Morphy’s to auction stellar Brady mechanical bank collection, Feb. 27

Kyser & Rex Mikado bank. Illusionist makes coin appear under one hat then disappear, only to reappear under a second hat. Blue-base variation. Comes with English coins. Near-mint. Estimate: $80,000-$120,000

DENVER, Pa. – Although the cast-iron mechanical bank-collecting world is a very active one spanning several continents, only a few bank collections can be accurately described as “highly important” or being of “premier quality.” As any serious collector will attest, reaching that level of excellence takes dedication, constant upgrading and a long-term commitment to the hobby. The special camaraderie connecting bank aficionados worldwide is how Bob and Judy Brady managed to build a collection that is both admired and recognized throughout the hobby as being one of the very finest. On Saturday, February 27, 2021, Morphy’s in Denver, Pa., will auction the Bradys’ incredible 40-year collection, which boasts some of the most elusive, high-condition banks in existence. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Auctions at Showplace features Bernard Cathelin painting Feb. 7

Bernard Cathelin (French, 1919-2004) ‘Bouquet De Vera Cruz,’ oil, 1964. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000. Auctions at Showplace image

NEW YORK – On Feb. 7, Auctions at Showplace will continue the winter auction season with selections of fine art, furniture, silver, jewelry, and decorative arts fresh to the market from New York City estates. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Turner Auctions to sell art, Russian silver, jewelry, Feb. 13

Pierre Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919), ‘Woman with Tambourine III’ (La Danseuse au Tambourin), bas relief bronze sculpture, posthumously cast from the original terra-cotta, 149 of 220, 29¾ x 17½ x 2½in. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Turner Auctions image

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Turner Auctions + Appraisals will conduct a fine art, Russian silver and jewelry on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time. Among the many artworks are paintings, etchings, lithographs and mixed media by noted artists from the 18th to 21st centuries, including Charles Paul Gruppé, Alson Skinner Clark, William Keith, Mary DeNeale Morgan, David Alfaro Siquieros and Charles L. A. Smith – plus several religious and colonial paintings from the 18th century. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

The Hot Bid: Edward Millman WPA fresco detail

The Edward Millman fresco detail of a post office mural contracted by the WPA. Swann Auction Galleries image

What you see: A fresco detail by Edward Millman of a mural panel he painted on the walls of the St. Louis post office for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Swann Auction Galleries estimates it at $3,000 to $4,000.

The expert: Harold Porcher [pronounced Por-SHAY], director of modern and postwar art at Swann Auction Galleries.

Continue reading

Early American home furnishings offered in online auction Feb. 11

Pair of 19th century redware dishes, Pennsylvania, 7½in diameter. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Antique Associates at West Townsend Inc. in West Townsend, Mass., a leading broker of antiques, art and antique arms, is offering nearly 200 high-quality lots of mostly American in an online auction through Jasper52 on Thursday, Feb. 11. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Continue reading

Botticelli portrait sells for $92.2M at New York auction

Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, called Sandro Botticelli, ‘Young Man Holding a Roundel,’ tempera on poplar panel. Estimate in excess of $80 million, the masterpiece sold for $92.2 million. Image courtesy Sotheby’s

NEW YORK – One of the finest portraits ever painted by Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli, Young Man Holding a Roundel, sold Thursday at Sotheby’s for a record $92.2 million.Continue reading

Arne Jacobsen: a visionary architect of furniture

This 1958 Arne Jacobsen Egg chair and ottoman sold for $21,000 + the buyer’s premium in May 2012 at Wright. It is the highest price for such a pair in the LiveAuctioneers auction results database. Photo courtesy of Wright and LiveAuctioneers

NEW YORK – When you think about modernist furniture, beautiful styling and clean lines come to mind, and the Scandinavian designers were masters of this genre. Focusing on the basics like simplicity, minimalism and functionality, designers like Arne Jacobsen created furniture that was not only comfortable but was almost a piece of art in the home or office.

Continue reading