Hart Galleries to auction antiques and architectural furnishings from Houston’s historic Warwick Hotel
Oct. 23, 2005
Hart Galleries’ Nov. 6 auction will be a most important single-session event containing a superb collection of antique furnishings and architectural elements, objets d’art and fine art from Houston's historic Warwick Hotel. Live Internet bidding will be provided by www.liveauctioneers.com. Among the fine and rare antiques offered are many that were collected around the world by the late John W. Mecom, Sr., a legendary Texas oilman, specifically for placement in this exceptional hotel.
Included in this special auction is a selection of 18th and 19th century French paneling, highlighted by a superb set of four finely carved oak wall panels, circa 1685, originally commissioned for Palais Versailles. That particular lot, and another that consists of a complete room of carved paneling, formerly were located in the Warwick's Presidential suite.
Other exceptional items include a large 18th century signed Aubusson wool tapestry representing "The Story of Diana" and period lifesize portraits of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie, both attributed to Franz Xavier Winterhalter. Also included in the sale is a fine, late 19th century, 9-tube, triple-chime carved mahogany hall clock, the dial signed Thomas Armstrong & Bros., Manchester. Important 19th century marble sculptures are also featured, including Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm's lifesize "Eurydice," formerly in the Bristol Museum Collection; and "Eve" by Scipione Tadolini. A good selection of bronzes will be offered, including a fine 19th century group "En Champagne" by Emile Edmond Peynot. Highlighted porcelains are represented by superb examples of Sevres, including a monumental 19th century doré bronze mounted baluster vase and a pair of gilt metal mounted figural ewers, circa 1900. An early 20th century monumental glazed ceramic capped urn on elaborate pedestal base originally from Franz Joseph I of Austria is featured as well. Also cataloged is a late 19th century pair of well-carved marble columnar torchéres with 12-light gilt bronze candelabra, 84 inches in height; a large 48 inch pair of Empire patinated and gilt bronze figural nine-light candelabra on marble bases; and an exceptional and large 19th century French doré bronze and marble annular dial urn-form clock.
Fine furniture to be offered includes a late 19th century Louis XVI-style carved and decorated marble top console; a well-carved Renaissance Revival marble-top walnut console, circa 1900-1920; a pair of superbly carved oak marble-top consoles; a custom-made figured mahogany marble-top concierge/reception desk; a late 19th century Louis XVI-style carved giltwood three-panel boudoir screen, a number of French giltwood settees, loveseats, bergeres and footstools, as well as numerous lamp tables and side tables.
Not to be overlooked is a large selection of both bronze and crystal chandeliers, including two large, well-crafted, copper-patinated bronze eight-light examples. Sconces include a late Victorian baronial-style copper, brass and cast metal three-tiered 14 light pair. Mirrors are also featured, including a large 19th century Continental carved giltwood and gesso multi-pane example, a superb 18th century finely carved French oak framed wall mirror originally from the Palais Murat in Paris and two monumental French-style carved oak framed arched wall mirrors, 133 inches in height.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of history. View the fully illustrated catalog and bid absentee or live online through www.liveauctioneers.com.
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