NANTUCKET, Mass. – Rafael Osona Auctions is known for uncovering treasures from far-reaching corners, but it’s two close-to-home artists whose works will drive the excitement during the August 28 sale. Six Ralph Cahoon paintings and eight lots of meticulously hand-crafted artisan furniture by Stephen Swift headline a lineup of almost 500 lots, sharing the stage with fine and maritime arts from Nantucket and beyond; South Sea pearls; period American, English, and Continental furnishings and decor; whaler-made collectibles; Nantucket baskets; sterling silver; Chinese export; antique carpets; and collectibles during Rafael Osona’s 41st annual late summer Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

A 20th-century visionary in the folk narrative, for whom a fine art museum was established and named, paintings by Ralph Eugene Cahoon Jr. celebrate life’s enduring pleasures as only Ralph Eugene Cahoon could, in the persona of cavorting 19th-century mermaids and lovesick sailors. Since his first exhibition in 1953, the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Josiah K. Lilly III, actress, Joan Fontaine and members of both the Mellon and DuPont families have been avid collectors. The group of Cahoon works is led by July 4th Race of the Crosby Cats, 1880, an oil-on-masonite work estimated at $70,000-$90,000.

There is absolutely nothing more comfortable than a Stephen Swift chair, and Swift’s heirloom furniture can be nearly impossible to get. The custom-built dining ensembles, casework, bed frames, tables and chairs of this classic/modernist designer and quintessential craftsman grace many a Nantucket estate. Osona’s August 28 auction features eight Stephen Swift lots, chief among them a cherry wood rocking chair estimated at $1,800-$2,200.

Despite its size, a miniature painting by American modernist, Robert Stark Jr. leads the Nantucket Art category. In Red Sail Off The Point, Stark’s iconic, red-sailed catboat catches a scant offshore breeze as darkening skies fade the day’s last shadows. The Stark miniature carries an estimate of $6,000-$8,000.

Six lots by husband-and-wife team Doris and Richard Beer, who were active from the 1940s to the 1960s, include Orange Street, an undated, large watercolor estimated at $2,000-$3,000, as well as an illustrated, limited edition book of poetry by Ralph Waldo Emmerson, signed by both artists. Also look for two works by contemporary rising star Joan Albaugh and paintings by highly regarded artists John Austin, James Cromartie, Illya Kagan and others.

Nantucket Baskets are collected near and far, and the handbag variety dubbed “Nantucket minks” are well represented in every Osona sale. On August 28, two Friendship Baskets by Jose Formoso Reyes are offered among open baskets by contemporary Nantucket basket innovators Paul Willer and Michael Kane, whose 1986 round open twin heart handle basket is estimated at $800-$1,200.

Jewelry offerings include various South Sea Pearl pieces, led by a 34in natural-colored ombre necklace with white gold and diamond clasp, estimated at $2,000-$2,500; a mabe pearl and diamond 18K yellow gold earrings; two examples of Bulgari Tubogas diamond cuff bracelets in steel with pink or white gold; and Native American heishi and fetish necklaces.

American antique furnishings in the August 28 auction include a striking circa-1825 New Hampshire Sheraton chest of drawers; a 19th-century noble Federal mahogany and tiger maple bow-front chest of drawers; and an 18th-century American bonnet top Queen Anne highboy. This last is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.

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