BOONTON, N.J. – If a photograph is worth 1,000 words, then Millea Bros.’ Spring Select Auction May 17–19 is worth a book. Boasting over 1,000 lots, all with compelling stories of their own, the auction showcased three estates, featuring a large selection from the late gallerist Ileana Sonnabend’s art photography collection, passed down to her daughter, Nina Castelli Sundell, a curator and scholar until her death in 2014; 1960s–1970s American Modern art from the estate of Sen. Jacob and Marian Javits; and large-scale European and American contemporary art from the estate of venture capitalist Pentti Kouri. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
Scientific papers, illustrated books featured at PBA Galleries, June 14
SAN FRANCISCO – On June 14, PBA Galleries will hold an auction of 205 select lots with material from the 16th to early 21st century, with rare, unusual and important books, manuscripts and related items in a wide range of fields. Included are early printings of religious tomes, seminal works on mathematics, keystones of evolutionary science, high spots of literature, illustrated books and livres d’artiste, original manuscripts including landmarks of science fiction, finely bound books, and much more. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Gallery Report: May 2018
ATLANTA – At the start of each month, ACN columnist Ken Hall gathers top auction highlights from around the United States and beyond. Here’s what made headlines since last month’s Gallery Report (prices include the buyer’s premium unless stated otherwise):
Francis N. Souza painting, $235,000, Weiss Auctions
A large oil painting by the Indian-American artist Francis Newton Souza (1924-2002), titled Head in a Landscape, sold for $235,000 at an auction held May 17 by Weiss Auctions in Lynbrook, N.Y. Also, three artworks by Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin (b. 1943) – a painting and two sculptures – brought a combined $44,800; and a lithograph and screenprint in colors by Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008), titled People for the American Way (1992) hammered for $24,600.
Americana quilt sale June 12 a kaleidoscope of colors, designs
NEW YORK – A dazzling and dizzying display of pinwheels, stars and geometric shapes highlights a collection of more than 40 Americana and folk art quilts, which will be offered in a Jasper52 online auction on Tuesday, June 12. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Native tribe welcomes artifacts from British Museum
GRAND RONDE, Ore. (AP) – Tribal artifacts that have been hidden away in the archives of the British Museum in London for nearly 120 years are being returned to a Native American tribe for an exhibit at its own museum — a facility the tribe expanded and upgraded in part to reclaim these pieces central to its complicated heritage.
The art of scientific instruments
NEW YORK — Even before King George III commissioned a fine microscope to be made in the 17th century as a gift to his wife, Charlotte, an amateur botanist, people had become fascinated with scientific instruments. Today, there are specialty antiques fairs where scientific instruments are bought and sold, and the curious products of early technology appear at auctions worldwide.
Benefit Shop Foundation riding wave for antique fans June 13
MOUNT KISCO, N.Y – Antique fan collectors will find a fanciful grouping of antique fans on Wednesday, June 13, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, highlighting the Benefit Shop Foundation’s monthly Red Carpet Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Finn Juhl furniture soars to record heights at Clars Auction Gallery
OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery hosted their Important Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry and Asian Art Auction on May 20. Furniture designs by Finn Juhl (Denmark, 1912-1989) stole the show with both pieces offered setting a new U.S. auction record. Both Finn Juhl lots sold through LiveAuctioneers, which provided absentee and Internet live bidding.
Kensington Estate Auctions presents Sendak art June 18
CLINTONDALE, N.Y. – Kensington Estate Auctions will offer a diverse array of art, antiques and collectibles on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. Eastern. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Albert Einstein manuscript heads RR Auction offerings June 13
BOSTON – An important Albert Einstein handwritten manuscript will be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auction on June 13. The fully illustrated catalog can be viewed on LiveAuctioneers.