Paintings by John McGhie and Arthur Wardle Lead NY Elizabeth’s British Fine Art Collection Sale

Emperor Huizong, also known as Zhao Ji, was the eighth emperor of the Song Dynasty of China. Although Zhao Ji was considered to be an incompetent ruler, he was an outstanding painter. The Imperial Painting Academy was a significant organization that thrived during his reign. A mixed media painting in the manner of Zhao Ji is a key highlight of the upcoming sale from NY Elizabeth. It is an ornithological depiction of two wild birds perched on branches with plum blossoms. The birds’ eyes are hand-painted with rare plum decorations. Done with ink, gouache, and colors on silk, the lot includes a protective glass cover. 

Another interesting item in this sale is a portrait of William Muirhead of Messrs by John McGhie. Depicted in a frontal half-length portrait, Muirhead was a Glasgow-based iron and steel merchant. The early-20th-century artwork portrays the merchant as a gentleman with his mustache, white shirt, tie, and suit-jacket. A noteworthy landscape painting of Exmoor by Arthur Wardle also leads the listings. The hilly open moorland in South West England is illustrated with grassland and a largely clear sky with some clouds. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.