GENESEO, N.Y. – A large and vibrant painting by Alexander Calder titled Bosbies & Uniforms sold for $109,250 at a fine art and antiques auction held Sept. 25-26 by Cottone Auctions. LiveAuctioneers.com provided absentee and Internet live bidding.
That the painting broke through the $100,000 mark came as no surprise. Works by Calder are highly collectible and in constant demand. He is best known for his kinetic abstract mobiles and floor pieces, but was also an adept painter, working in watercolor, oil and gouache. Bosbies & Uniforms, typical of Calder’s style, was the top lot in an auction that grossed about $2 million.
“Obviously we were thrilled with what the Calder piece sold for, but the fact is the whole sale was strong across the board and across all categories,” said Matt Cottone of Cottone Auctions.
Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 15 percent buyer’s premium.
A wonderful example of Modern Design artwork by the Spanish-born master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), a rendering on a plate titled Woman’s Face (below), with two stamps on the underside for “Madura Plein Feu” and “D’Apres Picasso,” sold for $25,300.
Exclusive antique clocks from two major collections sparked intense bidding. From the collection of Dr. Joseph Arvay of New Jersey came a rare miniature Mark Leavenworth shelf clock (below) with figured mahogany case, which sold for $31,050.
From the collection of Dr. Warren Hammerschlag, also New Jersey, came a rare Asa Munger shelf clock, with grained mahogany case and tapered “stovepipe” metal pillars, gold leafed and stenciled ($39,100); and a majestic Simon Willard tall case clock (below) made for Capt. Benjamin Webb in 1778, 7 feet 6 inches tall, with figured and inlaid mahogany case ($48,300).
The surprise star of the Asian category was a trio of Japanese and Chinese beautifully painted scrolls (below), two of them signed by Chang Wen Jun (b. 1918) and depicting a mountain landscape, a peacock and blossoms and bees, all three in excellent condition ($80,500).
A rare Tiffany Studios table lamp (below) with turtleback counterbalance and shade signed and numbered “3582,” with artichoke patterned base, 25 inches tall, with excellent shade and original patina on the base, fetched $44,850.
An oil on canvas painting (below) of figures on horseback by the French artist Paul Delamain (1821-1882), titled Arabian Salute (1880), signed, 39 inches by 52 inches, realized $44,850.
For more information contact Cottone Auctions by calling 585-243-1000 or e-mail them at info@cottoneauctions.com.
Click here to view the fully illustrated catalog for this sale, complete with prices realized.
