When 25-year-old Richard Hambleton moved to New York from his native Vancouver, he quickly made a name in the street art scene alongside artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Soon, Hambleton gained popularity for his life-sized figures of Shadowman. True to their name, these works show a silhouetted image of a mysterious figure. These “shadow paintings” were splashed and brushed with black paint on hundreds of buildings across New York City. At the top of the upcoming auction, presented by Phillips, is a Shadowman painting from Hambleton. Executed in 2005, the work shows a silhouetted image of a horse and rider on the reddish-black background.
Also highlighted is a multi-layered painting by José Parlá, best known for his public installations and large scale paintings. This 2014 piece, titled February Days, was inspired by urban landscapes and showcases Parlá’s calligraphic and graffiti techniques. A screenprint by KAWS can also be found in this auction. Drawing inspiration from pop culture animations, KAWS often includes characters from The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. Visit Phillips to view the entire collection and to place a bid.
Stair presents nearly 250 items from the collection of the late art historian Sir John Richardson on the first day of this event. Richardson was known for his four-volume biography of Pablo Picasso, along with his decades-long friendship with Picasso and many other artists. W Magazine called Richardson, “the man all New York wants to sit beside at dinner.”
Among the works from Richardson’s collection coming to auction on day one is a portrait of French chanson réaliste singer Damia. Like contemporaries such as Édith Piaf, Damia’s songs spoke to the French working class. Her career would take her all over the world, including performing on Broadway in the 1910s and touring Japan in 1953. In this portrait, she lays against a black background, holding her head up with her hand and staring into the distance.
Another painting featured in this event is a blue and black composition by Victor Vasarely. The artist was considered the grandfather of Op Art, a movement interested in the effect of optical illusions on the viewer’s perspective. In this piece, blue and black shapes converge, snapping perfectly together in some areas and clashing or leaving awkward gaps in others.
Collectors interested in historical figures can consider 18 plates of portraits by Thomas Frye, including one of George III. George’s reign saw the union of Great Britain and Ireland. It also was a period of conflict for his country, including the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. This portrait of King George III was previously exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago and in the “Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design 1690-1840” show. View each of the lots and register to bid on Bidsquare.
The Battle of Long Island was a military action taken by the American Continental Army against British forces on August 27th, 1776. Around 19,000 soldiers, under the leadership of George Washington, fought against the British Army to gain control of New York’s port. A letter dated September 8th, 1776 indicates that Washington intended to organize the companies before retreating to the White Plains. The upcoming sale, presented by One of a Kind Collectibles Auctions, includes a letter expressing Washington’s concern for his troops in Long Island, New York. The document was handwritten by Washington’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman during the American Revolutionary War.
The auction also highlights a book titled Charge Of Speculation Against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary Of The Treasury, Is Fully Refuted. The Hamilton–Reynolds Affair was one of the first major scandals in the political history of the United States, involving Alexander Hamilton and Maria Reynolds. Hamilton publicly admitted to the affair in 1797 after Reynolds accused him of illegal speculations. Also showcased is a typed letter by Albert Einstein intended to give non-Jews the truth of the Nazi regime. An Abraham Lincoln appointment, a copy of George’s Secret Key To The Universe signed by Lucy Hawking and Professor Stephen Hawking, and a 2012-13 Miami Heat Championship ring round out the sale. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Invaluable.
Justin Hayward is a renowned portrait painter and professor at Casper College. As a child, Hayward attended church with his family and disturbed his younger brother. To distract Hayward, his parents gave him a sketchbook, setting him on his artistic journey. Initially inclined toward animation, the Michigan artist later shifted his focus to portraiture. The upcoming Glow Gala Art Auction, presented by The Nicolaysen Art Museum, will include Hayward’s oil painting titled Crabapple Tree Blossoms. This 2019 painting reflects the Western life of Wyoming and has a realistic appearance.
The Museum’s 35th annual art auction also features sculpture by award-winning artist Chris Navarro. One highlight is Ring of Peace, a bronze sculpture by Navarro. A self-taught artist, Navarro started collecting art books and supplies at the age of 23. After years of practice, he succeeded in creating his monumental bronze sculptures. The available piece features the artist’s careful and thematic sculpting with the lost-wax technique. The auction also offers works from Betsy Bowers, charcoal drawings by Nick Thornburg, and jewelry by Sienna Hawk. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
Henri Matisse continuously defied the conventional rules of the art world. Matisse, along with a few fellow artists, helped lead art movements such as Fauvism and Modernism in the early 20th century. Hosted by Blackwell Auctions, the upcoming Exceptional Estates Auction features a Matisse lithograph titled Portrait de Claude. It is signed and numbered by the artist. This sketch of a face, drawn with unbroken, bold lines, is unmistakably Matisse. His influence has lasted long after his death, evidenced in everything from dolls like Miffy to fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent.
Italian glass sculptor Dino Rosin’s available glass piece titled The Kiss (circa 2000) brings two faces close to each other, about to meet. The glass figures have deep blue and red swirls in them, giving their faces dimensions. Rosin believes that he is continuing the legacy of Loredano Rosin, his brother who collaborated with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. The sale also offers works from Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Peter Max, and Joan Miró. Jewelry such as gold cufflinks sets by Cartier and Tiffany and watches by Rolex and Georg Jensen are also available. Visit Bidsquare to view the entire catalog and to bid online.
In the upcoming Fine Vetted Historical Asian and Western Art auction, Madison Square Gallery Inc. will present a variety of categories with an emphasis on Asian and decorative art. A gilt bronze figure of Heruka Hayagriva is one of the featured lots. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are said to be eight ‘Wisdom Kings,’ also known as Heruka. Among these deities, Heruka Hayagriva is considered the Chief of the Wrathful deities, representing enlightened speech. He is often depicted with an angry face and fiery red hair.
Along with sculpture, the sale includes several pieces of furniture, including a Chinese huanghuali wood cabinet. Huanghuali, literally meaning “yellow flower pear,” is a slow-growing, small-to-medium-sized tree. This furniture can be characterized not only by its yellowish-red wood but also by its sweet aroma. This cabinet has three compartments and two drawers. The doors have intricate figural and floral carvings. A watercolor painting from Donal Jolley will also be offered in the auction. An American painter, Jolley is best known for his Western landscape paintings showing Native Americans and horses. Executed in the 1970s, this piece depicts an American Old West church. Visit Bidsquare to view the entire collection.
Jean-François Butte began creating timepieces, jewels, and machines under a series of apprenticeships as a jeweler, goldsmith, and case assembler. He eventually started a manufacturing company in 1791. Years later, Butte’s workshops were acquired by Girard-Perregaux. Over time, Girard-Perregaux’s jewels have been worn by the likes of Honoré de Balzac, Alexandre Dumas, and Queen Victoria. A Girard-Perregaux wristwatch will appear in the upcoming Estate Jewelry, Art, & Collectibles sale, offered by Kodner Galleries. This rose gold watch has an automatic self-winding movement, a mechanism that harnesses energy from the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist.
Among other items, the early September auction features Asian art, jewelry, and furniture. Jewelry collectors can particularly consider a vintage leaf brooch. The piece has golden leaves that rest on a stem. It is set with round-cut diamonds of VVS-VS clarity. Also on display is an 18-karat yellow gold necklace. This item is set with both a heart-shaped cabochon Colombian emerald and hundreds of round-cut diamonds. Interested bidders can register on Bidsquare.
Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is considered one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers in the world. The Swiss watchmaker has made timepieces for Queen Elizabeth II, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and Leo Tolstoy, to name just a few. In the upcoming Watches Weekly New York auction, offered by Sotheby’s, is a 2014 18-karat white gold and diamond-set wristwatch from Patek Philippe. The piece has a black dial and wristband that includes a screw-down sapphire crystal display back.
Also featured is a wristwatch by Panerai. An Italian watchmaker, Panerai watches are designed and manufactured by Rolex SA. Highlighted in this auction is a gray 2013 titanium watch featuring a Panerai buckle. Other watches that can be found in the catalog include a 2017 Breguet white gold wristwatch, a 1970 Heuer watch, and a 2014 Breitling stainless steel watch. Visit Sotheby’s to view the whole collection and to register to bid.
Sotheby’s brings to auction over 60 fine art pieces from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone in this event. The sale is centered on the sport of horse racing. Featured among the listed lots is Peter Curling’s Sprint Finish, completed in a blended, contemporary style. Having spent his early years surrounded by animals, the artist continues to capture the movement of galloping horses. In the available painting, the viewer can observe six racing horses ridden by jockeys.
Bidders can also consider Peter Williams’ View Of The Paddock, at Belmont Park. His familiarity with countryside paddocks served as inspiration for his paintings. Drawing from life, Williams’ works were popular among royalty, art collectors, and equestrians alike. Also available is a work from artist Sam Barber. Listing Claude Monet and Edgar Degas among his influences, Barber’s landscape art is closely aligned with the Impressionist aesthetic. Edith Tonelli, an artistic director, has spoken about Barber’s style and composition: “… he uses paint and captures a mood around a landscape.” Those interested in this or any other piece can register to bid on the Sotheby’s website.
At the top of the upcoming Basics Sale catalog, offered by Bertoia Auctions, is an automaton from Frank Nelson. The artist spent his early days designing motor and aircraft models. In the early 1970s, he started to create automata in his figurative style using carved and painted wood. Introducing “The Tamer” in 1975, Nelson described it as “the best idea I have ever had.” As the automaton plays, the Tamer strikes the tiger with a whip, but the animal refuses to perform. On the third strike, the role of the human and the beast is reversed as the tiger puts its head inside the Tamer’s mouth.
Besides automata, a set of deluxe motors from Tootsietoys will also be featured. Originally based in Chicago, Illinois, Tootsietoy is a manufacturer of die-cast toy cars and other vehicles. Their toys were popular between the 1930s and the 1990s. A Vielmetter clown-artist toy is available as well. The toy figure is dressed as a clown and appears to be painting on a canvas. Those interested in this or any other piece can register to bid by visiting Bertoia Auctions.
