June 4, 2010 - Auction Central News

Rago’s June 18-19 Discovery and Estate auctions a bidder’s delight

Steinway grand piano with walnut case and cabriole legs, matching bench, late 19th century. Estimate $10,000-$15,000. Rago Auctions’ June 19 Estate sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

On Friday, June 18, Rago’s will present collectors with an exciting opportunity to bid, without reserve, on outstanding furniture, fine art, jewelry, textiles and decorative art in a 900-lot Discovery sale. Each of the items offered will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the amount. Internet live bidding will be available from anywhere in the world through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The auction features an abundance of smart, functional and affordable property and includes a 300+ lot selection of classic 20th-century furniture and decorative art from American, European and Scandinavian makers, jewelry and silver, art, tableware, a large collection of Chase metal, Asian, Tribal, Americana and 18th/19th century decorative arts and furnishings.

On Saturday, June 19, the company will host an Estate Auction highlighted by estate property from the Brooklyn, New York brownstone of an avid collector. The more than 150 lots include architectural elements, decorative Asian items, English furnishings, 19th-century lighting, paintings and American art pottery. The sale also includes an additional 300 lots from private consigners in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania: furniture, a Steinway piano, Asian art and artifacts, rugs and textiles, silver, porcelains, ceramics, clocks, Native American artifacts, lighting, glass, paintings, sculpture, photographs, prints and drawings.

“Our Estate and Discovery departments are being offered more and more interesting property all the time. This is probably the most diverse two-day sale yet,” said Miriam Tucker, the partner-in-charge of the Estates and Fine Art departments. “We have property that will appeal to serious collectors. We have a three-century selection of great mid-market furnishings and art. We have classic flea market finds.”

The auction dates and times are:

• Discovery Auction: Friday, June 18 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time

• Estate Auction: Saturday, June 19 at Noon Eastern Time

• Absentee and live Internet bidding will be available in both sales through LiveAuctioneers.com.

For additional information on any lot to be auctioned, contact:

• Estate Auction: Tom Martin, Specialist-in-Charge, 609-397-9374 or tom@ragoarts.com.

• Discovery Auction: Kristina Wilson, 609-397-9374 or kristina@ragoarts.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin; large pod chair on wood base. Estimate $1,200-$1,800. Rago Auctions’ June 18 Discovery sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

Le Corbusier, Cassina; chromed and enameled steel chaise lounge with cowhide upholstery, Cassina mark. Estimate $800-$1,200. Rago Auctions’ June 18 Discovery sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

Mont Joye tall vase with gold-enameled relief irises on etched ground, 16 1/4 inches. Estimate $300-$500. Rago Auctions’ June 18 Discovery sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1824-1887), Tiffany & Co., dore bronze sculpture of a female lute player, late 19th century, marked, 27 inches tall. Estimate $6,000-$8,000. Rago Auctions’ June 19 Estate sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

Stained-glass double-hung window with cattails in Moorish setting, 19th/20th century. Some losses to glass. Estimate $500-$700. Rago Auctions’ June 19 Estate sale. Image courtesy Rago’s.

Gene Shapiro Auctions moves to NYC; June 15 Russian art sale planned

David Burliuk (Russian, 1882-1967), Bar Scene, 1947, oil on canvas, signed lower right and dated lower left. Estimate $8,000-$12,000. Image courtesy Gene Shapiro Auctions.

NEW YORK – Gene Shapiro, president of the Russian art specialists Gene Shapiro Auctions, has announced his company’s relocation to elegant new premises in New York City. The firm’s new headquarters are at 506 East 74th Street in the Upper East Side section of Manhattan.

An inaugural auction of Russian art to officially launch the new gallery is planned for June 15, commencing at 12 noon Eastern Time. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

“I am very happy that we have been able to make this move,” Shapiro said, “as this has been something we have been wanting to do for a while, but we were waiting for a great space to come onto the market.”

The new gallery is conveniently located next to the intersection of 74th Street and York Avenue, which is only two blocks away from Sotheby’s. This will allow both buyers and sellers of Russian art to easily visit both companies on trips to New York, Shapiro said.

In addition, Gene Shapiro Auctions, which has been conducting two auctions a year dedicated to Russian art, will now be able to expand their annual auction calendar, as they will now have all operations under one roof at a permanent location. “While the former space we used [as a live-auction venue] in the Chelsea district of Manhattan was beautiful, it really limited the amount of time we could spend on exhibitions,” Shapiro remarked. “This move allows us to have a convenient location for visitors from Russia and other countries to visit us at their leisure, as we will now have extended exhibition times and open office hours for visitors.”

Shapiro believes the opening of a new permanent location for his business is a positive sign for the Russian art market as a whole. “For many knowledgeable collectors, America has long been an important source for Russian artworks, but the venues for acquiring them have been limited,” he said.

Gene Shapiro’s June 15 auction is brimming with 19^th– and 20^th-century Russian paintings and sculpture. Highlights of the auction include a powerful and stoic early landscape by Abraham Manievich (1881-1942) that has never before been at market and was consigned from the private collection of the artist’s family; and a large and vibrant Moscow-period painting by Oscar Rabin (B1928) that was acquired from the artist by Walter J. Stoessel in 1976 [Stoessel was the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1974-1976].

The time period for artworks in the auction runs from the 17th century to present day and includes particularly strong collections of Russian bronzes, avant-garde works, theatrical costume designs and illustrations, modernist paintings by Russian artists who emigrated to the West (including Abraham Manievich, David Burliuk and Constantin Westchiloff, amongst many others), and contemporary art by famous artists of the 1960s-70s, and up to the present day. Other artists of note in the auction include Nicolai Fechin, Leon Gaspard, Grigory Gluckmann, Evgeny Lanceray, André Lanskoy, Mikhail Larionov, Mikhail Roginsky, and Vasily Sitnikov.

The auction will also feature numerous rare books related to Russian art and artists, including a 17^th-century Russian Menaion that formerly belonged to the legendary nonconformist artist Vasily Sitnikov. Other books in the auction include a complete set of the influential early 20^th-century arts journal Zhar Ptitsa, Bulgakov’s monograph on Vasily Verseschagin, Nevedomsky and Repin’s monograph on Arkhip Kuindzhi, the Legat Brother’s book of caricatures of Russian Ballet dancers, the 1899-1900 Annual of the Imperial Theatres (the only year in which Sergei Diaghilev participated in the publication), the 1924-25 Revue Internationale des Arts du Théâtre (with original pochoirs by Goncharova, deThomas and Lissim included), Konstantin Somov’s Le Livre de la Marquise, Alexandre and Cocteau’s monograph on Leon Bakst, and the 1927 Brentano’s monograph on Bakst.

Important examples of Russian decorative arts are included in the auction, including two 19th Century Russian porcelain vases made by the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, several silver miniature travel icons in triptych form, and an early Cretan icon of the Nativity. In addition, the auction includes many collections of lithographs and hand-colored engravings that were produced in the 19th century illustrating Russian military uniforms, standards, and insignia; as well as André Durand’s views of Russia from his Excursion pittoresque et archéologique en Russie par le Hâvre, Hambourg, Lubeck, Saint-Petersbourg, Moscou, Nijni-Novgorod, Yaroslaw et Kasan published from 1842-1848.

To make the auction even more interesting for the collector or Russian art, rounding out the sale are more than 20 original early Soviet posters, including sought-after examples by Viktor Deni, Konstantin Eliseev, Roman Gershanik, Mikhail Kupryanov, Dmitri Moor, Grigory Roze, P.G. Sergeev, Valery Surianinov and Nikolai Valerianov.

For further information on any lot in the sale, call 212-717-7500 or e-mail info@geneshapiro.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Oscar Rabin (Russian, b. 1928), Picnic, 1976, oil on canvas, signed in Cyrillic and dated lower left. Estimate $40,000-$60,000. Image courtesy Gene Shapiro Auctions.

Abraham Manievich (Russian, 1881-1942), Country Landscape, with another oil painting on reverse), signed lower left in Cyrillic. Estimate $50,000-$70,000. Image courtesy Gene Shapiro Auctions.

Russian miniature silver triptych travel icon, arched form, central panel depicting St. George. Estimate $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy Gene Shapiro Auctions.

Poster, artwork by Nikolai Aleksevich Valerianov (Russian, b. 1905). Translated, the message reads: “Worker and Peasant Women – all should go to the polls! Gather under the Red Banner along with men. We bring fear to the bourgeoisie.” Estimate $400-$600. Image courtesy Gene Shapiro Auctions.

Reyne Gauge: Vintage and the City

Virginia de Luce, a 1940s entertainer once owned this unique metal mesh gown. It sold at an MGM auction in 1970. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).

May 27 was the debut of our favorite movie, Sex and the City 2. OK, maybe it’s not your all-time favorite but you have to admit, you bought a ticket just to see what Carrie would wear next.

Sarah Jessica Parker helped make Jimmy Choo a household name. Over the years, her outfits have been flirty, dreamy and sometimes a little bit bizarre. Regardless, there was always something you’d covet by the end of each episode.

Skip the gossip about the storyline and the great views of New York City – let’s talk designer clothing.

Patricia Field, the styling genius behind the show, reached out to vintage couture expert Julie Skinner for some of the wardrobe this time around. Fields had rented items from Skinner before to use on the set of Ugly Betty. That’s right, I said rented. Rented means just that, they are used for a short period of time by the actors/actress on a show, and then returned to the store to be rented again, or sold.

Fortunately for us, they are available on her Web site, P.S. (Post Script): http://www.postscript.avl.1stdibs.com

A few of the items seen in the film that are available for sale are a Zandra Rhodes sequin flapper dress listed at $2,800; a Jacques Casia couture gown for $6,500; a Gilli Originals Lucite purse for $375 and a rhinestone belt, which can be purchased for $375.

The pricing of these items might seem a little high, however, collectors are always willing to pay a little extra to have something with a celebrity or film attachment.

If the pricing above is a little out of your budget, there are ways to get a similar look for less. By visiting one of the local vintage couture shops you can quickly put together an outfit that resembles your favorite scene from the movie without breaking the bank.

Houston just happens to have a few haunts you should know about:

For Lucite bags visit Carolyn Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas located at 1001 West Loop Freeway.

Measuring just 6 inches by 5 inches, this Judith Leiber gold tone metal and Lucite bag is early and rare. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).

You can find a wonderful sequins gown at Cheeky Vintage, located at 2134 Richmond Ave. They have an amazing array of vintage dresses, gowns, hats, blouses, etc.

From the estate of Leona Helmsley is a 1960s lilac silk chiffon gown. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).

Finally, if retro isn’t your scene but you still wanted to bring out your inner Carrie Diva – visit Couture Blowout at 1621 Westheimer Road. They offer an ever changing inventory of Gucci, Versace, Prada, YSL and even a pair of Jimmy Choos.

Reyne Haines is an appraiser, author and host of The Art of Collecting. Visit her website at www.reyne.com

Montana art museum seeks new director

HELENA, Mont. (AP) – The Holter Museum of Art in Helena has launched a nationwide search for a new executive director.

Carl Deitchman will leave the job on June 30 after a year at the museum’s helm.

Deitchman says he submitted his resignation in April because he found he doesn’t want the head job at this point in his life.

Previously, he was the museum’s director of development and administration under former director Liz Gans.

Museum board co-chair woman Terry Cohea says Deitchman will leave the museum in great financial shape.

She says the closing date for applications is June 9. A hiring committee expects to begin phone interviews on June 14.

___

Information from: Independent Record, www.helenair.com

AP-WS-06-03-10 1153EDT

Mich. exhibition honors sculpture collectors Fred and Lena Meijer

View of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Photo by William J. Hebert.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) – A new exhibition is commemorating the support of Fred and Lena Meijer in developing the modern and contemporary sculpture collection at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

The gallery exhibition “Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer” opens today, June 4, and runs through Jan. 2, 2011.

The work of 26 artists is being displayed.

The exhibition also is part of a 15th anniversary celebration for the Grand Rapids attraction. Frederik Meijer Gardens opened in 1995 and was renamed Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2002.

Frederik Meijer helped grow the Midwest retail chain Meijer Inc. He and Lena Meijer have been married since 1946.

___

Online:

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: http://www.meijergardens.org

AP-CS-06-03-10 1216EDT

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Louis Bourgeois, The Fragile, 2007; and Magdalena Abakanowicz, Seated Child, 1989. Photo by Chuck Heiney.

Philip Grausman, Heather, 2009; Bill Woodrow, Revelator 4, 2006; and Dietrich Klinge, Gordian IX, 2009. Photo by Chuck Heiney

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Knife Ship 1:12, 2008; Mimmo Paladino, Elmo 2007. Photo by Chuck Heiney

Iowa officials announce arts grants worth nearly $290K

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – State officials have awarded 34 grants worth almost $290,000 for the arts.

The grants from the Iowa Arts Council will go to artists and organizations in 16 towns and cities.

The goal is to promote artistic excellence, job growth, planning and educational outreach. For instance, some of the grants are going to schools.

The council received 120 applications for the fiscal year ending June 30 of next year. The applications cover five areas, including arts in education and public art.

AP-CS-06-02-10 2241EDT

Historic Louisiana home reopens as bed and breakfast

Dansereau House, photo by Lori Worrell, courtesy Dansereau House.

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) – One of the area’s most historic buildings is once again open for business as a bed and breakfast.

Dansereau House was built in 1847, as a one-story building on land originally owned by the man for whom Thibodaux is named. After the Civil War, the Dansereau family converted it into an elegant three-story mansion with a cupola.

Since state Rep. Damon Baldone, D-Houma, bought the house in November, a Florida couple has relocated to the area to restore, furnish and market the home. Six months later, the house is already quietly hosting visitors, fundraisers and even an impromptu wedding.

“This all fell into place in a really wonderful way,” said Lori Worrell, 52, a Florida native and longtime Sarasota, Fla., resident. She and her husband, Paul, a veteran architect, were selected from dozens of candidates to run the place. “Our plan all along was to take this house and open it to the community.”

Baldone and the Worrells are the latest in a long line of inhabitants who have left their mark on the home. It’s on land originally owned by Henry Schyler Thibodaux, a Louisiana governor, state senator and congressman who is credited with founding Terrebonne Parish out of a portion of Lafourche.

Medicine was practiced there for almost a century.

After 1945, it was a private residence for the Caldwell family. In 1996 it opened as an inn and restaurant, and in 2003 was bought by businessman Buddy Naquin, who restored it and furnished it with lavish, eclectic furniture, art and other treasures from his global travels.

Baldone, who bought the home at auction for $750,000, said he’d long been interested in antebellum homes and opening a bed and breakfast. He’d researched the idea about 10 years ago, but the pieces never fell into place until last year.

“I fell in love with the house: It’s part of our history in Terrebonne and Lafourche,” he said. “This was my window of opportunity.”

Next, he had to find someone to run it. Dr. John Sweeney of Houma heard about Baldone’s plans and said his sister-in-law, Lori Worrell, and her husband had been considering purchasing or opening a bed and breakfast.

He’s a 30-year architect, and she’s worked in journalism, marketing and hospitality.

Baldone chose the two from more than 50 candidates. They arrived in cold January weather at the house, which was stripped of all but a few pieces of furniture. The upstairs bedrooms were empty, except for mattresses on the floor.

The home was generally in good condition but needed drapes and painting. The couple also busied themselves preparing brochures and finding furniture to fill 9,000 square feet of space.

The couple stayed in each room for several weeks to look for defects – a leaky toilet or sticky door, for example. They combed antique shops for furniture and paintings. Many of the pieces most recently in the home were sold at auction. While it’s their first time living in Louisiana, the friendly and helpful residents helped them feel at home right away, Lori Worrell said.

They’ve worked hard together from dawn to dusk each day and loved it. “It has been the culmination of a dream,” she said.

While they’re going for more subdued furnishings in line with the home’s historic roots, guests also can enjoy plenty of opulent aspects, like an ornate bar in the living room or a stained-glass window of the Virgin Mary. There’s more left to be done, including plans to fully restore a bar toward the back of the house.

Room rates range from $150 to $500 a night.

Regular guest rooms have high ceilings, enormous windows and their own access to the wraparound balcony. The governor’s or honeymoon suite is a vast third-floor room decorated in red and gold.

Given the upkeep costs of historic homes, Baldone said a bed and breakfast would bring in revenue from guests, weddings, receptions and charity events while also keeping the property open to the public. He’s also looking to find an agent to market the home for movie settings.

Baldone won’t say how much he’s investing in the new project.

“We hope to get the word out as much as possible,” Baldone said. “It’s a big investment. But it’s part of our history.”

___

Online: www.dansereauhouse.com

___

Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com

AP-WS-06-02-10 1927EDT

Five seized pre-Columbian artifacts returned to Peru

MIAMI (AP) – Five pre-Columbian artifacts that were seized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been returned to the government of Peru.

The artifacts, which were returned Wednesday, were seized in April 2009. They include two Peruvian terracotta vessels dating from 800 to 1500 A.D., a Chimu spouted globular vessel dating back to 700 to 1200 A.D. and a Nazca Region polychrome decorated terracotta beaker that dates to around 400 to 900 A.D.

The investigation began in 2008 after authorities found an eBay account offering protected antiquities for sale including pre-Columbian artifacts. Authorities found out the account owner had authentic pre-Columbian Peruvian artifacts, which are prohibited from being removed from Peru. No one was arrested in the case.

AP-ES-06-02-10 1346EDT

Sign up for daily highlights by email