Contemporary art, design mesh at Wright auction April 25

Victor Vasarely, ‘Okta-Pos-Va.’ Estimate: $70,000-90,000. Wright image.

Victor Vasarely, ‘Okta-Pos-Va.’ Estimate: $70,000-90,000. Wright image.

Victor Vasarely, ‘Okta-Pos-Va.’ Estimate: $70,000-90,000. Wright image.

CHICAGO – Wright’s highly anticipated lifestyle auction, Living Contemporary, which mixes modern and contemporary art with 20th century design, will be conducted April 25. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

Notable in the sale is an outstanding selection of studio ephemera and artwork by Christopher Wool, including a subversive business card and an early word painting with PRANKSTER broken over three lines (estimates range from $200 to $200,000). The works by Wool, belonging to a former longtime studio assistant, have never before been presented at auction.

Also featured is the collection of Joseph and Janet Shein, who have spent the past 50 years collecting contemporary, folk and outsider art. Their unique vision is exemplified by the eclecticism of their collection, where superb modern paintings are presented alongside folk art and objects. Significant among the Shein collection is a large portrait by Barkley Hendricks, Stanley (estimate: $200,000-300,000), Continuel Mobile Transparent, a sculpture by the Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc (estimate: $100,000-150,000) and Will Barnet’s Woman Reading, the iconic work that was the basis for the print reproductions (estimate: $50,000-70,000). A collection of American washboards, two 19th century weather vanes and a scarab beetle sculpture that is memorabilia from a political campaign (estimates range from $1,000 to $2,000) are all excellent examples of folk art from the Shein’s extraordinary collection.

Modern, Pop and contemporary art figures prominently in Living Contemporary with All American Nude by Tom Wesselmann (estimate: $30,000-40,000), paintings and sculptures by Victor Vasarely (estimates range from $3,000 to $70,000), works by Robert Rauschenberg (estimates range from $1,000 to $30,000) and three paintings by Kenny Scharf (estimates: $20,000-30,000 each) among the selection. A superb assortment of photography includes works by Candida Höfer (estimate: $50,000-70,000 each), Thomas Struth (estimates: $10,000-15,000 each), and a collection of 58 photographs by Wingate Paine (estimate: $10,000-15,000).

In the spirit of a truly contemporary lifestyle, these works of art are featured alongside exceptional and accessible examples of design including a Woosh sofa by Zaha Hadid (estimate: $30,000-50,000), a custom dining table by John Vesey (estimate: $20,000-30,000), a pair of Diamonte table lamps by Paolo Venini and Carlo Scarpa (estimate: $10,000-15,000), as well as a collection of six candlesticks by Donald Drumm (estimate: $1,000-1,500), a signature rope-covered stool by Christian Astuguevieille (estimate: $1,000-1,500) and a set of six wall lights by Charlotte Perriand (estimate: $3,000-4,000).

Edited for both beginning and experienced collectors alike, the broad spectrum of offerings in Living Contemporary make it among the most exciting auctions of the year. From chic designs to works of rarity and importance, this sale defines high style.

“With impressive offerings of postwar and contemporary art, ranging from large format photography by Candida Höfer to a 1971 Barkley Hendricks painting, the sixth installment of Living Contemporary is an exciting sale,” said Peter Jefferson, Wright specialist.

Join Wright in celebrating this inspired and thoughtfully curated sale on April 25. Living Contemporary begins at noon CDT and directly follows Pablo Picasso: Master Drawings from an Important Private Collection. Each work will be featured in our specialized, full-color auction catalog.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.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

Victor Vasarely, ‘Okta-Pos-Va.’ Estimate: $70,000-90,000. Wright image.
 

Victor Vasarely, ‘Okta-Pos-Va.’ Estimate: $70,000-90,000. Wright image.

Zaha Hadid Woosh Sofa. Estimate: $30,000-50,000. Wright image.
 

Zaha Hadid Woosh Sofa. Estimate: $30,000-50,000. Wright image.

Julian Stanczak, ‘Frigid Light,’ Estimate: $15,000-20,000. Wright image.
 

Julian Stanczak, ‘Frigid Light,’ Estimate: $15,000-20,000. Wright image.

Candida Hofer, ‘Bayerische Staatsoper in Munchen II,’ Estimate: $50,000-70,000. Wright image.
 

Candida Hofer, ‘Bayerische Staatsoper in Munchen II,’ Estimate: $50,000-70,000. Wright image.

Candida Hofer, ‘Santuario dom Bosco,’ Estimate: $40,000-60,000. Wright image.
 

Candida Hofer, ‘Santuario dom Bosco,’ Estimate: $40,000-60,000. Wright image.

Carstens Galleries sale features fine art, ivories Apr. 25

Ivory sculpture. Carstens Galleries image.
Ivory sculpture. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory sculpture. Carstens Galleries image.

BOCA RATON, Florida – On April 25, commencing at 6 p.m. EDT, Carstens Galleries will present its, Fine Art, Ivories and Antiquities Auction. Internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

This event will present a special collection of 18th and 19th century paintings from Clarence Roe, Francis Wheatley, Jean Capeinick, James Burrell Smith, Gertrude Cutts, Francisco Ribera Gomez, Johan Zoffany, Cornelis Petrus T’Hoen, Raffaellino Del Colle, and oils on canvas from the Hudson River School and the Reynolds School. From China, two hanging scrolls will be presented, lots 362 and 363 by Zhang Daqian and Huang Zhou, respectively. Also, from Latin American masters, oils by Epifanio Ortega and Gabriel Bracho, pencils and gouache on paper by Diego Rivera, and an F. Zuniga pastel.

There will be an important sample of Oriental sculptures in green and white jade and pink quartz, and a nice selection of old Oriental ivory sculptures, as well as some exceptional netsukes. Lot 371 is a unique and authentic mammoth tusk carved and signed by the Chinese master, with about 70 individual figures of the young celebrating the company of the elders. This lot is a world rarity for its size and quality.

Other offerings among some 300 lots in this auction of Carstens Galleries include Hagenauer sculptures, Sevres and Dresden vases, an F. Zuniga beautiful sculpture (lot 260), and Famille Rose plates. Also present is a choice selection of old pocket watches and wristwatches by Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and Longines. To complement the auction, there is an interesting collection of archeological artifacts from Central America, jewelry boxes, porcelains and original Limoges hand- painted miniatures that will surely be of interest to bidders.

As usual, Carstens Galleries as a service to bidders, specifies in its catalogs the estimated shipping cost of almost all its lots, and for very heavy or large items, requests information about possible destination of a lot to provide the buyer with correct information and coordination of shipping by Carstens Galleries.

For additional information about any lot in this sale, call Claudio Calderon at Carstens Galleries 561-393-6067 or email him at carstensgalleries@yahoo.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.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

Ivory sculpture. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory sculpture. Carstens Galleries image.

Oriental rug. Carstens Galleries image.

Oriental rug. Carstens Galleries image.

Slag glass table lamp. Carstens Galleries image.

Slag glass table lamp. Carstens Galleries image.

Hagenauer bronze. Carstens Galleries image.

Hagenauer bronze. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory netsuke. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory netsuke. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory chess set. Carstens Galleries image.

Ivory chess set. Carstens Galleries image.

Oil on canvas, John Zoffany. Carstens Galleries image.

Oil on canvas, John Zoffany. Carstens Galleries image.

Civa bronze and ivory. Carstens Galleries image.

Civa bronze and ivory. Carstens Galleries image.

Pre -Columbian art. Carstens Galleries image.

Pre -Columbian art. Carstens Galleries image.

 

E-Art Auctions presents 20th C. Italian design in April 20 sale

Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book 'Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.' Est. € 1,500-2,000. E-Art Auctions image.
Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book 'Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.' Est. € 1,500-2,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book ‘Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.’ Est. € 1,500-2,000. E-Art Auctions image.

ASTI, Italy – On April 20, E-Art Auctions in Asti, Italy, will offer bidders an interesting collection of 20th-century design, predominantly of Italian origin. Categories include ceramics, furniture, chandeliers, lamps and glass works, and many distinguished designers are represented, includine Ponti and Mangiarotti. Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

Asti is a destination for those who seek to learn and share knowledge about art, design and collecting. E-Art is well known by aficionados as a prime source of quality contemporary art, modernist design and 20th-century art objects.

Auction highlights include:

Distex armchair, wood with original fabric. Gio Ponti, Cassina, 1953, with metal label and patent number. Est. € 13,000-14,000.

Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book ‘Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.’ Est. € 1,500-2,000.

Pair of adjustable wall lamps LP11. Brass structure, satined glass globes. By Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Azucena, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000.

Four chairs by Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, 1957. Est. € 1,000-1,200.

Painted-metal floor lamp on marble base. By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000.

E-Art offers personal property valuations and appraisals, in addition to hosting its popular auctions. For information on any of its services, or to contact the auction house about any item in the April 20 auction, call 011 39 328 9667353 or email e.art.auctions@gmail.com.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

# # #

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book 'Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.' Est. € 1,500-2,000. E-Art Auctions image.
 

Dining table Series TRI, glass with chrome on wood and chromed metal base. Pictured in the book ‘Gabetta e Isola, Allemandi.’ Est. € 1,500-2,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Distex armchair, wood with original fabric. Gio Ponti, Cassina, 1953, with metal label and patent number. Est. € 13,000-14,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Distex armchair, wood with original fabric. Gio Ponti, Cassina, 1953, with metal label and patent number. Est. € 13,000-14,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Pair of adjustable wall lamps LP11. Brass structure, satined glass globes. By Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Azucena, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000. E-Art Auctions image.
 

Pair of adjustable wall lamps LP11. Brass structure, satined glass globes. By Luigi Caccia Dominioni. Azucena, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Four chairs by Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, 1957. Est. € 1,000-1,200. E-Art Auctions image.
 

Four chairs by Tobia Scarpa, Gavina, 1957. Est. € 1,000-1,200. E-Art Auctions image.

Globe from painted-metal floor lamp on marble base. By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000. E-Art Auctions image.
 

Globe from painted-metal floor lamp on marble base. By Angelo Lelii, Arredoluce, 1953. Est. € 2,500-3,000. E-Art Auctions image.

Leyendecker’s ‘Honeymoon’ rings up $194,500 for Heritage

Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ cover, July 17, 1926, oil on canvas. Heritage Auctions image.
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ cover, July 17, 1926, oil on canvas. Heritage Auctions image.
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ cover, July 17, 1926, oil on canvas. Heritage Auctions image.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – J.C. Leyendecker’s spectacular Honeymoon, The Saturday Evening Post cover, July 17, 1926, realized $194,500 to lead Heritage Auctions’ $2.8 million Illustration Art Signature® Auction on April 11-12, a sale that saw tremendous prices realized across the board, especially where pinup and golden age classic artworks were concerned. The piece came to auction from a consignor in New England whose mother was gifted the painting by the artist himself upon her own wedding, where Leyendecker also walked her down the aisle.

LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

“Collectors would be hard pressed to find a Leyendecker that showcases the artist’s skill in a ways as spectacular as this painting,” said Ed Jaster, senior vice president of Heritage Auctions. “This was the third-highest price ever for the artist, and with good reason – it’s a masterpiece.”

The auction also saw spirited bidding for Patrick Nagel’s oversize acrylic, Her Seductive Look, which soared to $158,500 – more than tripling the world record for the iconic 1980s artist.

“This is a staggering price realized for Nagel,” said Todd Hignite, vice president of Heritage Auctions. “Heritage set a record for Nagel last fall, at $56,250, and we felt that was a great result. Clearly, with the results from this auction, we’re seeing that Nagel’s profile continues to rise.”

With a 95 percent sell-through rate, numerous world record prices in the auction were witnessed from some of the great names of the form, such as Earle Bergey’s classic The Cybernetic Brains, Startling Stories pulp cover, September 1950, the auction catalog’s cover piece, which realized $89,500, along with Thorton Utz’s whimsical, complex Love’s Lost Child at Information Booth, The Saturday Evening Post Christmas cover, Dec. 20, 1958, which drew applause in the room as it finished at $104,500. Rolf Armstrong’s dazzling Twinkle Toes proved quite popular at $68,500, while Edward Runci’s aquatic pinup, Scenic Shorelines, finished the day at $62,500, all world records for the artists. Frank McCarthy’s original movie poster artwork for 1967’s The Dirty Dozen sold for $27,500, a world record for the artist’s movie poster art.

“The room was buzzing and we are seeing many new collectors entering the field right now,” said Hignite. “This auction proved that great examples across all genres and value ranges of Illustration are poised to set records in our auctions.”

Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

Gil Elvgren, A Near Miss (Right On Target), Brown & Bigelow calendar pinup, 1964: Realized $104,500.

Gil Elvgren, Let’s Go Around Together, Brown & Bigelow calendar pinup, 1948: Realized $101,500.

John Philip Falter, Antique Store Accident, The Saturday Evening Post cover, June 20, 1959: Realized $74,500.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Heritage Auctions’ Illustration Art Signature® Auction on April 11-12, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE

Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ cover, July 17, 1926, oil on canvas. Heritage Auctions image.
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (American, 1874-1951), ‘Honeymoon,’ ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ cover, July 17, 1926, oil on canvas. Heritage Auctions image.
Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984), ‘Her Seductive Look,’ acrylic on canvas, 70 x 32 inches, signed lower right. Heritage Auctions image.
Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984), ‘Her Seductive Look,’ acrylic on canvas, 70 x 32 inches, signed lower right. Heritage Auctions image.
Earle Bergey (American, 1901-1952), ‘The Cybernetic Brains,’ ‘Startling Stories’ pulp cover, September 1950, oil on canvas, 27 x 18 inches, signed center left. Heritage Auctions image.
Earle Bergey (American, 1901-1952), ‘The Cybernetic Brains,’ ‘Startling Stories’ pulp cover, September 1950, oil on canvas, 27 x 18 inches, signed center left. Heritage Auctions image.
Thorton Utz (American, 1914-1999), ‘Love's Lost Child at Information Booth,’ The Saturday Evening Post’ Christmas cover, Dec. 20, 1958, oil on board, 23.75 x 22 inches, signed lower left. Heritage Auctions image.
Thorton Utz (American, 1914-1999), ‘Love’s Lost Child at Information Booth,’ The Saturday Evening Post’ Christmas cover, Dec. 20, 1958, oil on board, 23.75 x 22 inches, signed lower left. Heritage Auctions image.
Rolf Armstrong (American, 1889-1960), ‘Twinkle Toes,’ 1947, pastel on Masonite, 40 x 29 inches, signed lower center. Heritage Auctions image.
Rolf Armstrong (American, 1889-1960), ‘Twinkle Toes,’ 1947, pastel on Masonite, 40 x 29 inches, signed lower center. Heritage Auctions image.
Edward Runci (American, 1921-1986), ‘Scenic Shorelines,’ 1950, oil on canvas, 26 x 20 inches, signed lower right. Heritage Auctions image.
Edward Runci (American, 1921-1986), ‘Scenic Shorelines,’ 1950, oil on canvas, 26 x 20 inches, signed lower right. Heritage Auctions image.

 

Marge Schott necklace hits home run for Cowan’s at $192,000

The top lot in Cowan’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction was this 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Marge Schott of the Cincinnati Reds. It sold for $192,000. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

The top lot in Cowan’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction was this 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Marge Schott of the Cincinnati Reds. It sold for $192,000. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

The top lot in Cowan’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction was this 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Marge Schott of the Cincinnati Reds. It sold for $192,000. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

CINCINNATI – Cowan’s Auctions Inc.’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces: Live Salesroom Auction on April 14 realized $585,00. With strong bidding from the Internet and phone, a crowded salesroom of over 50 participants on the floor battled against competitive bids for many of the lots in the sale. LiveAuctioneers.com provided Internet live bidding.

Fine jewelry and timepieces by renowned designers and makers such as Tiffany & Co., Patek Philippe and Cartier were offered in the auction, and a selection of five pieces owned by the late Marge Schott, longtime owner of the Cincinnati Reds, hammered down for just over $315,000.

The sale’s top selling lot was a 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Schott. Two bidders battled back and forth on the phone and Internet for the piece, and eventually the necklace sold to a phone bidder for $192,000, more than doubling its estimate of $65,000-$85,000.

Other fine jewelry from Schott achieved great results in the auction. Competing bids between the floor and Internet drove Schott’s platinum and diamond 18-carat brooch up to $55,350, which eventually sold to an Internet bidder. A platinum Hamilton wristwatch with eight carats of diamonds sold to a participant on the floor for $57,000, and a platinum brooch with pear-shape, baguette and round diamonds realized $10,455.

A number of rings and earrings performed well in the auction. A platinum fancy intense yellow three-stone ring sold to an Internet bidder for $9,840. Competing bids in the audience and on the phone drove the selling price of an 18K white gold tanzanite and diamond ring to $7,800, eventually selling to the floor bidder. A pair of platinum fancy yellow diamond earrings also sold to the floor for $9,600.

Exceptional timepieces were also offered in the sale. Two bidders on the phone and Internet battled for a ladies’ platinum and diamond Omega wristwatch, which sold to the Internet participant for $18,450. A Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold pocket watch sold for $8,600, and an E. Mathey 14K yellow gold hunter case repeater pocket watch realized $4,600.

Cowan’s next Fine Jewelry and Timepieces: Live Salesroom Auction will take place Dec. 8 at noon EST. For more information about the auction or to consign for future auctions, call Brad Wanstrath at 513-871-1670.

View the fully illustrated catalog for Cowan’s Auctions Inc. jewelry and timepieces auction April 14, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

The top lot in Cowan’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction was this 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Marge Schott of the Cincinnati Reds. It sold for $192,000. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

The top lot in Cowan’s Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction was this 28-carat platinum and diamond necklace made for Marge Schott of the Cincinnati Reds. It sold for $192,000. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

The Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold pocket watch sold within estimate for $8,600. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

The Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold pocket watch sold within estimate for $8,600. Cowan’s Auctions Inc. image.

Elvis autograph, firearms report to Ace Auctions sale Apr. 21

Stunning French security cabinet, 9 feet tall, circa 1900. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Stunning French security cabinet, 9 feet tall, circa 1900. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Stunning French security cabinet, 9 feet tall, circa 1900. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

PLYMOUTH, England – Ace Auctions Ltd. will present a Specialist Sale on Sunday, April 21, beginning at 10 a.m. local time (2 a.m. Pacific). LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

Boasting 256 lots, the auction’s star attraction is a genuine Elvis Presley autograph, beautifully preserved in a mounted montage with supporting newspaper and photographic evidence of the day. Elvis signed the autograph from inside the front gates of Graceland in March 1960, after he had returned from two years in the U.S. Army. This rare piece of Elvis memorabilia carries a £2,500-£3,500 estimate.

The auction also has a fine collection of Victorian firearms and 18th century militaria. A superb French security cabinet, circa 1900, is included in the furniture section. Fine art is represented by a lovely, amusing limited-edition Beryl Cook print titled Dancing on the QE2.

A fine collection of Admiral Lord Nelson/HMS Victory collectable items is also going under the hammer, including two Battle of the Nile medals, a splendid bronze bust of Nelson and much more.

See the Ace Auction catalog for full details. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Contact John Stewart at Ace Auctions Ltd for more information, phone: 01752 342020 or email: aceauctions@live.co.uk.

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

Stunning French security cabinet, 9 feet tall, circa 1900. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Stunning French security cabinet, 9 feet tall, circa 1900. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

British Snider-Enfield .577-caliber rifle, circa 1860s. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

British Snider-Enfield .577-caliber rifle, circa 1860s. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Limited-edition Beryl Cook print, no. 267 of 300, ‘Dancing on the QE2.’ Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Limited-edition Beryl Cook print, no. 267 of 300, ‘Dancing on the QE2.’ Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Unique Elvis Presley montage containing authentic Elvis autograph, March 1960. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Unique Elvis Presley montage containing authentic Elvis autograph, March 1960. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Beautifully mounted and framed Elvis Presley 1975 concert scarf bearing a facsimile signature of Elvis Presley. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Beautifully mounted and framed Elvis Presley 1975 concert scarf bearing a facsimile signature of Elvis Presley. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Bronze bust of Admiral Nelson, inscribed Nelson on front and Fredericks on reverse. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Bronze bust of Admiral Nelson, inscribed Nelson on front and Fredericks on reverse. Ace Auctions Ltd. image.

Art Nouveau trove to be dispersed at Swiss auction

The Neumanns once collected posters by Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
The Neumanns once collected posters by Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
The Neumanns once collected posters by Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

GENEVA (AFP) – A decade after thieves stole a haul of Art Nouveau glassworks in a lightning raid on an exhibition, legitimate collectors will have a chance to bid for the remaining trove of the Swiss-based Neumann family.

Due to go under the hammer on April 27 in the medieval castle of Gingins, a hillside village overlooking Lake Geneva, the 500 lots include other glassworks, furniture and paintings.

According to the auctioneers handling next week’s sale, the estimated value is between a million and 1.5 million Swiss francs (800,000-1.25 million euros, $1.1-1.6 million).

The sale was organized by the heirs of Czech-born couple Lotar Neumann, who died in 1992, and his wife Vera, who died earlier this year. The castle was their home. Born in 1918, Lotar was the son of a wealthy Jewish industrialist in Prague. He escaped Nazi Germany’s clutches during World War II thanks to a false identity, and in 1948 married Vera, who was eight years his junior.

The same year, a communist regime took over what was then Czechoslovakia, and the Neumanns emigrated to Venezuela.

Starting from scratch, they founded a paint and dye factory, which was to make their fortune.

Nostalgic for their European past, they had begun collecting posters of the works of Czech Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha, and eventually their wealth enabled them gradually to buy original pieces.

In 1960, the Neumanns decided to move back to Europe, setting up home in Switzerland and buying the Gingins castle two years later.

They continued to collect art over the ensuing decades.

Two years after Lotar’s death, Vera set up the Neumann Foundation which was dedicated to putting their prize works in display in regular exhibitions in the castle.

It was as such an event in October 2004 that the thieves struck, making off with 15 works by French master glassmaker Emile Galle worth an estimated four million Swiss francs at the time.

Among them were five of Galle’s dragonfly-motif cups, made in 1904 and seen as a touchstone of the Art Nouveau movement.

The gang members—who like the stolen artworks have never been tracked down—took just five minutes to raid the exhibition.

The shocked Neumann Foundation decided to close its doors to the public after the robbery.

In addition to the art up for auction, the castle is also on sale, with unconfirmed information suggesting it has been valued at 35 million Swiss francs.

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

The Neumanns once collected posters by Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
The Neumanns once collected posters by Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Uniqlo clothier to sponsor MoMA events amid US push

A Uniqlo store in Ginza, Tokyo. Image by SK2. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
A Uniqlo store in Ginza, Tokyo. Image by SK2. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
A Uniqlo store in Ginza, Tokyo. Image by SK2. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan’s cheap chic clothing chain Uniqlo said Thursday it has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with the Museum of Modern Art in New York amid an aggressive international expansion push.

Under the agreement the firm will sponsor a free admission program from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m every Friday from May 3.

The deal comes as the brand, operated by Fast Retailing, is aiming for a greater share of foreign markets after having enjoyed spectacular success at home.

Uniqlo already has a flagship store on the same New York street as MoMA, as well as operations in 13 nations and territories outside Japan, mostly in Asia.

“It is an honor for us to be neighbors with MoMA on 53rd Street, such a prestigious and central location,” Tadashi Yanai, chairman and president of Fast Retailing, said in a statement.

“I hope that together we can grow and deepen our relationships with the general public,” he said.

Uniqlo most recently enjoyed spectacular marketing success with Australian golfer Adam Scott, for whom Uniqlo became a major sponsor this month.

The golfer was wearing the brand’s logo when he clinched a spectacular triumph in the Masters last weekend.

Uniqlo had asked the golfer to wear a white polo shirt on the final day of the tournament.

Including the 1,990 yen ($20) shirt, Scott wore clothing with prices totaling 7,960 yen ($81) on that day, all from Uniqlo.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE

A Uniqlo store in Ginza, Tokyo. Image by SK2. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
A Uniqlo store in Ginza, Tokyo. Image by SK2. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Adam Scott, winner of the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament, wearing a Uniqlo shirt. Image courtesy Uniqlo.
Adam Scott, winner of the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament, wearing a Uniqlo shirt. Image courtesy Uniqlo.

Rhino horns stolen from National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland, where the rhino horns were stolen Wednesday. Image by Mike Peel. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
The National Museum of Ireland, where the rhino horns were stolen Wednesday. Image by Mike Peel. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
The National Museum of Ireland, where the rhino horns were stolen Wednesday. Image by Mike Peel. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

DUBLIN (AFP) – Masked men stole eight rhino horns from the National Museum of Ireland with a street value of about 500,000 euros ($650,000), officials said Thursday.

The gang of three broke into the museum archives building in Dublin late on Wednesday, tied up a security guard and loaded four rhino heads—each with two horns—onto a van, police said.

The guard, who was unhurt, eventually freed himself and raised the alarm, but not before the thieves had made off with their haul.

Rhino horns have become increasingly valuable as a component of traditional medicines in Asia, where they are falsely believed to have powerful healing properties.

Poachers feeding the lucrative market have decimated rhino populations across Africa—in South Africa, more than 200 of the animals have been killed so far this year.

A spokeswoman for the Irish museum said fears about a possible theft had prompted curators to move the horns from public display last year into storage.

“Their price is based on weight and the total amount stolen could have a street value in the region of 500,000 euros,” she said.

Police said they had begun an investigation into the theft, adding: “The crime scene is sealed off for forensic technical examination.”

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

The National Museum of Ireland, where the rhino horns were stolen Wednesday. Image by Mike Peel. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
The National Museum of Ireland, where the rhino horns were stolen Wednesday. Image by Mike Peel. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.

US returns stolen Virgin Mary tapestry to Spain

This 16th century tapestry was stolen in December 1979 from a cathedral in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It recently was discovered in Houston. Image courtesy ICE.gov.
This 16th century tapestry was stolen in December 1979 from a cathedral in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It recently was discovered in Houston. Image courtesy ICE.gov.
This 16th century tapestry was stolen in December 1979 from a cathedral in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It recently was discovered in Houston. Image courtesy ICE.gov.

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A 16th century religious tapestry stolen from a Spanish cathedral in 1979 and sold at auction three years ago for $369,000 was returned to Spain on Wednesday by the U.S. customs service.

In a statement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said special agents from its Homeland Security Investigations unit seized the artifact last November from the unidentified Texas business that had bought it.

The wool and silk tapestry, depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, had been stolen in December 1979 from the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, Martyr of Roda de Isabena in the Aragon region of northeastern Spain.

After it turned up in a Brussels art fair catalog in 2010, Belgian, Spanish and U.S. investigators established it had been acquired in 2008 by a gallery owner in Belgium along with two partners from Milan and Paris.

“Today’s repatriation is an example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement partners from around the world work together in the effort to ensure that stolen and looted priceless cultural objects like this are returned to their rightful owner,” said ICE director John Morton.

Madrid’s ambassador to Washington Ramon Gil-Casares accepted the tapestry on behalf of his nation at a ceremony at his residence.

Since 2007 more than 6,600 artifacts—including paintings from Europe, manuscripts from Peru and cultural artifacts from China, Cambodia and Iraq—have been returned by the United States to 24 countries, according to ICE.

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

This 16th century tapestry was stolen in December 1979 from a cathedral in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It recently was discovered in Houston. Image courtesy ICE.gov.
This 16th century tapestry was stolen in December 1979 from a cathedral in the Aragon region in northeastern Spain. It recently was discovered in Houston. Image courtesy ICE.gov.