“There is no perfect piece of art. Every piece in its own unique way is the embodiment of flaws from an artist and that is what creates art.” This is a popular notion among the admirers of art. However, Dan Dailey, an American visual artist has come very near to perfection. The 11 different sculptures and drawings featured in 20th Century Design Unsold Lots, display the artist’s imaginative power and hard work. One of Dailey’s items, a large fabricated music sculpture is an elegant piece, estimated at USD 17,920. The artist is making all the items even more special as a part of the sale will be donated to a non-profit education center.
Amongst the 160 lots offered by Rago, monk bird tobacco jar from Martin Brothers has the highest estimated price of USD 57,600. Belonging to Robert W. Martin, the jar is made out of ebonized wood and salt-glazed stoneware from 1899 in England. The next item on the list is quite intriguing as the maker is regarded as the father of the American craft movement. The lot is a Conoid dining table by George Nakashima, who was an American woodworker, architect, and furniture maker. To find more on such fabulous items visit .
The beauty of some things may fade away with time, but a piece of jewelry is among very few things that endure. A beautiful and timeless example is an EGL diamond ring being offered at Estate Jewelry, Art & Collectibles sale by Kodner Galleries this October. It’s 5.35 carat magnificent unmounted round diamond will mark the collection as the highest estimated price of $46,000.
Jewelry is very often associated with women and their choices. However, supporting the idea that jewelry is not just limited to women, this collection brings out an array of accessories for men- such as a 14-carat men’s diamond bracelet. The auction also features an engaging oil on canvas by Arthur Segal. Segal was regarded as the father of the Jewish avant-garde art scene in Romania. Experimenting with unique techniques, his brushstrokes didn’t just display attention to naturalism but breathed life into his works. Discover more items on Bidsquare
Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket still has cobblestone streets and no stoplights. The television show Wings was filmed there, and it boasts the second largest airport in Massachusetts. The town, county, and island are all rich in history. Rafael Osona Auctions is offering the best of Nantucket with its upcoming sale: Fine Art, Décor, and Antiques from Nantucket Estates & Collectibles.
Headlining the auction is an unusual Nantucket covered basket with a swing handle, made around 1850-1860. This beautiful basket features a zigzag pattern and makes a great addition to any collection. Also highlighted is a 1930s Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk. It holds six locking drawers with fabric covers, three sizes of wood hangers, and a felt-lined suitcase. Not to be forgotten is an elegant pearl necklace. This South Sea, Tahitian, and pink freshwater pearl necklace is 17 ½ inches long and showcases pink, white, gold, and silver-colored pearls. The entire collection can be viewed on Bidsquare.
The influence of Jean-Michel Frank cannot be compared. The minimalist interior designer was known for his elegant furniture and luxury materials, introducing a new layer of refinery to mid-century modernism. Two lounge chairs following Frank’s style are presented in the upcoming Design | French | Italian | American Auction offered by Kamelot Auction House. These cerused oak chairs are upholstered in deer hide, representing a modern-day interpretation of Frank’s iconic style.
Italian decorators such as Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass are also featured in this sale. One standout lot is a pair of Italian Lucite and brass floor lamps from the 1960s. The large shades are accented with brass banding, serving as a prime example of mid-century modern décor. Also, on offer is a wide selection of American, French, and Italian furniture, as well as many lighting and decorative items. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
“Pop Art is all about liking things.” Andy Warhol, the figurehead of the visual art movement and author of this quote, gave the world many artistic masterpieces. The 20th Century Art auction offered by Wright Auctions presents two of Warhol’s most iconic creations: a screen print of Marilyn Monroe and another of Alexander the Great.
The print of Monroe was based on a publicity photo taken by Gene Korman in 1953. Based on the image by Korman, Warhol created a series of 10 screen prints of the actress. In doing so, Warhol created an “icon out of an icon” by extending Monroe’s celebrity status far beyond the typically brief moment of fame. A similar screen print by Richard Pettibone following the influence of Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe 28 collection will be another interesting feature of the auction.
A painting by Keith Haring for his friend and Broadway dancer Swen Swenson is among the highest valued items. It is a delightful depiction of Swen’s dog and is among the rarest items in this auction. A collection of Keith Haring ephemera including postcards, exhibition fliers, memorial tributes and a catalog poster from 1988 is also included in the sale. Explore the full listings and register to bid online on Wright Auctions
In Swann Auction Galleries’ upcoming African American Fine Art auction, some of the greatest African American artists of the 20th century will take center stage. A pulsing and varied celebration of black culture, this sale is packed with examples of folk art, fine art, and everything in between.
Henry Ossawa Tanner’s At the Gates (Flight into Egypt) is a significant work depicting the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt following the events of the Nativity. This 1926 oil painting has been handed down for generations through the family of the original buyer, adding another layer of history to it. Another fascinating lot is a scarce print of Carrie Mae Weems’ White Patty, White Patty photograph. An unflinching look at racial slurs and their hard reality, this work speaks through both photography and printed text.
The mediums represented range from paintings and sculptures to prints and lithographs. Elizabeth Catlett, Dawoud Bey, Sargent Johnson, and many more artists are featured, covering decades of art and culture in the African American community. View the full catalog and register for online bidding at Swann Galleries.
Bernard Langlais, the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, introduced the method of “painting with wood.” He would use wood scraps to create three-dimensional wall mosaics and abstract reliefs. His painting style changed much over time, with an early interest in oil and still life paintings. Langlais then moved on to develop his wood technique, catching the eye of the New York art world. A painting by the abstract artist is featured in the upcoming Palm Beach Collections sale offered by Hindman Auctions. The Gulls on Rock piece by Langlais is among the most noteworthy creations by the artist.
Incredible antique Italian furniture is also highlighted in this auction. The sale includes a 19th century marble coffee table, overlaid with a detailed mosaic. The center depicts the Roman Colosseum and St. Peters Square with a border of flowers. The Roman scene pays homage to the history of the great city, extending back to its original founding: Romulus and Remus can be found tucked away in the recesses of this piece. Explore rare books, paintings, watches, and much more by registering to bid online on Bidsquare
The Collection of Claire Tracy and Frank Glaser is offered by Doyle as a single-owner sale of American paintings, furniture, and decorative arts. Featured items include a portrait of a “Boy with a Red Book” by William Matthew Prior, several unique American weathervanes, and over 20 lots of late 19th through early 21st century Nantucket baskets.
Known for portraits of families and children, William Matthew Prior was the son of a shipmaster and a follower of end-times preacher William Miller, about whom Prior wrote two books. Approximately 1,500 of Prior’s portraits exist, though unsigned they closely resemble those of his contemporary Sturtevant J. Hamblen and are sometimes attributed to the “Prior-Hamblin School.” “Boy with Red Book” is recognized as Prior’s work alone.
Of the offered weathervanes, perhaps the most unusual is that of a fish, an animal not known for showing wind direction. The fish is cast from copper and zinc and is gorgeously patinated almost entirely green, to the point that it rather resembles an actual fish rather than a metallic one.
There are several high-value contemporary items at auction—especially for the basket collector–such as the nest of eight graduating lightship baskets by Harry A. Hilbert. These baskets were made in 1998 and each is signed and dated by the artist. There are many more basket lots for sale, including excellent examples by Jose Formoso Reyes, Bill and Judy Sayle, and Stanley Roop.
Explore these and many other items and register to bid at Doyle.
Sotheby’s presents Design, an offering that consists of an assortment of items from artistic movements such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, European mid-century, American Studio, and Contemporary design. The auction items are anchored by a selection of works by Tiffany Studios from the celebrated Geyer Collection.
Among the Tiffany Studio lots is a Wisteria lamp, designed in 1901 by Clara Driscoll. Considered one of Tiffany Studio’s most successful models, it has a complex pattern made up of almost 2,000 individually cut and selected glass tiles resulting in each Wisteria lamp having distinct light characteristics and color palettes. The lamp is likely an early and experimental production expected to sell for more than USD 300,000.
More unusual Tiffany Studio pieces include the magnificent “Magnolia and Peony” window that was a key feature of the Feigenspan Mansion in Newark, New Jersey. This window surrounds a marble fountain in a kind of arch and may also have been supplied by Tiffany. The fountain is considered fundamental to the window’s design.
Beyond Tiffany, many utilitarian and beautiful pieces like the three pieces of the Standard Chair, model 305 by Jean Prouvé are available. Prouvé was a French metalworker, a self-taught architect, and a designer. At his studio in France, he produced furniture for schools, factories, and municipal projects. And although his designs were meant to be used by everyone, they are nevertheless some of the most iconic pieces for highly designed interior spaces. This sale also includes works by wide a range of 20th-century designers such as Archibald Knox, Louis Majorelle, George Nakashima, Paul Evans, Marc Newson, Dale Chihuly, Frank Lloyd Wright and more. Explore any of these lots and register to bid at Sotheby’s.
Interiors by Toomey & Co. puts forth an interesting array of fine arts and furnishing in their upcoming auction. The display of antique furniture steals the show. When it comes to office interiors, Herman Miller is a prominent name. Popular for the introduction of the office cubicle, the Eames lounge chair is a signature piece by the brand. The lounge chair and ottoman set by the duo Charles and Ray Eames are the highest valued collectibles of the auction.
Depicting a picturesque scene of the streets in Noumea is the painting by Trompe-l’œil painter Aaron Bohrod. His still-life paintings are displayed at many reputed museums worldwide. The English Victorian tantalus and the American Arts & Crafts shelf clock are other notable pieces in the auction. Paintings by popular artists like Florence Ezzell Stevenson, John Costigan, John Teyrel, and Elizabeth Catlett will also be offered by the house. Varieties of lamps and lights, 19th and 20th –century furniture, earthenware, glassware, sculptures, carpets and more are also available. Explore the full listings and register to bud online on Toomey & Co.
