Oil on canvas painting by Mihail Chemiakin (Russian, b. 1943), dated 1997 (est. $18,000-$22,000). Elite Decorative Arts image.
The auction will begin promptly at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Over 300 lots will come up for bid. In addition to fine art, items will include porcelain, bronzes, silver, estate jewelry, art glass, Chinese objects and more.
“Our more recent auctions have seen Asian antiques commanding center stage, but in this instance great artwork will prevail,” said Scott Cieckiewicz of Elite Decorative Arts.
Works by a pair of noted Russian artists are expected to do particularly well. A 42-inch by 42-inch oil on canvas depiction of men with beast-like characteristics and a dragon in the background by Mihail Chemiakin (b. 1943) should fetch $18,000-$22,000. The signed work, titled Carnaval de St. Petersbourg (1997) sold for $25,041 at Christie’s London gallery in 2009.
The other is a monumental (77 1/2 inches by 64 inches) oil painting by M.V. Brusilovsky (b. 1932), titled Ekaterinburg-New York, Romantic Subject (Aggression). Signed and dated 1992, the work is a depiction of people with animals and carries a presale estimate of $7,000-$10,000. Interest in works by emerging Russian artists—like Chemiakin and Brusilovsky—is on the rise.
An oil on canvas painting by Japanese artist Kumi Sugai (1919-1996), titled Soleil (Sun) and executed in 1968, should find a new owner for $8,000-$12,000. The work is a rendition of the iconic Japanese “Rising Sun” set against a black and white checkered border. It is signed and dated “Sugai 68” to the lower right, and to verso, and measures 39 1/4 inches by 39 1/4 inches.
A framed three-page autographed letter signed by the renowned American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910), with drawings, is expected to hit $6,000-$8,000. The letter, penned in black ink on three separate leaves, was written May 17, 1909, and addressed to his sister, Laura. In it, he describes the condition of his cottage, with detailed illustrations on all three of the pages.
Homer writes, “The cottage is in good order. Dining room varnished—all the place rain proof—a marked garden planted with mint” and “I think next year if I live I shall keep away from here until June 1st.” The drawings show three plants in pots, titled Three Primroses, and the grounds showing a ship’s rudder, fences and a “game reservation,” with a dog chasing rabbits.
An oil on board street scene depiction by the French artist Elisee Maclet (1881-1962), signed lower right and mounted in a gilt frame, measuring 15 inches by 22 inches, carries a presale estimate of $3,000-$5,000. Maclet began his career as something of a dabbler—a “Sunday painter” —but following World War II his views of Paris earned him recognition and success.
A German expressionist oil on canvas painting by an unknown artist, showing a farm house near a stream, mounted in a wooden frame and measuring 19 inches by 24 inches, should realize $4,000-$6,000. Also, a pair of early 20th century photos by Charlotte Fairchild, depicting silent screen legend Mary Pickford, each signed in pen by Fairchild, should make $2,000-$3,000.
Chinese objects will include a pair of relief carved ivory scholar’s desk wrist rest plaques from the late Qing Dynasty, showing courtyard scenes with maidens under pine trees and having an etched calligraphy poem to the top center (est. $4,000-$6,000); and a hand-carved African ivory tusk depicting a standing Guan Yin holding lotus blossoms on branches, wearing a flowing layered robe, 22 inches tall, on a fitted base and with a presentation box (est. $3,000-$5,000).
A stunning and large antique Sevres hand-painted cobalt French porcelain urn depicting landscape scenes and with bronze-mounted handles and foot, 42 inches tall, is expected to breeze to $6,000-$8,000; and a 19th century Samuel Marti & Co. bronze and wood mantel clock clad with bronze women and cherubs and domed glass screen should hammer for $2,000-$3,000.
Elite Decorative Arts is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To inquire about consigning an item, an estate or an entire collection, call 561-200-0893 or e-mail info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts and the upcoming June 8 auction, on to www.eliteauction.com. Updates are posted frequently.
View the fully illustrated online catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Oil on canvas painting by Mihail Chemiakin (Russian, b. 1943), dated 1997 (est. $18,000-$22,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Oil painting by Russian artist M.V. Brussilovsky, signed and dated 1992 (est. $7,000-$10,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Chinese relief carved ivory scholar’s desk wrist rest plaques, 9 inches high (est. $4,000-$6,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Nineteenth century Samuel Marti & Co. bronze and wood mantel clock (est. $2,000-$3,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Two photographs of Mary Pickford by Charlotte Fairchild, photographer signed (est. $2,000-$3,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Rare autographed letter signed by iconic American painter Winslow Homer from 1909, with drawings (est. $6,000-$8,000). Elite Decorative Arts image. Stunning antique Sevres hand-painted cobalt French porcelain urn, 42 inches high (est. $6,000-$8,000). Elite Decorative Arts image.
