated 1884, framed 41½ by 55in, sold for $11,788.

For more information about this sale call (727) 656-2974, email Aberdeen.auctions@gmail.com or visit the website at
www.aberdeen-auctions.com.

Written by:
Fred Taylor
www.furnituredetective.com
800-387-6377

PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR ABERDEEN-AUCTIONS

This red and gold egg made in the manner of Carl Faberge sold for $17,250.


An oil on canvas by Goncharova was top lot of the sale at $20,700.



Bronze horses and a peasant boy by Lanceray made $14,650.

A silver and enamel napkin ring, circa 1902, brought $1,350.


A two volume set about Czar Nicholas II’s travels sold for $14,350.


Thursday, August 28, 2008

EXTREMELY RARE FRANK ALBERT TECO POTTERY VASE TO HIGHLIGHT FLORIDA FINE ART AND ANTIQUES SALE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008

MATHESON’S AA AUCTION
Melbourne, FL
Sale September 27 - 28, 2008

CONTACT: Lloyd Matheson
(321) 768-6668

Only six examples of this work by the Prairie School designer are known to exist. It will be sold at Matheson’s AA Auction in Melbourne, FL in the September 27, 28 sale.

Matheson’s AA Auction sale of September 27, 28 will feature fine art and antiques from five estates including one from Miami and one from Palm Beach. Included in the inventory from one of the estates of a long deceased owner where it sat undisturbed for decades was a Teco vase designed by Frank Albert early in the twentieth century. According to Auction owner Lloyd Matheson only six examples of this vase are known to exist. The last one known to cross the auction block as September 11, 2005 at Treadway Toomey Gallery. The 18½in tall vase with the organic looking swirling base in the soft Teco green matte finish with three Teco marks on the base has a presale estimate of $40,000/$60,000.

In addition to the vase the auction inventory of fresh to the market fine estate antiques includes some exceptional art by August Rene Francois/Rodin French (1840-1917) including two watercolors of Cambodian dancers, A watercolor by Aiden Lassell Ripley (American 1896-1969) and a landscape “Mink Hollow Brook by Jervis McEntree (American 1828-1891), three drawings by George Cruikshank (British 1792-1878) as well as nearly a dozen hand colored Currier and Ives lithographs, Audobon hand colored lithographs and ten examples of Florida Highwaymen paintings by Alfred Hair, James Gibson, Isaac Knight and Al Black. Other sporting art includes eight signed lithographs by Frank W. Benson (American 1862-1951) and nine colored prints by Arthur Burdett Frost (American 1851-1928).

The two day sale will include over 800 lots with over 250 lots of fine jewelry, major clocks, fine art and fabulous furniture from one estate. Only twenty lots in the sale will be presented with reserves.

A number of outstanding clocks are featured in the antiques portion of the sale including a large dore’ bronze cartel clock signed “Barbedienne” 53in high by 18in wide purportedly from the estate of Harry Winston, an 18th century boulle working clock and stand, Boutard, Paris, 52in high, a 7ft 2in tall 18th century grandfather clock by Ralph Barret Winstanly, Wigan and an 8ft 4in moon phase grandfather clock by Peter Fearnley, also of Wigan. Also included is a pair of magnificent dore' bronze candelabra, signed Mathieu Meusnier, 43in high.

Over 100 lots of jewelry will flash and impress in this sale which features a 3 carat solitaire platinum engagement ring with the color “G,” a 2 carat diamond solitaire cocktail ring, a 2.7 carat solitaire gold ring, two Patek Phillipe 18K watches and an expandable 18K gold necklace with 5 carat solitaire as well as much more.

The sale will begin at 11:00AM Saturday September 27 and will continue at 12:00 NOON Sunday September 28. Preview will be Friday September 26 from 11:00AM to 6:00PM and two hours prior to the sale on each auction day. Matheson’s AA Auction is located at 600 E. New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, FL 32901. Seating for 200 can be reserved by phone, (321) 768-6668 or by email at aaauctions@earthlink.net. Selected portions of the catalog are available for viewing on the Matheson’s AA Auction website at www.mathesonsaaauction.com and at www.LiveAuctioneers.com. The auction will be called by 33 year veteran auctioneer and auction co-owner Lloyd J. Matheson, Jr. Phone and absentee bids are welcomed. For more information call auction owners Lloyd or Jan Matheson or Auction Manager Carey Lucas (321) 768-6668.

Written by:
Fred Taylor
www.furnituredetective.com
800-387-6377


PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR MATHESONS

This extremely rare Teco vase by Frank Albert has a presale estimate of $40,000/$60,000.


This 8ft 4in 18th century grandfather clock was made by English clockmaker Peter Fearnley of Wigan, Lancashire.


This expandable 18K gold necklace is highlighted by a 5 carat solitaire diamond in the center.


Rare large Dore' Bronze Cartel clock purportedly from the Harry Winston estate, signed Barbedienne


August Rene Francois/Rodin French (1840-1917), watercolor "Cambodian Dancer”, 24 by 18in.

Monday, August 11, 2008

SURREAL PAINTINGS OF RAYMOND A. WHYTE TO STAR IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2008

BURCHARD GALLERIES, INC
Sale AUGUST 23 - 24, 2008

CONTACT:
JEFFREY BURCHARD
(727) 821-1167

The August 23-24 sale at Burchard Galleries, Inc in St. Petersburg will feature artwork and artifacts from the estate of portrait, surrealist and neomanneristic painter Raymond A. Whyte.

Even though Raymond A. Whyte (American 1923-2002) was a nationally famous artist and a world renowned portrait and surrealist painter, his works of art seldom come to auction. They currently are on display in major collections like those of Malcom Forbes, J. Paul Getty, Orson Bean and the DeBeers Museum to mention only a few but they seldom are offered for sale. The Burchard event of August 23-24 will be an exception offering a rare opportunity to acquire Whyte’s work. The two day event will feature approximately 45 works by Whyte as well as some of his personal artworks and furnishings.

In addition to the Whyte inventory, the two day 1,000 lot sale will offer other important works of art by Miro, Vassarelly, Rockwell, Littleman and Dali as well as jewelry and fine furnishings including inlaid French and European carved furniture, a wide selection of sterling silver services and hollowware, estate Oriental carpets and important diamond and gold jewelry from over twenty prestigious estates.

Raymond A. Whyte was listed in AskART, Who’s Who in American Art, International Who’s Who in Art and Antiques, Notable Americans of the Bicentennial Era, Who’s Who in the East, Dictionary of International Biographies, Collectors Choice, Colorado Quarterly, American Artists, Special Program on DeChirico and Whyte, hosted by Kevin Sanders, “Profile in Whyte” by John Angelini, N.J. Music and Arts. While some critics said his style was more Neo-Mannerism than Surrealist, most listings such as AskART show Surrealism as the primary entry.

Whyte was noted for his one man exhibitions holding thirty-one of them in New York, San Francisco, Houston, Naples, London and Paris including the de Saisset Museum of Art and Crocker Art Museum but he was also included in a number of multi artist exhibitions such as those at the Houston Museum, Bridgeport Art Museum, Columbia Museumof Art, Butler Institute, Malcom Forbes Exhibitions; Allied Artists, Audubon Artist, Art Students League Diamond Jubilee, Invited American Family Portraits and Commissions for Look Magazine National Academy.

All lots from the Whyte estate will be sold on an absolute basis as is more than 90% of this entire spectacular Auction. The sale will be conducted beginning at 9:00AM on Saturday August 23 and 12:00 NOON on Sunday August 24 at the Burchard Galleries facility located at 2528 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 and also will be carried live online by LiveAuciotneers.com. Preview for the sale will be at the Gallery beginning at 8:00AM Saturday for the August 23 portion and at 1:00PM Saturday August 23 for the Sunday session. Advance seating arrangements are suggested.

For more information call (727) 821-1167 or (800) 520-2787, email to
mail@burchardgalleries.com or visit the website at www.burchardgalleries.com. Burchard Galleries normally has an auction the last weekend each month with a “discovery auction” on Saturday and an antiques sale on Sunday. Check the website for details.


written by:
Fred Taylor
800-387-6377

PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR BURCHARD GALLERIES

Erotic nude painting Raymond A. Whyte (1923-2002) of his wife wife Erica Whyte, oil on board, 44 by 18in.



Estate gold & diamond jewelry to include a heavy sapphire encrusted leopard and "Black Hawk #117", a necklace and Indian Pendant by Jewel Masters, Palm Beach (139 grams).




A magnificent Renaissance Revival bedroom set.



Detail of a pair of Tromp L’Oeil tables by Whyte.



Whyte shawdowbox painting titled "Anniversary Still Life, Mementos of Artist & Wife Erica" dated Nov. 1959, oil on board, 20 by 24in, framed 32 by 32¾in.



Persian Carpet, 146 by 114½in, Raymond Whyte estate.





Saturday, August 9, 2008

MORRIS WINS BY A NOSE AND A NOSE AND A NOSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2008

CONTACT: BRIAN KOGAN
(561) 805-7115

AUCTION GALLERY OF THE PALM BEACHES
Sale June 30, 2008
West Palm Beach, FL

Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches was riding high with the sale of three equine paintings by George Ford Morris (American 1873-1960).

Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL celebrated its fifth anniversary with a highly successful sporting and fine arts summer sale on June 30 with 312 lots, many from the prestigious estate of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Quinn, Shrewsbury, New Jersey/Palm Beach and Claredda Farms, Long Island, NY. The sale was carried live online though LiveAuctioneers.com who registered over 300 bidders for the sale to compete with the 75 on the floor.

The top lot of the sale was the 1936 oil on canvas entitled “Leila on Pony” by George Ford Morris (American 1873-1960), signed and dated on lower left. Estimated to sell at $10,000/$15,000, it was taken by an English dealer in sporting pictures with the winning 17th bid at $25,740 including the buyer’s premium. Morris specialized in painting famous horses, their riders and their owners.

Another of Morris’ works, “Lord Erin” also from 1936, sold over estimate. Estimated presale at $7,000/$10/000, a total of 20 bids pushed the final count up to $16,380. Two other Morris pieces, “Woodfellow” and “Prince Charming II” each estimated at $7,000/$10,000 sold for $7,020 and $7,313 respectively. It was generally a good day for oil on canvas. A work by Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (American. 1850-1921) of a ship on a turbulent sea entitled “Thingvalla” from 1880, 22 by 36in, estimated at $14,000/$18,000 sold for $16,700 and “Ponte de Paris” by Constantine Kluge (French 1912-2003) closed at $5,850.
It was a good day on the furniture side of the house too. A pair of 64½in tall elaborately carved 19th century George III mirrors sold for $9,067 against the estimate of $4,000/$6,000 and a pair of 42in by 32in George III console tables composed of 18th and 19th century elements with rectangular mahogany tops closed at $5,850 against the $1,500/$2,500 estimate. Another pair of George III inlaid console tables on reeded legs, circa 1810, brought $5,616 vs $3,000/$4,000 and pair of English Regency chiffoniers with open step back shelves above grille doors sold online at $5,795 (est. $2,000/$3,000).

Things that glittered were well received also, especially if it had to do with horses. From a Palm Beach estate came an important George IV sterling silver and gilt “John Peel Champion Hunter” trophy made in London in 1823 by Emes & Barnard. The 14¾in high trophy topped by a magnificent horse figure, had inscriptions of former winners from 1925, 1935 and 1936. This 128 oz treasure was acquired in the room with a winning bid of $12,870. A 255 piece Tiffany & Co sterling part flatware set, American, 1909-1938 also twinkled in bidders’ eyes. In the St. Dunstan pattern and engraved with the initials C.S.M., the seventh bid was the winner at $11,700.

Ready to share the time as well as glitter was a brass Grande Sonnerie carriage clock, French 19th century, with a rectangular base, 2in enamel dial, Arabic numerals and an alarm subsidiary below. With the handle down the clock was 6¼in tall. Twelve bids pushed the close to $2,691 while a Cartier rose quartz timepiece with eight day movement in a circular case on a rectangular base, with original Cartier travel case, sold for $2,574 against the estimate of $1,000/$1,500.

For information about this sale and upcoming sales call (561) 805-7115, email
info@agopb.com or visit the website at www.agopb.com. The Gallery is located at 1609 South Dixie Hwy, Suite 5, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

written by:
Fred Taylor
800-387-6377

PHOTO CAPTIONS FOR AUCTION GALLERY OF THE PALM BEACHES

Top lot of the sale was “Leila on Pony” by George Ford Morris at $25,740.



A pair of English Regency chiffoniers was hit at $5,795.


The oil on canvas “Thingvalla” by Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobson brought $16,700.


This impressive John Peel Champion Hunter trophy made in 1823 sold for $12,870.



A pair of George III console tables with mahogany tops brought $5,850.



This pair of tall (64½in) 19th century George III mirrors closed at $9,067.