Clars – May Auction
May 16th-20th
www.clars.com
5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609

OAKLAND, CALIF. — Joanna Barnes was a multifaceted talent, known as an author, newspaper columnist and actress. Among her notable screen appearances are roles in the 1961 classic The Parent Trap, and, decades later, as the mother in Disney’s remake of the film. She graced both big and small screens with roles in productions like Home Before Dark, Spartacus and The War Wagon. On television, she starred in series such as 21 Beacon Street, The Trials of O’Brien and Dateline Hollywood. Alongside her acting pursuits, she showcased her literary talent as an author and book reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, penning four novels: The Deceivers, Who is Carla Hart, Pastora and Silverwood.

The Golden & Glamour Era featuring the jewelry collection of Hollywood actress Barnes is set for Thursday, May 16, 10 am, at Clars Auction Gallery. Each item within this collection serves as a testament to Barnes’ impeccable taste and enduring legacy in the world of Hollywood glamour. From the delicate antique brooches to the intricate designs of her bracelets and dazzling sparkle of her earrings, every piece offers a captivating glimpse into Barnes’ journey from a budding ingenue to a revered icon of the silver screen.

Leading the Barnes collection are stylish designs by makers such as Tiffany & Co. Highlights include an 18K gold Scorpio pendant ($6/8,000), a citrine and 18K gold brooch ($1,5/2,500), an 18K gold bombe ring by David Webb ($1/1,500) and an 18K gold “elephant hair” bangle bracelet by Gucci ($1,2/1,800). Additionally, the auction offers a selection of antique pieces, including an antique aquamarine, diamond and 14K gold brooch ($2/3,000) and an antique enamel and 14K gold link necklace ($2/3,000).

Complementing the jewelry auction is a collection of luxury bags, featuring Judith Leiber Couture minaudière clutches and Louis Vuitton monogram luggage.

The Friday, May 17, sale at 9:30 am will include sale of furniture and decorative arts from across all periods and styles. Modern design enthusiasts will be drawn to the iconic Mira and George Nakashima cushion and new chairs. For those who love the traditional styles, there’s a Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic chamber suite, along with Nineteenth Century Barbedienne bronzes and Italian marble figures. The sale also includes colorful Studio Glass pieces, classic Georg Jensen silver and a follection of Indigenous art featuring Inuit carvings and Navajo rugs.

This May at Clars the sale will present a number of diverse works. One highlight is an oil on board painting by French Barbizon School artist Felix Ziem. Born in the wine capital of Burgundy in 1821, Ziem originally set his sights on a career in architecture and studied at L’Ecole des Beaux-Arts before developing his painting hobby into a full-time practice. Ziem first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1849 and traveled throughout Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, taking inspiration from scenery in Venice, Constantinople, Egypt and the French Riviera.

The painting in the sale this month is titled “Etude Sur le Bord de la Mediterranee,” and depicts a row of buildings on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, dotted with sparse vegetation under a blue sky. It was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 and is a fine example of Ziem’s affinity for seaside scenes.

A second work featured this month is a bronze sculpture by American sculptor Richard Howard Hunt. Hunt was born in Chicago in 1935 and was interested in the arts from an early age, attending operas with his mother and working with clay in a makeshift studio in the basement of his family’s home. While studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, Hunt explored assemblage with found objects, mixing organic and industrial materials to create expressionistic and surreal sculptures. The bronze sculpture in this month’s auction is an abstract, tree-like form with horn-like appendages and Hunt’s signature flowing lines, made of bronze with a burnished golden sheen.

A third highlight this month is a collection of works on paper by American caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld is known for his work on Broadway playbills, contributions to The New York Times and other major publications, and Hollywood studio art direction.

The exclusive collection of works at Clars this month includes original gouache paintings used in prominent magazines, such as an illustration of Harry Truman that was featured on the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1954, a caricature of Dwight Eisenhower used for the cover of American Mercury Magazine in 1945 and a satirical painting of Joseph McCarthy that graced the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1950. A number of pen and ink drawings are featured, including a portrait of comedian Fred Allen and a cast portrait from the 1959 Broadway production of Much Ado About Nothing, as well as several lithographs depicting recognizable pop culture figures.

The Asian art department will present two highlights. The first is a large Chinese embroidered panel, traditionally celebrating one’s birthday. This intricately embroidered textile features a dragon motif, figures pattern and celebratory words, capturing the essence of Chinese culture.

Another highlight is a Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao, the deity of longevity in Chinese mythology. This carved figure represents wisdom, good fortune and a long life.

On Saturday May 18, 9:30 am is the Warehouse sale an accessibly priced collection that encompasses modern and antique furniture and décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books and Indigenous arts.

Clars Auction Gallery is at 5644 Telegraph Avenue. For information, 510-428-0100 or www.clars.com.

888 339 7600 (toll free) 510 428 0100 (local) info@clars.com
1. Felix Ziem, Etude Sur les Bord de la Mediterranee, oil on board, 7″ x 11″. 2.2005 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg; 2009 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux; 1991 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg La Tache Monopole; 1991 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti St. Vivant; 2009 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg. 3. An important Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic carved chamber suite executed for James Clair Floods Atherton mansion. Linden Towers. 4. An antique enamel and 14k gold link necklace. 5. A Chinese embroidered panel, 124.5″ x 72.5″. 6. A Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao. 7. Tiffany & Co., a pair of turquoise, sapphire and 18k gold ear-clips. 8. Richard Howard Hunt, Untitled, 1979, bronze, 11.25″ x 5.25” x 8″. 9. A pair of Mira Nakashima walnut Conoid Cushion chairs with a copy of the original order card (one pictured). 10. An antique aquamarine, diamond and 14k gold brooch. 11. A Judith Leiber Couture Martini Glass Cocktail minaudiere clutch bag. 12. Tiffany & Co., an 18k gold Scorpio pendant. 13. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, La Troupe de Mademoiselle Eglantine, 1895, lithograph in colors, 23″ x 30.25″. 14. A set of four George Nakashima New chairs.
5644 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94609
In Person + Online Bidding | Preview: May 15th, 1-5 PM PDT