New World Record Set for Artist Theodor Baierl at Cheffins’ First Fine Art sale of the Year
Mar. 14, 2008
CAMBRIDGE, England—Cheffins’ first Fine Art sale of the year, March5-6, saw a new world record established for German artist Theodor Baierl, when his painting of St. John the Baptist reached $60,965. Internet bidding for this and all fine art sales at Cheffins is provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
The oil-on-panel, signed lower right, and in original Aedicula gilt frame with Renaissance style decoration, entered the sale with an estimate of $2,500-$4,000. Exhibited at the Munich Art Exhibition in 1930 and with provenance from The Reverend Francis Swithinbank, Vicar of Clare, Suffolk, the painting logged 26 bids before settling at the new artist record of $60,965.
The remainder of the auction saw estimates ignored across additional categories. In the first day’s morning section, an early 20th century Meissen group, realized $800 (est: $400-$600) and a pair of late 18th century ‘Sevres’ vases and covers, made $600 (est: $350-$500).
As ever, the oriental porcelain section was strong with a late 19th century Chinese four fold screen that realized $1,000 (est: $125-$175), a blanc de Chine figure of Guanyin realizing $1,000 ($1,000-$2,000) and a 19th century Chinese hat stand base and cover making $1,300 ($400-$600)
An interesting collection of glass decorated by the Norfolk artist, William Absolon made $2,200 (est: $600-$900)
The silver section had a near 100% sale rate with the more interesting lots being a quantity of 19th century silver pistol handled cutlery which made $1,100, a George III cucumber slice which made $800, and the most successful, a Paul Storr silver gilt Chamberstick which realized $4,100.
On Thursday, the morning section saw a good collection of paintings offered. The first highlight was a John Frederick Lewis’ – “The Carpet Sellers” which realized $2,800 (est: $750-$1,000), followed by a Frederick George Pasmore – “Outside the Blacksmith’s Shop with Children Playing” which made $1,100 (est: $750-$1,000).
An interesting collection by local artists, namely Charles Edmund and Richard Henry Brock, proved very popular with local private buyers. Charles’ painting of an elegant Lady passing two Gentleman outside Anstey Hall made $6,000 (est $2,500-$4000) and Richards’ “A Girl feeding Chickens in an Orchard” made $4,750 (est: $2,500-$4,000) and his “Milkmaid and Cattle by a River” realized $3,500 ($1,500-$2,500).
In the afternoon, the furniture section showed that although there were no highlights, there was a very strong trade for good lots, including a Georgian walnut chest on chest that had some restorations but made $1,900 (est: $1,000-$2,000), a George III Lancashire oak dresser base which achieved $2,500 ($1,000-$2,000), a late Victorian figured oak cabinet at $1,100 (est: $500-$750), a William IV mahogany wine cooler of sarcophagus outline at $1,700 ($750-$1,000) and a late George II walnut estate bureau cabinet which made $1,500 ($1,500-$2,500).
To view the fully illustrated auction catalog, with prices realized, visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
