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Lemons

When faced with ‘Lemons’ at auction, bid high Nov. 19

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Lemons
Clars Auction Gallery is offering this rare painting by William J. McClosky (American, 1859-1941) that has an estimate of $120,000-$180,000. Clars Auction Gallery image

OAKLAND, Calif. – Clars Auction Gallery will present their monthly auction of Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18-19. These sales will bring to market important and rare works in fine art, numerous important special collections spanning historic to fashion and exceptional jewelry. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

Clars will offer another rare and masterful painting by William J. McCloskey (American, 1859-1941) titled Lemons (above). McCloskey’s forté, and what makes his citrus still lifes so desirable among collectors, is his almost photorealist execution of depicting citrus fruit (such as lemons and oranges) that are partially and lightly wrapped in the tissue paper and placed on a polished, wood surface. The use of a glossy platform for the fruit adds an extra element of depth and the illusion of reflection.

In July 2016, Clars sold McCloskey’s beautiful oil on canvas titled Wrapped Lemons on a Tabletop (1888), for the exceptional price of $217,800. Lemons, which will be offered with an estimate of $120,000-$180,000, is also one that is a “must have” for any collectors of the artist or this genre.

Also to be offered is a spectacular and quite large charcoal study of Victor Mature as Samson from the 1949 movie Samson and Delilah, by Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978), estimated at $50,000-$70,000. Released by Paramount Pictures, Samson and Delilah was an American, romantic Biblical drama film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille starring Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature. Ten artists, Rockwell being one of them, were commissioned to paint their interpretation of the film at Paramount Studios.

Lemons
This charcoal study of Victor Mature as Samson from the 1949 movie ‘Samson and Delilah’ by Norman Rockwell is estimated at $50,000-$70,000. Clars Auction Gallery image

Also, a set of 14 authenticated pen and ink and pencil drawings (some double-sided) by Frederic Remington (American, 1861-1909), will be offered for $30,000-$50,000.

American Contemporary offerings are extremely strong with two major works by Barry McGee (American, b. 1966) leading this genre. La Migra (below), 1995, an installation work in collaboration with the artist Sandow Birk (American, b. 1962) is comprised of 60 metal panels placed together to create a monumental image of McGee’s signature style of graffiti art mixed in with central figures. His Mission School style of painting plays a pivotal role in La Migra, and will certainly fetch its $40,000-$60,000 estimate.

Lemons
American Contemporary will be lead by Barry McGee’s (American, b. 1966) ‘La Migra,’ 1995, an installation work in collaboration with the artist Sandow Birk (American, b. 1962). Estimate: $40,000-$60,000. Clars Auction Gallery image.

A number of impressive works by European and International artists will be offered. Among these highlights is an early oil on canvas from 1917 by Jean Metzinger (French, 1883-1956) titled, Table 25 a la Cafetiere, Fleurs, Tasse et Citron Jaune (below), which will be offered with an estimate of $60,000-$90,000.

Lemons
This early oil on canvas from 1917 by Jean Metzinger (French, 1883-1956) titled ‘Table 25 a la Cafetiere, Fleurs, Tasse et Citron Jaune,’ will be offered with an estimate of $60,000-90,000. Clars Auction Gallery image.

Another exceptional piece is by Lee Man Fong (China, Indonesia, 1913-1988). The oil painting titled Six Doves in Peaceful Harmony is valued at $20,000 to $40,000. Known for his depictions of genre scenes and animals, this painting displays Lee’s exceptional talent for painting flora and fauna and is yet another example of his delicate white doves. His talent and theme of beauty and tranquility, which elevated him to the position of Indonesia’s presidential painter, resonates through all his works and does not fall short in this extraordinary piece.

For historical collectors, Clars will be offering a framed handwritten and signed legal briefing by Abraham Lincoln dated May 30, 1855, that is expected to bring $6,000-$9000.

For lovers of couture and fine accessories, there will be a large collection of fashion during both the Saturday and Sunday sessions. Destined to bring strong interest will be two Hermes Birkin bags.

A fine collection of Native American art will also feature prominently in this sale highlighted by an antique Apache olla and a San Ildefonso blackware jar, signed Marie and Julian, 1928-1933.

The jewelry to be offered in this sale is extraordinary. A stunning Art Deco Tiffany & Co. diamond, synthetic sapphire, platinum and 14k yellow gold bracelet will top these offerings and is expected to achieve $20,000 – 30,000.

Lemons
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco diamond, synthetic sapphire, platinum and 14K yellow gold bracelet will be the highlight of the jewelry category. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000. Clars Auction Gallery image

The sales will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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