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European Paintings
Through the estate of Selma H. and Irving M. Sobin are several works including Karl Schmidt-Rottluff’s Hayfield with Storm Clouds. Schmidt-Rottluff was a founding member of “Die Brücke,” a group that sought to express “…rejection of the older forces of the establishment” through art. The radical anti-academic model they championed helped bring Expressionism into acceptance. By the time Schmidt-Rottluff received public acclaim for his work, the Nazis denounced it as “degenerate,” and banned him from painting. He resumed art-making after the war and the Sobins exhibited the present work in 1958. Lot 478 is estimated at $35,000 to $55,000.
Another German work of note is Carl Spitzweg’s Der Briefträger. The scene depicting a letter carrier is likely the rediscovered, final version of this known composition, created c. 1870. Coming from a private collection, the piece hasn’t been on the market for quite some time. Lot 326 is estimated at $70,000 to $90,000.
American Paintings
From another private collection is Robert Spear Dunning’s Still Life with Root Vegetables.
Co-founder of the Fall River School, Dunning was known as a master of reflective surfaces and for ornate Victorian still lifes inspired by the influx of wealth coming into the area following the Civil War. His pieces often incorporate ripened fruit, flowers and opulent objects set on highly polished tabletops. While it was an unusual choice to paint root vegetables in a worn brass pot, the piece offers all the hallmarks of his style with the meticulous detail as evidenced in his more showy works. Lot 364 is estimated at $70,000 to $90,000.
The sale will also feature a wonderful Jane Peterson piece entitled Lotus Flower. Lot 484 has an estimated value of $100,000 to $150,000. Purchased from a private Massachusetts collection c. 1970 by the present Massachusetts owner, Lotus Flower was likely created during World War I when the artist was unable to travel throughout Europe. While more of a portrait, much of the style is reminiscent of the flower pieces she later painted.
From the estate of a New York arts benefactor come several impressive 20th century works, including pieces by Japanese and American artists. Featured in this collection are 3 Janvier 1960 by John Harrison Levee, lot 578, estimated at $1,500 to $2,000 and The Shining Waves by Insho Domoto, lot 582, estimated at $1,500 to $2,000.
Prints
A strong group of Frank Benson etchings comes from the private collection of Robert Morse. Highlighted are Pintails in Flight over a Marsh, lot 416, estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 and The Fishermen, lot 21, which was based on Benson’s painting titled Calm Morning of 1904, currently in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The composition depicts the artist’s three children—Elisabeth, George, and Eleanor—fishing off of the shores of North Haven Island, Maine. The work is estimated at $3,000 to $5,000.
Great German Expressionist prints include Conrad Felixmüller’s Bildnis Max Liebermann, lot 75, estimated at $1,000 to $1,500 and Emil Nolde’s Frau N (Frau Ada Nolde), lot 147, valued at $8,000 to $12,000. The sale also features a highly recognizable M.C. Escher print, Belvedere, lot 72, estimated at $8,000 to $12,000 as well as a good grouping of photographs, a much expanded offering from previous sales.
Previews, Catalog and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Wed, May 18th from 12 to 5 p.m., on Thurs, May 19th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fri, May 20th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Thursday evening preview will feature a reception and gallery walk beginning at 5:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. to 617-350-5400. Illustrated catalog #2547B is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery for $32. Auction results will be available on the Skinner website during and after the sale. Skinner’s site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive! For more information, visit www.skinnerinc.com or call 508-970-3000.
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’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 globally 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, American & European Paintings & Prints, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Jewelry, Textiles & Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Science & Technology & Clocks, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys & Dolls, and Discovery. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. For more information, visit www.skinnerinc.com.
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Contacts
- Robin Starr, Director of American & European Paintings & Prints, 508-970-3259, rstarr@skinnerinc.com
- Kate de Bethune, Director of Marketing, 508-970-3231, kdebethune@skinnerinc.com
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