Copley To Offer American Prints from the Ernest and Carolyn Kramer Collection

Copley Fine Art Auctions will hold its Winter Sale on February 17 at the American Theater located in the Design District of Upper King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The sale will take place on Friday, February 17 in conjunction with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Bidding on over 450 lots will begin at 11 am, with preview times running from 8:30 am until 10:30 am.

A wide selection of prints from the Ernest and Carolyn Kramer Collection will be on offer. After close to fifty years of collecting and thirty-five years in business, the Kramers have decided to retire, and they would like to give collectors the opportunity to acquire fine examples of sporting art by Frank W. Benson, as well as works by many other important twentieth century printmakers. Twenty-two rare and collectible Benson etchings, such as The Log Jam ($6/9,000) and The Retriever ($4/6,000) will be available, alongside five Aiden Lassell Ripley prints and additional works by important American printmakers Anders Zorn, Raphael Soyer, and others. Other artists in the sale include Minna Citron, Luigi Kasimir, Louis Lozowick, A. Lassell Ripley, and Harry Wickey.

Ernest and Carolyn Kramer’s interest in art was sparked by the rich artistic heritage of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Carolyn’s hometown. Gloucester and nearby Rockport have attracted important world-class artists since the turn of the century, such as Fitz Hugh Lane, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, Frank Duveneck, Emile Gruppe and Aldro Hibbard. 

In 1968 the Kramers began collecting etchings by Frank W. Benson, “The Dean of American Sporting Art”, and this became the catalyst for their collection and the business, Ernest S. Kramer Fine Arts & Prints, Inc., established in 1982. The gallery was a direct outgrowth of years of collecting Gloucester, Rockport, and Cape Ann paintings, as well as nineteenth and early twentieth century American and European fine prints.

Online bidding on over 450 items will be available through Bidsquare and Copley Live. A full-color catalog will be available. The auction will take place at the American Theater in Charleston, South Carolina. Bidding will commence at 11 am on Friday, February 17, with a preview from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. For more information, a full schedule of events, or to order a catalog, please send an email to [email protected], call 617.536.0030, or visit copleyart.com.

Copley Fine Art Auctions
65 Sharp Street
Hingham, Massachusetts

About Copley Fine Art Auctions

Copley Fine Art Auction experts provide a host of services for collectors: Appraisals, including trusts and estates; auction, gallery, and private sales; collections management; custom framing and restoration. Whether you’re a new or seasoned collector, we are happy to discuss options for the formation, development, or sale of a collection encompassing our specialties. We work with private collectors, museums, and corporations nationwide, and have helped form many leading collections. In addition, we offer advice regarding personal property for trusts, estates, and private clients to aid fiduciaries, executors, advisors, and collectors.