DETROIT, MICH. — Rooted in the heart of Detroit with a legacy nearly a century deep, DuMouchelle Art Galleries is not just an auction house, but a trusted advisor in the art market. This September 14-15, DuMouchelles continued its tradition of bringing extraordinary artistry and unique histories to the forefront, featuring exclusive works from private collections and esteemed estates, including Fred and Bertha Fisher of the renowned Fisher Body family and Leon Zielinski, a valued client for more than 50 years.
Historic Chinese Jades & Tapestries Offer Intricate Craftsmanship
The jade artifacts from the Fisher estate have showcased the unparalleled skills and intricate designs characteristic of Qing dynasty artistry. With a beautifully depicted landscape, a Qing-era urn captivated bidders, eventually realizing $18,600. An intricately engraved green jar also drew considerable attention, selling for $12,400. Additionally, an ornate frame from 1920 featuring a portrait of Fred Fisher fetched $8,060, highlighting the enduring allure of Chinese craftsmanship. A Flemish tapestry from the early Seventeenth Century, acquired from the renowned Vigo Galleries of London, surpassed expectations by tripling its high estimate, selling for $22,320. The fine details and exceptional weaving demonstrated the pinnacle of textile art of the era.
American artists Laurence Campbell and Theodore Earl Butler captured the essence of atmospheric mood and light in their respective works, both exceeding their high estimates. Campbell’s portrayal of a snow-covered Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia demonstrated his adept skill in capturing the serenity of a cityscape, selling for an impressive $31,000. Butler’s “The Train,” an atmospheric depiction of a train emerging through mist, fetched $34,100, showcasing the enduring appeal of Impressionism. This piece, with its significant exhibition history, including a stint at the Nassau County Museum of Art, originated from a prominent collector in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., adding to its allure. An original Edward Hopper was also included in the sale, “Wedded” After Lord Frederic Leighton, one of his wife’s favorite paintings. It achieved a cool $13,640 alongside other American artists.
The auction also featured an eclectic mix of prints spanning various eras and styles. A lithograph by Joan Miró, displaying the artist’s signature surreal biomorphic forms, was sold for $5,160. A meticulous etching by the master printmaker Rembrandt van Rijn from 1658 achieved $11,780, underscoring the lasting appreciation for his technique. A vibrant and daring lithograph by Alexander Calder epitomizing his innovative Twentieth Century style reached $7,440, drawing interest from modern art enthusiasts.
Nearly 200 exquisite jewelry pieces were presented, with a standout 6.39-carat diamond ring surpassing its estimates and selling for a dazzling $130,200. A pair of perfectly matched diamond earrings also achieved notable attention, selling for $5,890. The majority of the pieces bore markings, attesting to their handcrafted origins, signifying the timeless allure and value of finely crafted adornments.
Robert DuMouchelle, the firm’s general manager, said, “We were honored to offer these unique works carrying fascinating stories and artistic significance,” while company president Joan DuMouchelle Walker said, “Our September auctions offered a rare convergence of culturally resonant artifacts alongside modernist pioneers. We invite collectors new and old to our monthly auctions to discover unique pieces and make them part of their own narratives.”
Do you have fine art, jewelry, antiques or other treasures to part with? With nearly a century of service, the specialists at DuMouchelles offer complimentary evaluations and competitive consignment terms to sellers. Whether you have one cherished item or an entire collection, they can connect your pieces to an engaged global audience. DuMouchelles’ specialists will assist you from start to finish, providing insurance appraisals, fair market estimates, professional photography and cataloging, global marketing exposure, and more. Contact them today to learn more about realizing the best return for your valuables through upcoming auctions.
The next auction will take place October 19-20, featuring highly coveted works by Norman Rockwell, Walasse Ting and Diego Rivera, among others.
Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house. For additional information, 313-963-6255 or www.dumoart.com.