Amelia Peláez’s well-to-do parents gave her access to all the artistic opportunities Cuba could offer at the start of the 20th century. Still, Peláez felt something was missing. She traveled to France, where she eventually discovered Cubism and other emerging abstract art movements. Peláez became an important part of the Vanguardia movement that brought abstraction to Cuban art. Headlining an upcoming Akiba Antiques sale is Amelia Peláez’s Womans, produced after her return to Cuba. An oval and teardrop pattern loops around the canvas in a series of bright colors.
Those interested in works from the early 20th century can also consider a wide array of Steuben glass. These pieces come to auction from the collection of Alan and Susan Shovers. The couple built this collection over 18 years by fostering “relationships with dealers and collectors willing to part with a piece or two of their prized collections.” Highlights include a “Diving Lady” centerpiece bowl produced in 1926.
Also featured among the top Steuben lots are several gold Aurene vases. Steuben Glass Works co-founder Frederick Carder developed the Aurene technique. By adding heat after applying a coat of stannous chloride, Carder produced the Aurene vases’ distinct colors. Those interested in learning more about Steuben glass and the pieces on offer can read Auction Daily’s extended coverage.
Collectors looking to dive even further back in history will find a Chinese tea caddy from the early 19th century. At that time, tea was an expensive commodity making its way from China to Europe. Beyond their decorative qualities, these caddies also ensured the owner’s tea was safe from prying hands. The example coming to auction with Akiba Antiques is made from mother of pearl. Decorating the caddy are birds sitting on tree branches and winged dogs. Register to bid and view each of the lots on LiveAuctioneers.
An American interior designer who studied fashion at Parsons School of Design, Miles Redd began practicing independently in 1998. He has a place on ELLE Decor‘s A-List of Interior Designers and Architectural Digest’s AD100. The upcoming Doyle auction offers a special collection of decorations, art, and furniture from a luxury apartment designed by Redd in West Village, Manhattan. The apartment appeared twice on the cover of House Beautiful and Carl Dellatore’s Interior Design Master Class. A key highlight is an untitled oil painting by Arman. The artist’s mixed use of paint and ink matches Redd’s aesthetic vision.
The designer is also known for his rich and layered interiors that blend whimsical hues with ecclectic patterns. An expansive 12-panel Chinese Coromandel lacquer screen is particularly striking in this regard. The large folding screen is coated in black lacquer with pictures using the kuan cai (“incised colors”) technique. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Doyle.
Artworks by ceramicist Betty Woodman feature illusions, colorful patterns, and deconstructed forms of conventional ceramics. Woodman’s historical research inspired these works. The upcoming Bonhams auction will highlight a balustrade relief vase by Betty Woodman. The available ceramic vase features a central container and seven cutout pieces. The brightly colored vase camouflages its functionality– a signature element of Woodman’s work.
The auction also presents interior design elements from 20th-century architect George Washington Maher. One highlight is an octagonal ceiling light from circa 1905. It depicts a mix of geometric and poppy designs. The patinated bronze and leaded glass lamp reflects Maher’s interest in creating completely fresh and functional American architecture.
Showcased are multiple furniture pieces by American Arts and Crafts designer Gustav Stickley. His furniture designs emphasized the detailed colorant application process and a mix of modern and traditional woodworking techniques. The available oak and hammered copper sideboard has a plain and unadorned surface in Stickley’s Mission style. Other notable offerings include an oil painting titled Recollections by Roberto Montenegro, Fada radios, lamps by Tiffany Studios, and paintings by Grace Hartigan. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Bonhams.
Memento mori means “remember that you will die” in Latin. The macabre phrase also inspired many still life vanitas attributed to Christiaan Luycks (1623 – 1675). His works often depicted human skulls scattered on tables alongside crowns and books. These images aimed to inspire a fear of death in the viewer. Luycks’ works often reflected on the transient nature of life. A still life oil on canvas (circa 1670) by Christiaan Luycks is available in Session I of the European Furniture and Decorative Arts auction, presented by Hindman. It depicts several animals laid out on a table alongside fish, flowers, and vegetables. Dark lighting sets the mood of the scene.
Among decorative furniture, a pair of Louis XVI-styled commodes will be available. Louis XVI was the last king of France, and these commodes represent the opulence the last royals experienced. The commodes from the early 1900s feature gilt bronze marquetry, parquetry, and marble tops. They were acquired from the Estate of Henri E. Nelson in Chicago. Fine art, jewelry, watches, and clocks are also available in the sale. Visit Bidsquare to view the catalog and place a bid.
Collective Hudson’s upcoming Summer Extravaganza sale will feature an oil painting by Lowell Nesbitt. The American painter, printmaker, and sculptor was known for his large, realistic depictions of flowers. Although he was commonly associated with the Photorealist movement, the artist’s style more often resembled the works of Robert Indiana, Andy Warhol, and James Rosenquist. Available in this sale is a large oil painting of a red and yellow tulip in front of a monochromatic black background. The title of the painting, the artist’s signature, and the date can be found on the reverse. A Paul Sipos, Inc., New York label is on the stretcher bar along with an ink stamp from Christie’s.
Distinguished French glassmaker and jeweler René Lalique is also represented in this auction. An available Lalique “Belier” Art Deco glass lamp features a round base with an etched ram decoration. It comes with a frosted glass shade and chromed metal base. Visit Bidsquare to view the entire catalog and register to bid.
Bruneau & Co.’s upcoming Summer Comic, TCG, and Toy Auction is anchored by classic comic books, including Marvel Comics’ Avengers, Issue 1 from September of 1963. This comic represents the first appearance of The Avengers and also features the Fantastic Four, Loki, and the Teen Brigade. Other available comics include Amazing Spider-Man #14, X-Men #1, Strange Tales #110, and more. The sale also presents a selection of Trading Card Games (TCG), including more than 150 lots of unopened or rare Pokémon cards.
Toy collectors can also consider a selection of Universal Studios props, mock-ups, and on-screen items from the collection of Eric Baker. Formerly the creative lead of props and set dressing for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Baker was also the prop master and fabricator for Nickelodeon in the 1990s. A screen-used Frankenstein operation game and a pair of prototype Shrunken Heads from the Harry Potter universe are among the leading lots. View any of these items and register to bid on Bidsquare.
In the upcoming Summer Estates Auction, Ahlers & Ogletree will highlight a sculpture by Cyrus Dallin, titled The Scout. Dallin is celebrated for his iconic sculptural depictions of Native Americans. Dallin grew up in the small village of Springville, which was surrounded by a wall for protection from the Paiutes and Utes. However, the nearby Native Americans only camped nearby to trade. Dallin spent most of his childhood in these camps, observing the daily lives and ceremonies of his neighbors. This inspired many of his sculptures. The available piece depicts a Native American mounted on a horse with a bow quiver on his back.
An oil painting by American painter and illustrator George Hitchcock is a leading lot. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1874, George Hitchcock found little success as a lawyer. He then decided to pursue his interest in painting. In 1880, the artist set up his own studio in Holland. Depicting a windmill scene, the offered lot features warm tones and soft brushstrokes. Browse the available items and register to buy on Bidsquare.
Akiba Antiques’ upcoming Pride of July Sale brings an antique five-piece aquamarine set by Black, Starr & Frost, America’s first jeweler and the first retailer on Fifth Avenue. The available set includes a bracelet, bow brooch, dress clip, and pair of earrings. All five pieces are made in 14-karat yellow gold with scissor-, octagonal-, and rectangular-cut aquamarines as the featured stone. The gems have a light sea green hue.
The Japanese art of inlaying using ivory, wood, lacquer, and precious stones is called Shibayama. A Shibayama kodansu cabinet crafted during the Meiji period will lead the upcoming Akiba Antiques sale. It features floral and bird motifs, as well as solid silver carrying handles and a door opening. Inside the cabinet are three drawers with multi-colored abalone shells, horns, and other semi-precious materials. The sale offers jewelry, watches, fine art, decorative art, sculptures, and more. Follow all the lots online and register to bid on LiveAuctioneers.
American painter Eric Sloane was particularly known for his landscapes inspired by the work of Hudson River School artists. His later works focused on New England folk culture and elements of colonial life. Sloane’s realistic paintings are characterized by a warm palette and intricate details. The third day of the upcoming Splendor | Part One Auctions event, offered by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, presents an important landscape scene by Eric Sloane. Titled Bridge Over the Ashuelot, N.H., the oil painting depicts an iconic bridge in a New Hampshire river town. On the bank of the river, two young children fish while their dog watches.
Another highlight is a Fereghan rug. The carpet was first crafted in the Ferahan region of west central Persia in the 19th century. This style is known for geometric motifs inspired by the surrounding tribes and villages. The offered lot features an oval blue medallion, gold palmettes, flowering vines, and other curvilinear designs. This sale also includes jewelry, watches, estate silver, and Victorian furniture. View the entire catalog and bid online on Bidsquare.
Bonhams’ upcoming motorcycle auction features bikes from Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and other manufacturers. Highlights from Harley-Davidson include the 1939 El Knucklehead. The Great Depression profoundly impacted Harley-Davidson’s sales, plummeting from around 24,000 bikes sold in 1929 to a little over 7,000 bikes in 1932. Still, the company went forward with its research on an overhead valve system that eventually made riding easier for the more casual, non-racer market. That research led to the 1936 release of the overhead valve Harley, now referred to by fans as the “Knucklehead.” The 1939 example available in this motorcycle auction also includes a sidecar.
By the 1950s, the overhead valve was standard for many motorcycles. However, Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi decided to go in a different direction with its Falcone Sport. The bike has what the National Motorcycle Museum calls a “horizontal cylinder with a double overhead camshaft.” This, combined with several other exposed parts, led to its playful nickname, “the bacon slicer.” A 1951 example of the Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport is on offer in this Bonhams event.
Collectors will also have the opportunity to bid on a 1981 Ducati 600 TT2. 1981 was the first year Ducati produced this bike, and it would eventually be known for its high speeds and compact frame. Those interested in this or any other motorcycle can register to bid on Bonhams’ website.
