Norman Rockwell painted himself into the mid-Twentieth Century American spirit with his covers for the Saturday Evening Post. A master storyteller, Rockwell could say it all in one image, from start to finish. As Sotheby’s catalog description aptly pointed out, the start almost always began with a smile, a near universal reaction that would endear the reader to Rockwell’s sense of humor. He became beloved. The finish left the viewer in awe, as Rockwell’s technique and foray into naturalism produced some of the finest artwork of the Twentieth Century. “Two Plumbers” makes its way to the block as the top houses prepare their American art sales, padded with other top lots from auctions around the United States in this week’s picks.
SOTHEBY’S
Sale Date: May 23, 2017
Lot 42
Norman Rockwell (American, 1894–1978)
“Two Plumbers,” signed Norman Rockwell lower left, oil on canvas, 39¼ by 37 inches. Painted in 1951.
Estimate: $5/7 million
PAST TYME PLEASURES
Closing May 27, 2017
Lot 141
1926 Winchester Poster by Frank Stick
“Hunter on White Horse with Grizzly Bear behind him,” featuring the Model 54 big game rifle, 17¼ by 36 inches. Metal bands top and bottom. Matted and framed.
Current Bid: $1,400
DALLAS AUCTION GALLERY
Sale Date: May 23, 2017
Lot 79
Maxfield Parrish, “The Knave”
Oil on board, 1925. Initialed lower right, M.P. The artist’s full title inscribed in his distinctive printing, “The Knave under the tree with the tarts by Maxfield Parrish.” The number “12” painted by the artist in red may have signified it was the 12th painting he was sending his gallery, Scott and Fowles, for his exhibit of 50 paintings with them in November and December, 1925. All 50 works, including many of the illustrations for The Knave of Hearts book were sold and viewed by more than 6,000 visitors to the gallery during the showing. The Knave of Hearts, one of the most successful books of Parrish illustrations, was published by Charles Scribner’s and Sons originally in 1925.
Estimate: $500/750,000
HERITAGE
Sale Date: May 25, 2017
Lot 63163
Lalique Clear Glass Cactus Center Table
Designed 1951, 62½-inch-diameter.
Estimate: $20/30,000
CHRISTIE’S
Sale Date: May 23, 2017
Lot 4
Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907)
“Victory,” inscribed along the base, gilt-bronze, 42¼ inches high. Modeled in 1912.
Estimate: $600/800,000
HARTZELL’S AUCTION GALLERY
Sale Date: May 26, 2017
Lot 355
Eighteenth Century Paint Decorated Pennsylvania Dower Chest
Dated 1786, inscribed Ladiger, paint-decorated with early hardware, two drawers.
Estimate: $500–$1,000
STRAWSER AUCTION GROUP
Sale Date: May 25, 2017
Lot 1234
Pleasant Hill (Attributed) Ohio/Kentucky Shaker Apothecary Walnut Cabinet
One piece, 91 by 48 by 13 inches, interior with several shelves, pegged construction.
Estimate: $5/8,000
RICHARD OPFER
Sale Date: May 25, 2017
Lot 32
Early Micromosaic Bracelet
Four panels with six Roman images, set in silver, with original semicircular leather-covered wood case. 6¼ inches long.
Estimate: $1,5/2,500
LESLIE HINDMAN AUCTIONEERS
Sale Date: May 24, 2017
Lot 64
Thomas Hart Benton (American, 1889–1975)
Still life, 1962, oil and tempera on Masonite, signed Benton and dated, 24 by 16 inches.
Estimate $100/200,000
