Instantly recognizable names of makers or artists featured prominently in some of the top lots at recent auctions. A Jumbo Nautilus watch by Patek Philippe brought $193,600 worth of bling to Kodner while a sparkling costume jewelry lot by Trifari dazzled Public Sale bidders to the tune of $7,800. Kandinsky’s untitled abstract watercolor flew to a buyer bidding at Showplace for more than $53,000. But what could be more nourishing to Thomaston Place bidders than Andy Warhol’s tomato soup, with a satisfying $93,750 result. Those are a few of this week’s auction highlights, which also saw strong results in fine art. Read on…
Kandinsky Watercolor Flies For Showplace
NEW YORK CITY – The March 6 sale at Auctions at Showplace was led at $53,125 by a signed and dated untitled abstract ink drawing and watercolor by Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866-1944). Estimated at $8/12,000, the 8-by-11-inch piece found a new home with a private collector bidding live in the Showplace gallery. For more information, 212-633-6063 or www.nyshowplace.com.
Warhol Campbell Soup Serigraph Warms Up Thomaston Place Bidders
THOMASTON, MAINE – A 1968 limited edition serigraph on paper titled “Campbell’s Soup I (Tomato)” by Andy Warhol (NY, 1929-1987) incinerated its estimate of $20/30,000 and brought $93,750 after a heated battle between two relentless internet bidders on the last of three days of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ Winter Enchantment auction February 25-27. For information, 207-354-8141 or www.thomastonauction.com.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold-Plated At Public Sale’s Wander/Luster Auction
HUDSON, N.Y. – On March 5, Public Sale Auction House conducted an online antiques auction titled “Wander/Luster,” a sale featuring an assortment of furniture, artwork, lighting, architectural pieces, rugs, taxidermy, toys, coins and jewelry. In the latter category, a notable lot of costume jewelry sold for $7,800. It was a Trifari jewelry lot comprising three necklaces, three brooches, two fur clips, three clip-on earrings in sterling silver, unmarked metal, rhinestones and with faux gemstones. All were stamped with the Crown Trifari mark except butterfly, four pieces were marked “sterling.” For information, www.public-sale.com or 518-966-7253.
Handsome Gentleman Turns Heads In Nathan’s Online Auction
MANCHESTER, VT. – An antique portrait in the manner of Sir Godfry Kneller sold for $11,070 at Nathan’s auction on March 7. The oil on canvas depicting a handsome gentleman was unsigned, relined and housed in a fine carved and gilded frame. The canvas also bore a printed label, Dashwood Heirloom No. 54. The Dashwood Heirlooms, removed from Wherstead Park, were sold by direction of Charles E. Dashwood at Sotheby’s in 1929. For information, www.nathanre.com or 802-362-3194.
Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus Watch Powers Kodner Auction
DANIA BEACH, FLA. – Estate jewelry, art and collectibles crossed the block on March 9 at Kodner Galleries totaling more than 300 lots. The top highlight was a Patek Philippe Jumbo Nautilus 5712/1A-001, which sold for $193,600. In 18K rose gold, the bracelet watch featured a brown dial and automatic self-winding movement. It came with box and papers. For information, 954-650-5030 or www.kodner.com.
Daniel Buck Exceeds Expectations For One Swan A Swimming
LISBON FALLS, MAINE – Daniel Buck Auctions’ March 12 sale offered art glass and paperweights, including the second part of the private collection of the late Kevin Thurber. One of the top lots, swimming to $552 from a $100/200 estimate, was a Gunderson Pairpoint art glass swan with ruby glass body and crystal neck and head. The 12½-inch-tall model measured 13¼ inches in length and was considered large. For information, 207-407-1444 or www.danielbuckauctions.com.
Exotic India Landscape Delights George Cole Bidders
RED HOOK, N.Y. – Vastly outstretching its $250/350 estimate and selling for $12,188 was a framed Nineteenth Century oil on canvas landscape of India that measured 18 by 26 inches and featured an expansive landscape with palaces, lagoons and gardens against distant mountains. It was far and away the highest price paid in George Cole Auctions’ March 12 Quality Hudson Valley Estate Auction. For information, 845-758-9114 or www.georgecoleauctions.com.
Provincetown School Mudhead Heads Up Bakker’s Online Fine Art Sale
PROVINCETOWN, MASS. – James R. Bakker Antiques conducted its spring live online fine arts auction on March 12, featuring a selection of women artists and Provincetown favorites. A Provincetown School mudhead led the day, bringing $10,625 against a $1/1,500 estimate. “Unquestionably the nicest one I’ve ever seen, remarked the firm’s Spencer Keasey. “Some others thought so, too.” For information, www.bakkerproject.com or 508-413-9758.
Baumann Color Woodcut Is Rainmaker At Santa Fe Art Auction
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe Art Auction presented its annual selection of works on paper, prints and multiples, from master New Mexico printmakers Gene Kloss and Gustave Baumann, to Fritz Scholder, John Nieto and R.C. Gorman, as well as classic Native American artists on March 12. Topping the sale from a private Colorado collection was Gustave Baumann’s (German-American, 1881-1971) “Rain in the Mountains,” 1926/1956, which surpassed its $15,000 high estimate to finish at $34,440. For information, www.santafeartauction.com or 505-954-5858.
