The 1908 Strap Tank is regarded as a momentous model in the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It is one of the oldest remaining vehicles of this extremely rare variety. The foremost Milwaukee machinery Strap Tanks are prized for combining an unassuming yet conservative style. A 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank Wisconsin motorcycle is the key highlight of the upcoming Las Vegas 2023 sale, presented by Mecum Auctions. It was restored under the guidance of Paul Freehill of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Strap Tank is a survivor from the 450 motorcycles produced by the company in 1908. It features the original tank, engine belt pulley, wheels, seat cover, and muffler sleeve. The upcoming Mecum event also features two 1954 Harley-Davidson models produced as part of its 50th Anniversary edition. Both were finished in an anniversary-yellow hue with matching fenders.
Another striking vehicle on offer is a 1960 BSA Goldstar Clubman restored by Martin Schalkwijk. The model was manufactured by BSA from 1938 to 1963. These were 350 cc and 500 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycles celebrated for being the fastest bikes of the 1950s. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Mecum Auctions.
Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes was a prominent portrait painter with a modern approach. The upcoming Christie’s auction features a pair of mother-daughter portraits by Francisco Goya. The paintings portray the daughter sitting on a sofa holding her lap dog and the mother in a chair with a fan. The 1805 oil paintings feature his mastery of presenting intricate fabric details and regalia. They also illustrate Goya’s fresh style for appeasing the new wealthy clientele in Spain during that period. These paintings are on the market first time in 70 years, making them highly valuable. A Rialto Bridge landscape by Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, is another highlight. The artwork is notable for its fine detailing and photographic effect. Canaletto utilized the camera obscura to create his photo-like paintings.
The auction also showcases an oil painting by Pieter Brueghel II depicting the Kermesse of Saint George. As mentioned by Georges Marlier, “The artwork is distinct than most of Brueghel’s paintings offering an oeuvre to his father, Pieter Brueghel the Elder. Despite the continuing theme of his father’s work, the painting represents Brueghel’s mastery and skills.” The artwork is among Pieter Brueghel II’s finest oil paintings. It has a versatile color palette and represents intrinsic elements like customs and humor. Also on offer is a lady’s portrait by Sir Peter Paul Rubens and a Parisian landscape by Nicolas-Jean-Baptiste Raguenet. Interested collectors
can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online at Christie’s.
SJ Auctioneers will feature a variety of silverware, antique toys, collectibles, and more in the upcoming Winter Watch for Wanted Collectibles event. Particularly highlighted is a Francis 1st 60-piece sterling silver flatware set. This set by American silversmith manufacturer Reed & Barton includes forks, knives, and spoons that bear the maker’s monogram. Francis 1st silverware, which follows Renaissance-inspired design, was introduced by the company in 1906. The celebrated pattern typically has ornate handles with leaves, blossoms, fruits, and other intricate details.
A rare Popeye pocket watch dating back to 1934 can also be found in this auction. Manufactured by the New Haven Watch Co., this working watch comes with a nickel finish. It has a vibrant dial picturing many characters from the comic strip and Thimble Theatre players. The watch hands are in the form of Popeye’s arms with bold anchor designs. Other notable items in the sale include a Siang Blanc bunny rabbit figurine, a set of two Tiffany sterling silver salt and pepper shaker owls, and 18-karat gold and diamond stud earrings. To view the catalog and place a bid, visit LiveAuctioneers.
NY Elizabeth will soon present “The Beast” by Audemars Piguet in its 2304 | Fine Watches Auction. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, an 18-karat white gold automatic watch, is called “The Beast” by collectors because of its sheer size. Its creators went against the trend of small watches when it was introduced in 1993. The Royal Oak Offshore came with added features like self-winding movement, an interchangeable strap system, and a dial aesthetic fit for great adventures. This limited edition example features a 42mm black ceramic case with glare-proofed sapphire crystal, a black ceramic bezel, and screw-locked crowns. A slight variation of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak with a feminine touch is also available in the sale. It has a 43mm case made of 18-karat rose gold.
Another notable watch leading the auction is Quai de l’Île by Vacheron Constantin. It is an automatic stainless steel watch with a 41mm case. From President Harry S. Truman to rap superstar Jay-Z, Vacheron Constantin has been a favorite among the rich and famous due to the brand’s craftsmanship. The Quai de l’Île collection was crafted in 2008. It is a contemporary expression of Vacheron Constantin’s classic style. Watches from Rolex, Breitling, Tudor, and others are also available. Visit Bidsquare to find the listed items and browse other online auctions.
Swiss painter Luigi Monteverde was born in Lugano in 1841. He is well known for his still-life and figurative paintings. Monteverde would often depict stylishly dressed women in everyday life scenes. One such artwork by the artist, titled Che Significa?, is a key highlight of the upcoming auction from Doyle. Signed and dated L. Monteverde/Lugana 1889, it is an oil on canvas painting. Another version of this image is a part of Geneva’s Rath Museum collection, and the third version was sold at Sotheby’s New York in 2006.
Luciano Ventrone’s Vincere il Tempo, an oil and mixed media on linen, also leads the catalog. Ventrone is a celebrated Italian painter known for his hyper-realist works. To achieve this effect, Ventrone first takes a photograph of the subject and then draws with a pencil on the canvas. This was followed by coloring and creating the light and shadow effect. Another still-life oil on canvas of note is French artist Maurice Brianchon’s Roses Jaunes. Brianchon transitioned from dynamic subjects to relaxed still-lifes during his later years in the countryside. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Doyle.
Gaspar Van Wittel, better known as Vanvitelli, is regarded as one of the founders of Italian vedute or panorama paintings inspired by actual places. The artist painted scenes from several Italian cities, including Naples, Verona, Florence, and Bologna, but his love for Rome dominated the majority of his paintings. His work provides an important visual history of the city’s appearance during the time he lived, as they record buildings and locations that are now demolished or have been completely remodeled. A key highlight of Christie’s upcoming Old Masters sale is one of Vanvitelli’s major artworks, titled The Port of Ripa Grande, Rome. Vanvitelli enjoyed daily settings like the Ripa Grande, illustrated here, and other ancient sites still in use. This panoramic view of Rome’s main riverport at the end of the 17th century enables modern viewers to gain an insight into the city’s everyday life.
Also headlining the event is Philips Wouwerman’s notable piece A Landscape With Falconers. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by the versatility and prolific work of Philips Wouwerman. An important and highly influential figure in 17th-century Dutch painting, Wouwerman was arguably the finest Dutch artist of the horse during the period. It is the subdued colors, the cool atmosphere, and the numerous anecdotal details that make Wouwerman’s paintings so distinguished. A strong influence of Italianate style can be seen in the artist’s hunting scenes, especially the latter ones, which were regarded as badges of sophistication and recognition of foreign travel during the Dutch Golden Age. To view the full catalog and place a bid, visit Christie’s.
Akiba Antiques’ upcoming New Year New Design sale will particularly highlight a notable bronze sculpture by Gustave-Joseph Chéret, a French 19th-century artist. The available work shows a group of children playing, eating fruit, and drinking from goblets. The younger brother of noted poster painter Jules Chéret, Gustave-Joseph Chéret specialized in sculpture and porcelain. He managed the artistic output of the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres for a period and produced work for Jacob Pallenberg and Baccarat. This auction features a wide selection of sculpture and decorative art, including antique works from China. Among these items is a signed Ming dynasty terracotta statue showing a seated deity figure. The finely-carved piece features a muted Sancai yellow and green glaze.
Additional lots of interest in this sale include a seven-piece sterling silver tea set from Tiffany & Co. Elaborate scrollwork and etched scallops cover the items, which also feature carved wood handles. Collectors can consider several antique pocket watch displays as well. These Swiss arrangements date back to the late 19th century. They feature the faces, movements, and cases of antique Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, and Patek Philippe watches. Antique Viennese desk and mantel clocks, Meissen porcelain sets, antique Chinese jewelry, and assorted works of European decorative art round out the catalog. View the complete listings and register to bid on LiveAuctioneers.
Pottery wares by the Grueby Faience Company are highly valued among collectors for their iconic matte glazes and brilliant execution. Founded in 1894 by William Henry Grueby, the company introduced its matte glazes beginning in 1897 and 1898, including its famous cucumber-green matte glaze. One such Grueby pottery piece decorated in the cloisonné technique is a key highlight of the upcoming sale from Rago. The available Grueby moth jar is a glazed earthenware with images of moths carved on its upper surface. This lot is one of only four known examples of Grueby pottery decorated in the cloisonné technique.
Another noteworthy lot is a 1905 early and large vase designed by artist Leona Nicholson. Designed for the Newcomb College Pottery, the vase is characterized by simple designs and a color palette comprising black, blue, green, and yellow. The artist’s initials and Newcomb College brand marks are inscribed on the underside. An 18-light lily table lamp by Tiffany Studios is another top lot. It features a pond lily base and shades on individual bronze stems in form of morning glories. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Rago.
The upcoming Sotheby’s auction presents a Queen Anne easy chair from the Kindig Collection of American furniture and decorative art. The walnut and maple chair originally belonged to the reputed Massachusetts merchant Colonel George Watson. The circa 1755 piece is noteworthy for retaining its under-upholstery. The easy chair also has its original upholstered back with needlework. The floral hand embroidery on the upholstery is possibly the work of Phebe Thurston, Watson’s wife. The easy chair with the ‘tree of life motif’ is among the few surviving examples today.
Another highlight is a circa 1740 William and Mary quillwork wall sconce. Quillwork involved creating metal filigree patterns using metallic threads, gilded paper, feathers, quills, wire, and more. The art of quillwork received renewed interest in the 18th century. The available sconce is mounted in a shadow-box frame and has a candle holder. Also featured in the sale are portraits by the top colonial portraitist in America during the 1760s, John Durand. His artworks utilize the Rococo palette and a decorative approach. Durand’s works with women subjects often depict them holding a flower in one hand. The auction will also feature George I and George II furniture, silverware, and brass articles. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online by visiting Sotheby’s.
The Three Crosses was the most significant print by the Dutch Golden Age master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. He used drypoint to create it by scratching onto a metal plate with a sharp tool. The displaced metal, known as “burr,” has a diffused tonal quality when it is printed. Rembrandt amended the plate five times; however, in the fourth state, he made the most noticeable changes. An early impression of this momentous print is a key highlight of the upcoming auction from Christie’s. With a profuse burr and intense contrasts, it has a light, carefully wiped tone with thread margins. By vehemently gouging the plate, Rembrandt modeled the body of Christ as a firm figure while others appear as apparitions. The intensely engraved long, vertical lines cast all the other figures, except Christ, into shadow.
Another available artwork of note is an anonymous portrait of Suleiman the Magnificent, after the work of Titian. It is a woodcut on four joined sheets of laid paper. Suleiman I, the tenth Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, was a prominent ruler. Under his reign, the empire reached its heights of political and military prowess. This print shows him in profile wearing an elaborate four-tiered helmet. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Christie’s.
