An upcoming sale of Modern + Contemporary Art, Design & Luxury from Palm Beach Modern Auction features a monumental portrait painting by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés. Like many of Valdés’ others, the artwork, titled Jacqueline, takes inspiration from both Pop Art and material art. Larger-sized graphic and sculptural pieces that received critical and public acclaim were particularly prevalent during the second half of the artist’s career.
Other works of contemporary art are also on offer. An available Robert Longo charcoal study drawing titled National Trust is said to represent the darker side of America’s past. In naming the painting, the artist references a side of a national-level organization responsible for preserving beauty. A large Lino Tagliapietra Murano glass vase titled Window is also on sale. Those interested can head to Bidsquare to view the full catalog, bid on interested lots, or view other online auctions.
A first edition of The Great Gatsby signed by F. Scott Fitzgerald is available in the Fine Literature & Modern Firsts sale at Potter & Potter Auctions. It has the original publishers gilt-lettered spine. Many movie adaptations have come about based on Fitzgerald’s Gatsby, a book that explores love, passion, greed, and tragedy. The edition available in the auction was published in 1925 and signed in 1932-33 by Fitzgerald while gifting it to his friend and owner of La Paix, Margaret Turnbull. Behind the success and glitz, Fitzgerald was struggling to maintain the lavish lifestyle his family was used to. Zelda, his beloved wife, experienced mental illness. The couple rented La Paix from the Turnbulls in 1932 and 1933 because of its proximity to the Phipps Clinic, the psychiatric branch of Johns Hopkins, where Zelda was receiving treatment.
Autographed American literary classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), Windy McPherson’s Son by Sherwood Anderson, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, and many more are available in this Modern Firsts auction. A book that has gained more popularity due to its recent movie adaptation is Dune by Frank Herbert. The first edition of God Emperor of Dune, signed by Herbert and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1981, will be available in the auction. Find the listed items and more on Potter & Potter Auctions and register to place a bid.
As Vietnam was under the colonial rule of France for several decades, the French art world had a profound influence on many Vietnamese artists, including the Hanoi-born Lê Phổ. The painter is best remembered for his stylized floral still-life depictions that reflect French and Vietnamese cultural influences. A large Lê Phổ floral painting titled Les Pivoines is a key highlight of the upcoming Modern + Design sale from Brunk Auctions. Framed in original gilt wood, the oil on canvas is a combination of Surrealist, Impressionist, and Vietnamese styles, much like Lê Phổ’s other artworks. Another notable floral still life is Andy Warhol’s Mexican Flowers (circa 1961). The ink and gouache on Strathmore paper exemplifies the Pop artist’s fascination with flowers, which served as sources of inspiration. For the floral subject, Warhol often preferred psychedelic colors to natural tones.
Lin Emery’s monumental kinetic sculpture leads the decorative art listings. Measuring approximately 131 inches tall, Emery’s Spirit is made of polished aluminum, including aluminum cover for base mechanics. Renowned for her life-size public artworks, the American visual artist recreated fluidity of the natural world through these kinetic sculptures. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.
Lion and Unicorn presents over 400 lots of fine and decorative art in its upcoming event, with a particular focus on Erté’s sculptural works. Born Romain de Tirtoff in Russia, Erté was among the most prominent designers and artists of the Art Deco era. His works embraced the lavishness and extravagance of the period. As such, many of his sculptures feature intricate details and graceful symmetry. Among the notable Erté lots in this auction is a bronze sculpture that dates back to 1986. The Wedding shows two long-limbed figures wearing flowing white garments. Their extended hands nearly touch, while thin gold chains intertwine in the space between the bride and groom. Other bronze pieces in the catalog include a polished sculpture after Pablo Picasso by Spanish artist Guillermo Castaño Ramírez and a horse sculpture by Pierre-Jules Mêne.
Several prints and lithographs from Pablo Picasso’s own hand also feature in the listings. A pencil sketch of a mother and child will come to auction, as well as a signed etching with an ensemble cast of fanciful characters. Those seeking works of fine art will find strong examples by Cuban artist Israel González Rivero, Ukrainian-American watercolor painter Anatole Krasnyansky, and American landscape artist Emile Gruppe. A prominent dining table from leading mid-century designer Karl Springer rounds out the catalog. Interested collectors can find more information and register to bid on Lion and Unicorn’s website.
According to Navajo legend, Spider Man and Spider Woman are the deities of love and protection. The mythology suggests that they taught the tribe to weave. Many early Navajo pieces frequently featured geometric patterns in brown, white, or black hues. Featured in the first session of the upcoming Native American Art auction, presented by Hindman, is a Navajo rug in Moki patterns. Produced in the 19th century, it depicts evenly distributed diamond motifs against an indigo backdrop.
Also included is an Apache polychrome basket. Basket-making is among the most celebrated art forms in Apache culture. The baskets were often used as a tool for ceremonies and collecting food. The available basket from 1900 is made of natural fibers such as devil’s claw and yucca root. View more lots of interest and register to bid online at Hindman.
A Patek Philippe Nautilus luxury sports watch will be highlighted in the upcoming NY Elizabeth auction. Patek Philippe’s release of the Nautilus meant competition for the Royal Oak, the steel sports watch of Audemars Piguet. Both luxury sports watches were designed by Gérald Genta. The Swiss watch designer came up with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak model first in 1972. A few years later, in 1976, he created Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. Although similar in design, the Nautilus continues to be the most sought-after luxury sports watch of the two. The Nautilus’ design– its octagon shape, sleek edges, and no visible screws around its bezel– give the watch an elegant, timeless look. The way the bezel and case are screwed together is meant to represent a ship’s porthole. The nautical-themed dial is comprised of horizontal grooves that bear black baton-shaped hands and indexes for a contrasting-colors look.
Brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Hublot, and Panerai can also be found in this catalog. Visit Bidsquare for the complete listings or to view more online auctions.
The ivory carvings of the Dieppe region are known for their work-in-evidence, wherein the master craftsman’s effort can be seen in the work itself, being both more fine and deeply cut than those found in Paris. It was the carving and artistry itself that Dieppe was known for, whereas a lighter, more high-polished work could be found in Paris. An example of Dieppe craftsmanship is on display in the Spring Antique Button Auction, offered by Lion and Unicorn, in the form of a carved button depicting a child outdoors in the trees.
According the auction house, the Dieppe-carved button is one of the four rarest in the sale. The other key lots include a large 19th-century painting of a horse, a medium-sized floral pictorial button with black Coralene glass, and a Japanese Shibayama-style button. In addition to singular rare buttons in the sale, there are also button collections such as a card of extra large carved and engraved jade buttons and fasteners, a set of 23 medium French white metal-head buttons with male and female heads in provincial costume, a large bag of assorted pearl buttons, and more. View any of these lots and register to bid on Lion and Unicorn’s website.
Salvador Dalí was a Surrealist painter renowned for his unconventional yet distinct imagery. He often initiated controversies through his sensational artwork. Dalí created an array of visual work, including lithographs and etchings. The upcoming Turner Auctions + Appraisals event presents a 1974 lithograph by Salvador Dalí. Titled The Puzzle of Life, the lithograph is divided into four sheets. The available piece reflects Dalí’s dreamy style through a dragon-like creature in vibrant colors. An untitled still life painting by Thomas Hill, the 19th-century painter, is another highlight.
Bidders will also find an abstract sculpture by Romanian artist Jacques Schnier, made famous for his modernist art. The available piece is a prominent example of Schnier’s abstract geometry use, which he initiated after World War II. The acrylic sculpture on a black pedestal also reflects the use of commercial materials Schnier adopted towards the end of the 1960s. The auction also features an extensive collection of woodblock prints by Japanese printmaker Hiroshi Yoshida. Yoshida was a famous shin-hanga artist notable for his woodblock print landscapes. Sacred Bridge by Yoshida depicts the influence of Western art on his work. Also offered is an El Casco silver-plated pencil sharpener, Cartier Love bangle, Chinese bronze figurines, Prada footwear, and silverware. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog, register to bid online on Bidsquare, and check out other online auctions.
A pear-shaped diamond ring by Hemmerle is one of the highlights of Christie’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels auction. Hemmerle, a German family-run jewelry company, is known for its innovative creations and craftsmanship. Established in 1893, it was founded by brothers Joseph and Anton Hemmerle when they took over a company that specialized in the production of medals and insignia. Another key lot is a 3.46-carat sapphire ring designed by Spaulding & Co. Designed to look like a flower, it features a cushion mixed-cut sapphire surrounded by old-cut diamonds. Executed around 1900, the piece is signed by Spaulding & Co.
One of the top lots in the sale is a fuchsia rose ring with VVS1 clarity. The offered piece weighs 8.82 carats and features a brilliant cut and purple-pink hue. It is framed by two 0.61-carat pear-shaped diamonds on either side. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Christie’s.
Brooches weren’t always worn as a style statement. Dating back to the Bronze Age, they started as functional accessories mainly used to secure pieces of clothing on the wearer. Over the centuries, brooches acquired the status of fashionable and decorative items. One of the lots available at Doyle’s upcoming Important Jewelry Auction is a Van Cleef & Arpels gold, moonstone, and diamond fairy brooch. The brooch is shaped like a dancing fairy holding a magic wand. An oval cabochon moonstone represents the face of the fairy and a small round diamond tips her wand.
Several additional pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels highlight the sale, including an iconic gold Alhambra necklace and a pair of gold, coral, green onyx, and diamond Philippine rings. An International Watch Co. gentleman’s gold Portuguese minute repeater wristwatch is available as well. It features a mechanical movement encased in a circular off-white dial. View the full catalog or place a bid on Doyle’s website.
