Focus On Women is an upcoming sale from Swann Auction Galleries. Among the highlights is Narrative of Sojourner Truth, a Northern Slave, a book by Sojourner Truth printed for the author in 1850 by J. B. Yerriton and Son. Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth escaped captivity with her infant daughter to become an American abolitionist and a women’s rights activist. She was the first Black woman to win a case against a white man in 1828 after going to court to recover her son. The available book by Truth is a first edition, edited by Olive Gilbert with the author’s portrait frontispiece, bound in the publisher’s original green cloth.
“We much read the Bible as we do all other books, that have emanated from the brain of man, with no special divine authority; The Bible degrades Woman from Genesis to Revelation & yet women believe it was written by the fingers of God,” wrote Elizabeth Cady Stanton in The Woman’s Bible. A signed and inscribed copy of The Woman’s Bible by Elizabeth Cady Stanton is a notable lot in this auction. This book was published in 1898 by the European Publishing Company. The first part is signed with a 12-line inscription in Stanton’s handwriting. The Woman’s Bible is a collection of essays and commentaries on the Bible compiled in 1895 by a committee chaired by Stanton, one of the organizers of the Seneca Falls Convention (the first Woman’s Rights Convention held in 1848) and a founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Find the complete catalog and register to bid by visiting Swann Auction Galleries.
Paintings and frames have developed over the centuries in relation to art history. Over time, gold leaf or gilt frames have kept their aesthetic appeal and value. Despite its various styles and ornaments, gilt frames remain timeless in their grandeur and commanding presence. Pook & Pook, Inc.’s upcoming Frame Collection sale features numerous antique frames representing a variety of periods and styles. These include examples from the 17th to the 20th centuries, such as British Baroque pieces, Italian pieces, and French Rococo pieces, as well as frames suited for Old Masters, 19th-century, Impressionist, and Modern paintings. Among the top lots is a Victorian walnut and giltwood frame. Several intricate designs adorn the frame, giving it an ornate appearance. Antique nails connect the layers.
A mid-19th century Empire mahogany mirror will also be showcased. This lot is a sculpted double frame that measures 24 3/8 inches by 17 3/4 inches. Collectors can also consider two contemporary giltwood frames in assorted sizes, each framed in gold. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete catalog and browse other online auctions.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870) was first published and distributed over a year, between 1860-61. Great Expectations was the 13th novel by Dickens and his penultimate completed novel. The book is a bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story about Philip Pirrip, nicknamed Pip. He is the protagonist, an orphaned boy who lives with his sister and brother-in-law. The readers go on a journey along Pip from childhood into adulthood. Pip meets some intriguing and life-altering characters along the way. A rare first-edition, three-volume book set of Great Expectations is available in this Fine Books & Manuscripts, Including The Ronald K. Siegel Collection sale from Potter & Potter Auctions. The books were published in the late 19th century by Chapman and Hall, London. The cover is a full tan calf thrice ruled in gilt, and the spines have six compartments with raised bands and gilt floral centerpieces.
Michel de Nostradamus (1503 – 1566) was a French astrologer, apothecary physician, and a reputed seer. He is best known for Les Prophéties (published in 1555), a collection of 942 poetic quatrains allegedly predicting future events. The True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael de Nostradamus, Physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France published in 1672 is available in the sale. This version was published by Thomas Ratcliffe and Nathaniel Thompson for John Martin et al. The original French writing has been translated into English with comments by Theophilus de Garencieres. The introductory note also states that Nostradamus was one of the best astronomers in history. Find the complete catalog and register to bid by visiting Potter & Potter Auctions.
The origins of pewter, a tin-based alloy, trace back around 2,000 years ago. In ancient times, pewter contained 70 percent tin and 30 percent lead. Since it is less expensive compared to silver but equally stunning in looks, it has been a popular alloy for utility and decoration ever since. The upcoming sale from Pook & Pook, Inc. will feature several unique pewter items from the Robert & Barbara Jean Horan collection.
A pewter tankard by John Will is a particularly striking lot. It is designed with a bright-cut decorative engraving— the initials MF and RS. Bright-cut engraving on objects involves creating designs by making tiny cuts into the metal using a polished tool. The tool causes the exposed surfaces to reflect light and appear bright. A footed pewter sugar bowl designed by John’s fourth son, William Will, is noteworthy as well. A pewter flagon from Pennsylvania, attributed to Love, also leads the catalog. The piece features a lid, handle and spout. Flagons are pitchers used for holding liquor, especially wine and beer. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Robert & Barbara Jean Horan Pewter Collection & Additions sale, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.
The landscape paintings of Albert Bierstadt are among the best representations of the North American Hudson River School movement. The artist was renowned for various aspects of his classically American landscape paintings. While the German-born artist is best known for his majestic panoramas of the American West, the painter grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts and painted extensively in New York and New England. His skies had a vibrant and emotional quality. As well as capturing light brilliantly, Bierstadt created landscapes that captured the essence of nature. An oil on paper work by Albert Bierstadt, titled Coast Near Newport, Rhode Island, will soon come to auction with Bonhams Skinner. In this painting as well as in other oil sketches and drawings, the artist displayed a keen eye for detail while capturing outdoor views.
Another notable work in this sale is James Edward Buttersworth’s Racing Yacht. A prolific artist, Buttersworth produced exquisite paintings of sailboats in action. With its stunning rendering of the seas and sky as well as exciting sailing action, the available painting is typical of Buttersworth’s style. Among his works are paintings of ocean scenes, America’s Cup races, and large and small sailing vessels. Visit Bonhams Skinner to view the full catalog and register to bid in this American Art sale.
In John Moran Auctioneers’ second sale of 2023, over 275 lots of fine jewelry and timepieces will come to auction. Leading the event is a Rolex President Day-Date II platinum wristwatch. The auction house notes that this ref. 218206 watch remains in very good condition. Rolex introduced the Day-Date watch in 1956. It was the first wristwatch to display both the date of the month and day of the week on the dial, and it was exclusively offered in a standard 36mm case until 2008. At that time, Rolex introduced the Day-Date II model with a larger case and more prominent appearance. The available President Day-Date II features a “Black Out” dial, Arabic numerals, and baton hands. Another notable Rolex watch in the auction is a GMT-Master II gold wristwatch with a circular black dial and green arrow hand for a second time zone.
Beyond timepieces, this event will offer a wide selection of fine and luxury jewelry. Included in this section is a 14-karat white gold ring centering a round, brilliant-cut diamond weighing 16.52 carats. The accompanying GIA report states that the gem has M color and VS1 clarity. The diamond will be sold unmounted from the setting. Additional lots of interest include a John Hardy Cinta Collection gem-set shell bracelet, a Tiffany & Co. sphene and diamond ring, and a 20th-century gem-set dagger. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete catalog and browse other online auctions.
Cameo glass is the art of crafting designs through fused layers of glass by engraving or etching. Generally, white opaque glass motifs are engraved on a dark background. The art has been considered exquisite ever since the Ancient Roman period. Thomas Webb & Sons, an English glass company founded by Thomas Webb in 1837, is noted for its cameo glass products. Some of the company’s finest pieces were signed “Gem Cameo.” One such valuable vase is a key highlight of the upcoming Hindman sale. Measuring over eight inches tall, the late 19th or early 20th century glass is signed “Thomas Webb & Sons / GEM Cameo” at bottom. Two other early 20th century decorative items from Tiffany Studios also lead the listings. These parasol table lamps are designed with leaded glass and bronze. One is a table lamp, and the other is a floor lamp with piano base. Tiffany lamps are closely associated with the Art Nouveau movement.
The sale also features a French side cabinet by Louis Majorelle. Crafted circa 1895, it is fashioned in walnut, fruitwood marquetry, and glass. Visit Hindman to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Early 20th Century Design sale.
American visual artist Andy Warhol was a celebrated figure of the Pop Art movement. Engaged in commercial and advertising art during his initial career, Warhol is also known for his printmaking works. In 1983, when he created his Toy Paintings series for kids, he chose motifs such as fish and other animals from his own collection. An original screenprint on paper by the artist is a key highlight of the upcoming sale, presented by Dane Fine Art. Titled Triple Fish, the artwork belongs to a rare limited edition. Another significant original lithograph on wove paper after Marc Chagall is titled The Tribe of Asher. Published by Mourlot, Paris, the work is numbered from the rare limited edition of LXXV. It belongs to the set of Twelve Maquettes of Stained Glass Windows for Jerusalem. Alec Monopoly’s highly unique work titled The Greatest of All Time I also leads the offerings. It is a giclee on heavy watercolor paper, hand finished with acrylic and aerosol paint.
The sale will also feature Itzchak Tarkay’s original cast bronze sculpture. Titled La Fiancee, the piece is number 44 from the limited edition of 360. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Affordable Art Sale, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.
Leading the upcoming Modern & Post-War Art sale from Swann Auction Galleries is Everett Shinn’s Central Park, New York. A member of the Ashcan School, Everett Shinn was an American painter, muralist, illustrator, and theater scene designer, mainly based in New York City. Typical of Ashcan art, his vibrantly colored canvases depict urban life, as well as his home and theater murals. A member of “The Eight,” Shinn explored urban topics, visiting the famous parks and sparkling cafes of New York as well as exploring the neighborhood communities of the metropolis. He created a style of picturesque scenes that merged quiet moments with dramatic action, most notably in his pastel and oil paintings of urban spectacles.
Another distinguishable lot is a pencil and color crayon work by Joseph Stella titled Portrait of a Young Girl. A gifted draftsman, Italian-born American modernist Joseph Stella produced drawings for most of his career, beginning as a Realist academic studying immigrants and ethnicity. His silverpoint and oil portraits, most of which date from the 1920s, are highly valued today. Other items on offer include an oil on canvas painting by Hans Richter, renowned for his work in painting, sculpture, and avant-garde film. Visit Swann Auction Galleries to view the complete Modern & Post-War Art catalog and register to bid.
Bonhams’ upcoming American Art auction will highlight a 1954 oil painting by Norman Rockwell. A leading American painter and illustrator from the 20th century, Rockwell received his first commission at age 17. His works reflect real American life and culture detailed with emotion, humor, and playful faces. The available painting, titled Me and My Pal: Fishing Raft, portrays two boys taking a nap while fishing. It is rendered in Rockwell’s signature Realist style. Set in the midst of a river, the colorful canvas also features a watchful dog. During his lifetime, Rockwell experimented with various artistic movements including Cubism, Impressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.
Ernie Barnes’ The Shot is another leading highlight of the upcoming sale. The acrylic on canvas was executed by the American artist in 1985. Painted in his unique elongation style, this composition is one of his several athletic pieces of art. It shows a lanky lad throwing a basketball toward a makeshift hoop. Barnes (1938 – 2009) was a professional football player before taking the leap to paint full-time. The catalog also offers a bronze sculpture titled Woman (Striding Woman) by Gaston Lachaise, a painting by Walt Kuhn, and abstract artworks by Werner Drewes. Visit Bonhams’ website for the full catalog and to place a bid in the American Art sale.
