Kaminski Auctions’ fall fine art and estates auction September 20′1 was a success with many items selling above estimate. The under-the-tent auction featured fine art, antiques and collectibles from estates in Massachusetts and beyond. Represented artists included John White Alexander, Emile Gruppe and William Morgan.
Headlining the sale was an important painting by American artist John White Alexander. “Priscilla,” a signed and dated portrait by the artist, realized $32,650. Alexander began his career as a political cartoonist, later receiving formal training in Paris and Munich. Among his most famous works is a commissioned series of murals, “Evolution of the Book,” displayed in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
A Clark & Sons telescope also garnered attention, reaching $5,750 after a volley of 25 bids. The 58-inch refracting telescope included a case, tripod and additional lenses. The piece, originally estimated $1/2,000, is stamped “Clark & Sons” and “Cambridge, Mass” for its city of origin.
Two paintings by Massachusetts artist Emile Gruppe also crossed the block. Gruppe, who lived and worked primarily in Gloucester, Mass., proved popular with bidders. “Bailing the Fish” sold just over high estimate at $23,000 and “Winter in Waterville, VT” fetched $21,850.
Other fine art highlights included a painting by Danish artist John Leopold Lubschitz. “Children Fishing,” an oil painting housed in an ornate gilt frame, reached $27,600. The painting is signed “J. Lubschitz” and dated “87” in the lower left-hand corner.
Surprises of the sale included a porcelain figurine of two dancing clowns, originally estimated at $300/500, but which realized $7,475. The figurine stands 8½ inches tall and is stamped on the underside with a Meissen hallmark.
An Art Deco ivory and bronze figurine of an exotic dancer was originally estimated $400/600. The figure boasts a hair decoration made of opals and a pair of bronze cymbals. After a feverish round of bidding, the piece reached $3,220.
“Our fall auction was a huge success,” said Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions. “We’ve encountered a wealth of rare and valuable consignments and are thrilled to offer them at auction, both locally in Massachusetts and across the globe through live online bidding.”
All prices reported include the 15 percent buyer’s premium. For more information, www.kaminskiauctions.com or 978-927-2223.
