Original watercolor on board by French painter Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier, titled Secret Lovers. This finely detailed romantic scene captures a clandestine moment between a mounted cavalier and a woman leaning out from a leaded window, rendered in soft yet vivid hues characteristic of Meissonier’s refined style. Framed in an ornate gilt wood frame with a cream mat, the composition showcases the artist’s precision and narrative charm. Meissonier, renowned for his meticulously detailed historical and military paintings, was one of the most celebrated academic painters of 19th-century France. He was highly regarded during his lifetime, exhibiting frequently at the Paris Salon and receiving numerous state commissions and honors, including election to the Academie des Beaux-Arts. Signature on lower right.

Artist: Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier (French 1815-1891)
Issued: c. 1870
Dimensions: 22.25″L x 24.75″H
Country of Origin: France
Provenance: Dr. Robert H. Baer Collection

Bronze field cannon mounted on a traditional wooden carriage, characteristic of artillery used during the mid-19th century, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The cannon features a smoothbore bronze barrel with a slightly flared muzzle and reinforcing rings, mounted within a two-trunnion cradle affixed to the sides of the carriage. The barrel is seated on a wooden gun block with bronze fittings, securing mechanisms, and elevation adjustment screw visible at the breech end. The carriage is constructed of hardwood with curved cheek pieces joined by iron and bronze brackets, bolts, and fasteners. Each side of the trail features iron lifting rings and hardware for securing attachments and towing. The cannon is supported by two large, spoked wooden wheels with metal hubs and rims, reinforced by heavy iron banding and bronze axle fittings. Details include original-style chains, latches, and fixtures consistent with military hardware of the period. The metal elements, including the trunnion caps, elevation screw, and support chains, display a patinated finish consistent with age and use. This piece is representative a field artillery often deployed by both American and Mexican forces during the conflict.

Issued: Mid 19th century
Dimensions: 46″L x 37″W x 27.5″H
Provenance: Dr. Robert H. Baer Collection

This impressive bronze lantaka cannon is a finely cast example of Southeast Asian maritime weaponry, notable for both its craftsmanship and its distinguished provenance. Measuring over four feet in length, the cannon exhibits classic features of the type: flared reinforcement rings, a sculpted cascabel, and lug-style lifting handles, along with engraved foliate and floral motifs near the trunnions that elevate its design beyond the purely functional. The surface bears a richly developed patina with areas of green oxidation, consistent with long preservation and careful conservation. A metal tag stamped 1444 is affixed near the breech, likely reflecting its placement within a past collection inventory. Mounted on a custom-crafted wooden base, the piece presents with both academic integrity and strong visual impact.

While not recovered from the wreck of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, this cannon’s history is closely tied to the circle of collectors and experts surrounding the famed shipwreck project. Its provenance traces through the Steve Candella Collection and the Frank Bivens Collection before entering the hands of treasure hunter Mel Fisher, celebrated for leading the 16-year expedition that located the Atocha in 1985. Fisher later presented this cannon to Dr. Robert H. Baer in recognition of Baer’s important consultancy during the shipwreck project. That direct connection to Fisher and the Atocha expedition adds considerable depth to its appeal, making it not only a fine artifact of Southeast Asian maritime history but also a tangible link to one of the most famous treasure recoveries of the 20th century.

Designed originally for practical defense on regional trading vessels, lantakas were also valued as symbols of authority and status. This example reflects both aspects: utilitarian in form yet enriched with decorative embellishment. For collectors, it offers an exceptional combination of artistry, authenticity, and illustrious provenance, making it a centerpiece suitable for display in a museum, academic collection, or distinguished private holding.

Cannon only: 49.25″L x 5″W x 5″H. Base only: 53″L x 8″W x 9.5″H. The dimensions are approximate.

Dimensions: Cannon only: 49.25″L x 5″W x 5″H. Base only: 53″L x 8″W x 9.5″H. The dimensions are approximate. Provenance: Dr. Robert H. Baer Collection

Navajo artist Wilford Begay presents a finely crafted Eagle Dancer Kachina sculpture, created in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. The figure is rendered in sterling silver with intricate texturing and stamped designs, its dynamic form captured mid-dance with wide, articulated wings detailed with feather-like cutwork. Accents of natural turquoise cabochons highlight the jewelry, armbands, and belt, enhancing the sense of ceremonial regalia. Raised on a circular base inlaid with turquoise, the sculpture embodies both movement and spiritual presence, reflecting traditional Navajo silver-smithing and artistry. Hallmarked “Sterling Navajo” and “C”. Wilford Begay (Navajo) label to underside. The overall weight is 17.7 ounces.

Artist: Wilford Begay
Issued: 2021
Dimensions: 8″L x 3″W x 10.5″H
Country of Origin: United States