“Art is a simplification of life,” American artist James Brooks told The New York Times in 1975. “A distillation of life with fewer impurities in it. Fewer elements, perhaps.” Brooks used these principles to develop his distinct paintings challenging calligraphy, color, and form. Two examples of his work, respectively titled A.M. and P.M., will come to auction in October with Rago. The former uses shades of red, yellow, and orange to depict abstract, overlapping shapes. The latter offers a blue, white, and black variation on the same theme.
The upcoming 20 | 21 Art auction explores Modern and Contemporary art that has pushed the boundaries of multiple mediums. A 1991 photograph from Sandy Skoglund is one example, showing dozens of squirrels positioned around a pink-hued house. The squirrels appear to be inside the home as well, transforming from a dark gray color to pastel pink. Other notable lots in the sale include two untitled sketches from Colombian painter Luis Caballero, a painted five-panel screen by Christian Peltenburg-Brechneff, and a selection of photography. To browse the catalog and place a bid, visit Bidsquare.
In pre-Columbian Peru, the Moche civilization thrived along the northern coast. They built complex cities and religious systems before the Inca came to dominate the region. Artemis Gallery’s upcoming Ancient & Ethnographic Art Through the Ages sale will highlight a pair of gilded copper earspools from this period. Silver and greenstone snails decorate each ornament. The auction house suggests that these earspools were worn by a wealthy lord and likely conveyed social or religious symbolism. Also in the auction is a pair of earspools dating back to the Sican or Lambayeque culture that grew in northern Peru between 750 and 1370 C.E. A crowned figure below a rising sun is shown on both spools.
The sale samples from cultures around the globe, including various Indigenous groups in Africa. Among the leading lots is a stool from the Chokwe people, an ethnic group spread across Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and parts of Zambia. The seat of the stool is supported by a woman holding her head. Cross-hatched patterns cover parts of her body as she gazes out through squinted eyes. Other notable lots in this event include a Byzantine religious gold cross, various ceremonial weapons, and Greek pottery. Interested collectors can place their bids online by visiting Liveauctioneers.
Hindman’s Sports Memorabilia auction will present a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated athletes. Ruth has been dubbed an “American legend” for his skills in the field. He played a key role in transforming the New York Yankees into an iconic baseball team. Throughout his career, he set many records as a pitcher and outfielder.
Over 150 lots will be auctioned in the upcoming October sale. Basketball memorabilia collectors will find a 1994 bronze maquette of Michael Jordan. This piece is one of only 55 that raised money for the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club. It depicts a player suspended in the air in an attempt to score. Also available in the sale is a serigraph by LeRoy Neiman depicting a Super Bowl XXII football game. This 1988 limited edition shows the Washington Redskins playing against their opponent, the Denver Broncos. Washington quarterback Doug Williams can be seen dropping back for a pass. Those interested in this or any other lot can register to bid on Bidsquare.
Michael Jackson moonwalked his way to stardom. From being the youngest member of the Jackson 5, he went on to become an American pop icon. Along with the music he created, the King of Pop was famous for his extravagant lifestyle. For the first time, 69 items from his fabled Santa Barbara ranch will go under the auction hammer.
This auction, offered by Guernsey’s, is the result of a relentless fan’s pursuit to acquire some of Jackson’s possessions. It will include many bronze sculptures owned by the artist. Monkeying Around Tree House is a signed bronze sculpture from Mark Hopkins. In this piece, children are shown playing in a treehouse and swinging around the branches. A pair of gilt malachite candelabras featuring foliage, flowers, and dolphins is noteworthy as well. Collectors interested in memorabilia can find the Jackson 5’s first label contract signed by Joe Jackson and a stage-worn costume ensemble from the band. View and bid for the mentioned items and more on Bidsquare.
Famed for his wildlife paintings, Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1819-1905) was closely associated with the art circles of New York City. Two paintings from the British-American artist will be featured in the upcoming Fall Fine Art, Antiques, and Collectibles auction, presented by Oakridge Auction Gallery. Both paintings draw upon his signature hunting and sporting scenes. A Dry Time, Putnam, NY (1896) is an oil on canvas work that captures a landscape with sheep. The painting is framed in the original giltwood and gesso. The other oil painting is an untitled piece from 1876, depicting a man and boy with four dogs.
The auction also features military collectibles, including a Japanese lacquer arrow case. It is decorated with Toyotomi clan emblems and includes 50 arrows from the Meiji period. Each bamboo arrow is positioned in lacquer cradles. Automobile connoisseurs can consider a large cast aluminum display model of the Irving-Napier Golden Arrow car, which set the World Land Speed Record of 231.352 mph on March 11th, 1929. It was driven by Major Sir Henry Seagrave. This model was reportedly designed for display purposes at automobile shows. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Bidsquare.
Every year, the Smithsonian Craft Show offers works made by contemporary American craft artists. It is also one of the key fundraising opportunities of the year for the Smithsonian Institution and their various museums and research facilities, as well as the National Zoo. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s events will be entirely online, hosted on the Bidsquare platform.
One of these events, the Smithsonian Craft Benefit Auction, will present pieces by numerous craft artists, including a wooden vessel by Keoni. Many of Keoni’s decorative art pieces are inspired by Native cultures around the world, and this particular vessel pays tribute to the Hopi tribe. Keoni works primarily with sugar maple wood and carves each detail by hand. According to his website, a piece may need over 25,000 such incisions before completion. Also available from the artist in this auction is a twilight vessel with influences from various Middle Eastern tribes.
Before moving to America, artist Pavel Novak spent his adolescence watching the glassmakers of his native Czech Republic. Now, his own glassworks are featured in the Smithsonian Craft Benefit Auction. This includes his geometric interpretation of a sunset. Novak creates each piece with a process called “cold-working,” in which he grates raw glass with silicon carbide and shines it with pumice. In this piece, various hues of orange recreate the effect of a setting sun.
Glassworks by Carrie Gustafson will also be on offer. Gustafson believes her quiet, remote workshop allows her to make pieces that also calm the viewer. “Like an inhale and an exhale…” Gustafson describes it, “inhaling my surroundings and exhaling life into new pieces.” Representing her in this auction is a vase made of hand-blown glass with a geometric pattern sprinkled across the top half in light brown. Those interested in this or any other piece can register to bid on Bidsquare and learn more about the event from Auction Daily’s continued coverage.
Turkish Oushak rugs date back to the 15th century and are known as masterpieces in the weaving industry. Oushak rugs were produced during the reign of the Ottoman empire in a small Anatolia town. Easily accessible wool and natural dyes helped kickstart broad commercial production. Leading the upcoming Nazmiyal Auctions event is a 1910s Turkish Oushak carpet. The available piece features traditional Oushak geometric motifs, a central medallion, and angular patterns. The auction also showcases Oushak rugs in subdued shades of saffron and apricot.
Another highlight is a Persian Kerman rug decorated with floral designs and soft beige tones. The early 1900s rug is lightly dyed and is a strong example of hand-knotted Persian carpets. Also showcased is a Swedish Kilim by Marianne Richter for Marta Maas Fjetterstrom. This Modernist rug by Richter carries organic and earthy influences. The vintage rug collection coming to auction will present traditional Turkish, Moroccan, Caucasian, and Indian rugs. Collectors can also explore Serapi, Chinese, and Khotan carpets and tapestries. Register to bid online on Bidsquare.
The Dalva Brothers is a third-generation firm specializing in 18th-century decorative arts from numerous countries. They’ve sold pieces to the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and others. Christie’s presents an auction with over 250 lots from the Dalva Brothers firm, particularly featuring French furniture. One of the highlighted lots is a Louis XVI ebony secrétaire en cabinet. A huntsman and his dog, a man in a turban, and floral displays all decorate this piece. The Louis XVI style signified a return to Greek and Roman tastes and is associated with Marie Antoinette, among other historical figures.
Also from France is a terracotta vase by Rococo sculptor Claude Michel, also known as Clodion. Two men with goat-like horns serve as handles on either side of the vase. Cherubs, which are a recurring image in Clodion’s work, line the bottom half of the vase. Clodion was an internationally-collected artist, with Catherine II among those familiar with his work. His connection to the rich and powerful would cause him problems, though, during the French Revolution: Clodion was forced to flee Paris for his birthplace of Nancy.
Bidders will find an Italian walnut mirror from the late 17th century in this event. Children, birds, and fish emerge from the interlocking branches that surround the mirror. Also available is a German sycamore desk and drawer set from 1780. The top half opens to reveal a velvet-lined table, while birds mingling on branches decorate the drawer’s sides. View each of these lots and register to bid on the Christie’s website.
Mythological goddesses, usually nude and surrounded by attendants, were depicted in many of René Buthaud’s drawings. Trained by a metal engraver, Buthaud studied art at an early age. His engravings eventually won a Prix de Rome in 1914. He was best known for capturing the curves of human figures in narrative scenes on his vases and sculptures. Examples of Buthaud’s work, including an oil painting titled The Lost, can be found in Collective Hudson’s upcoming Iconic Works Premier Auction.
Like Buthaud, Paris-born American painter Reginald Marsh began his career with etchings and engravings. Marsh enjoyed experimenting with his artworks to gradually build his style. Notable works by Marsh captured New York City, Coney Island beach scenes, and the social classes that emerged during the Great Depression. Marsh’s Three Showgirls (c. 1948) tempera painting is available in the auction. Examples of Art Deco collectibles are on offer as well. To view and bid, visit Bidsquare.
After the success of the Incredible Hulk, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby wanted to introduce an even stronger superhero. They decided that Thor, the Viking god, would be Marvel Comics’ next big character. Thor, along with his legendary hammer Mjolnir, was introduced in the 1962 issue of Journey into Mystery #83. That comic book is available in the upcoming Comic, Pokémon, Toy & Doll Auction, presented by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. Comics telling the stories of Black Panther, Captain America, Spiderman, and other superheroes of the Marvel universe are featured as well.
A selection of DC comics is also on offer. This includes a 25-piece set of Batman comics that ranges from #158 to #386. Action Comics issue #252 also makes its way to the sale. This edition featured the first appearance of Supergirl and Metallo. Japanese Pokémon holographic trading cards are highlighted as well. Browse the entire catalog or place a bid at Bidsquare.
