Skip to content
These rare American Modern Gothic carved and burl walnut pedestals, circa 1880, are attributed to Daniel Pabst of Philadelphia. The 27-inch-high pedestals are estimated at $6,000-$8,000. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.

Neal’s Winter Estates Auction features festive paintings, Jan. 30-31

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
These rare American Modern Gothic carved and burl walnut pedestals, circa 1880, are attributed to Daniel Pabst of Philadelphia. The 27-inch-high pedestals are estimated at $6,000-$8,000. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.
These rare American Modern Gothic carved and burl walnut pedestals, circa 1880, are attributed to Daniel Pabst of Philadelphia. The 27-inch-high pedestals are estimated at $6,000-$8,000. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.

NEW ORLEANS – One of the best American Impressionist paintings that Neal Auction Co. has handled in some time will be sold on the first day of the company’s Winter Estates Auction, which will be conducted Jan. 30-31 at the Magazine Street Gallery.

“Lot 324, the Robert Grafton painting, is one of the most beautiful American Impressionist paintings from our region to have been offered here in many, many years,” said Neal Alford, president and co-founder of Neal Auction Co.

Saturday’s session, which will begin at 10 a.m. Central, has 560 lots. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

The Grafton painting, estimated at $20,000-$30,000, is titled Reflections of Luggar’s Landing, New Basin Canal, depicts boats tied up at a pier. It is an oil on canvas board, 16 inches by 20 inches and dated 1918.

Robert Grafton and his friend and fellow Indiana artist, Louis Oscar Griffith, often visited New Orleans in the early 20th century and were captivated by the historic buildings and waterways that made up the city and by the lively art community, which was largely centered in the French Quarter.

Just as Grafton found inspiration in New Orleans, French artist Felix Ziem (1821-1911) was continually drawn to the splendor and Venice. He visited the city many times and once stayed for more than three years. His painting titled A Richly Embellished Ship at the Entrance to the Grand Canal, Venice, an oil on canvas measuring 25 1/4 inches by 36 1/4 inches is in an elaborate carved, gessoed and giltwood frame. From a Nashville, Tenn., estate, it has a $40,000-$60,000 estimate.

The artists and personalities of his day held Ziem in high regard. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, winning numerous awards and medals. In 1857 he was made a chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, was named an officer in 1878, and made a commander in 1908.

Furniture will include a étagère attributed to John Henry Belter, a fine Renaissance Revival cabinet and an American Rococo table, but a most unusual lot is a pair of Modern Gothic carved and burl walnut pedestals, circa 1880, attributed to Daniel Pabst of Philadelphia. Each of the 27-inch-tall pedestals has a 21 1/2-inch-diameter circular top with a rotating mechanism. The pair has a $6,000-$8,000 estimate.

It’s worth noting that the geometric floral decoration on these pedestals, using lighter burled veneers cut through to a darker contrasting ground, is typical of Pabst’s later body of work, and shows the influence of English designer Christopher Dresser, who lectured in Philadelphia in conjunction with the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, an event clearly influential to this Philadelphia cabinetmaker.

A 19th-century Russian patinated bronze sculpture group of a bear attacking two men, after Nicolai Ivanovich Lieberich (Russian, 1828-1883), has a Cyrillic cast signature and a foundry mark “Fabr. C.F. Woerfrel/ St. Petersbourg.” The bronze stands 15 1/4 inches high on a 2 3/4-inch period ebonized walnut base. It has a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

Two large 19th-century Meissen polychrome and gild-decorated porcelain “Elements” ewers will be sold separately. Both are after a model by J.J. Kändler. Air is modeled with birds in flight, winged putto and the figures of Juno and Zephyr. Water features a figure of Neptune, mermaid, stylized dolphins and ancient warships. Each ewer is about 26 inches high and has a $3,000-$5,000 estimate.

Sunday’s auction, which will begin at 11 a.m. Central, will have more than 400 lots.

For details phone 800-467-5329.

To view the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Perfume Bottles Auction’s complete catalog.

“>Click here to view Neal Auction Company’s complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American/Indiana, 1876-1936) used lush, thick brushwork to beautifully render the reflections of boats in the water in this Impressionistic painting of the New Orleans’ New Basin Canal. Signed and dated 1918, the 16- by 20-inch painting has a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.
Robert Wadsworth Grafton (American/Indiana, 1876-1936) used lush, thick brushwork to beautifully render the reflections of boats in the water in this Impressionistic painting of the New Orleans’ New Basin Canal. Signed and dated 1918, the 16- by 20-inch painting has a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.

French artist Felix Ziem’s vivacious and energetic views of Venice are among his most coveted works. This signed oil on canvas, 24 1/4 inches by 36 1/4 inches, is in an elaborate frame, and has a $40,000-$60,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.
French artist Felix Ziem’s vivacious and energetic views of Venice are among his most coveted works. This signed oil on canvas, 24 1/4 inches by 36 1/4 inches, is in an elaborate frame, and has a $40,000-$60,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.

Water is the theme of this 19th-century Meissen polychrome and gilt-decorated porcelain ‘Elements’ ewer, which stands 26-inches high. With some restoration noted it is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.
Water is the theme of this 19th-century Meissen polychrome and gilt-decorated porcelain ‘Elements’ ewer, which stands 26-inches high. With some restoration noted it is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle of Philadelphia traveled abroad with this early 1900s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. The trunk, which measures 30 inches high by 44 inches wide and 21 1/2 inches wide, has a $2,500-$3,500 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.
Maj. Gen. Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle of Philadelphia traveled abroad with this early 1900s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. The trunk, which measures 30 inches high by 44 inches wide and 21 1/2 inches wide, has a $2,500-$3,500 estimate. Image courtesy of Neal Auction Co.