SKINNER TO AUCTION COLLECTION OF PUG DOG PAINTINGS
NOVEMBER 18TH IN BOSTON
Private Collection of Artwork Inspired by the Loveable Pug
Other Pug-Related Collectibles to be Offered in Future Skinner Auctions
BOSTON, Mass. – October 25, 2004
–
www.skinnerinc.com – On Friday, November 18, 2005 Skinner, Inc. one of the nation’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will auction off a private collection of artwork, all inspired by the loveable Pug dog. Featured as a special highlight in Skinner’s auction of American & European Paintings , the collection of Pug art comes from the estate of a renowned philanthropist, equestrian and canine advocate, known for her love of Pugs. The collection includes over 21 lots of Pug artworks including oils on canvas and several pastels. For Pug lovers, the auction and previews are not to be missed.
The Pug breed originated in the Far East , and first appeared on the continent of Europe in Holland . According to 19 th century canine writer John Henry Walsh (a.k.a. Stonehenge ), the breed’s name comes from the Latin pugnus, meaning fist, “because the shadow of a clenched fist was considered to resemble the dog’s profile.”
The Pug rose to its height of popularity as a prized pet of the wealthy and elite among British society after the breed was named the official dog of the House of Orange in England . It is believed that a Pug saved the life of William I of Orange in 1572 at the battle of Hermigny, alarming the British of the approach of the Spaniard army. Since that time, the Pug has a long and much celebrated history in the art world, especially among British painters.
Pug highlights from Skinner’s paintings auction include lot 432, A Pugnacious Pupil, an oil on canvas by Lucia Mathilde von Gelder (German, 1865-1899). Signed and inscribed "LV Gelder Munchen", the framed painting measures 27 x 20 1/2 and bears a label from Cooling Galleries, London , on the reverse. It is estimated $20,000-30,000.
A Pugnacious Pupil
Another notable work is lot 429, a Wilson Hepple (British, 1853-1937) oil on canvas, The Swarland Pugs. The framed work is signed and dated "Wilson Hepple 1898" and measures 28 x 40 in. The label on the reverse reads "Owned by Mrs. Hugh Andrews of Swarland Hall, Swarland, Northumberland, who exhibited pugs 1896-1912. The standing dog, with puppy behind his legs, is "Ch. Taurus of Swarland." The puppy "Ch. Nancy of Swarland" won her first Ch. Certificate at Crutts 1899. The standing bitch (is) "Tetty of Swarland" and the other two dogs (are) "Prince of Swarland" and "Darius of Swarland." The painting is estimated $6,000-8,000.
The Swarland Pugs
The auction also features multiple pug inspired works by Gladys Emerson Cook in the $300-500 range.
Auction & Preview Times, Online Viewing & Bidding, and Catalogue
Skinner’s American & European Paintings auction begins on Friday, November 18 th at 4 p.m. in Skinner’s gallery at 63 Park Plaza in Boston . Auction previews will be held Wednesday, November 16 th from 12 to 5 p.m. ; Thursday, November 17 th from 12 to 7 p.m. , and Friday, November 18 th from 12 to 2:30 p.m. The auction and previews are open to the public, and there is no charge to attend.
Interested bidders who are unable to attend the auction and previews in person can view the entire auction and leave bids online at www.skinnerinc.com. Online bidders can bid live during the auction at www.liveauctioneers.com.
An Illustrated print catalogue (#2299) is available by mail for $32 ($39 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also sold at the gallery for $29. Prices realized will be available at
www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, visit
www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to order catalogues online.
More Auctions Featuring Pugs
Other Pug-related arts and decorative arts from the same estate will also be offered in future Skinner auctions. Skinner’s annual Holiday Auction, scheduled for Thursday December 15 th and Friday December 16 th will feature Pug collectibles in porcelain, wood, and mixed metals. Skinner’s January 8 th, 2006 auction of European Furniture & Decorative Arts will feature fine ceramics inspired by the Pug.
###
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art and the only major auction house headquartered in New England . With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series,
Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, and Discovery. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Bolton , Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site
www.skinnerinc.com.
