OAKLAND, CA.- Clars Auction Gallery will present their monthly auction of Fine Art, Decorative Art, Furniture, Jewelry/Timepieces and Asian Art Auction on Sunday, November 19th at their Oakland (CA) gallery and saleroom. This sale will bring to market important and rare works in Fine Art, numerous important special collections spanning historic to fashion and exceptional jewelry, both single pieces and collections.
Highlights in Fine Art
American
Clars Auction Galley will be offering another rare and masterful painting by William J. McCloskey (American, 1859-1941) titled Lemons. McCloskeys forté, and what makes his citrus still lifes so desirable amongst collectors, is his almost photo realist execution of depicting citrus fruit (such as lemons and oranges) that are partially and lightly wrapped in the thin tissue paper laying on a polished, wood surface. The use of a glossy platform for the fruit adds an extra element of depth and the illusion of reflection.
In July 2016, Clars sold McCloskeys beautiful oil on canvas titled, Wrapped Lemons on a Table Top (1888), for the exceptional price of $217,800. Lemons, which will be offered with an estimate of $120,000-180,000 is also one that is a must have for any collectors of the artist or this genre - a very rare and important painting indeed.
Also to be offered is a spectacular and quite large charcoal study of Victor Mature as Samson from the 1949 movie, Samson and Delilah, by Norman Rockwell (American, 1894-1978), estimated at $50,000-70,000. Released by Paramount Pictures, Samson and Delilah was an American, romantic Biblical drama film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille starring Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature. Ten artists, Rockwell being one of them, were commissioned to paint their interpretation of the film at Paramount Studios.
A set of fourteen (14) pen and ink and pencil drawings (some double-sided) by Frederic Remington (American, 1861-1909), will be offered for $30,000-50,000. All of these drawings have been authenticated by Peter Hassrick, (the former director of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Denver Art Museum's Petrie Institute of Western American Art). These drawings feature: Studies from Russia (circa 1892), Western Scenes, Thousand Island Scenes, and Studies for Sun Dance (1909).
And always a popular favorite is a charming, acrylic on canvas board titled, Blue Dog Wearing a Tie, by George Rodrigue (American, 1944-2013) which is sure to fetch its estimate of $15,000-25,000.
A very large painting by Sydney Mortimer Laurence (American, 1865-1940) standing at 57 inches in height, Untitled (The Cache), will be offered at $40,000-60,000. This oil on canvas is accompanied by a Polaroid photograph of Mrs. Sydney (Jeanne) Laurence (wife of the artist) standing by the painting in 1969 and inscribed by her as authentic (verso).
The beautifully executed harbor scenes by Jane Peterson (American, 1876-1965) are highly coveted by collectors. The painting, Fishing Boats, Honfleur, is one such example and will be offered with an estimate of $10,000-15,000.
American Contemporary offerings are extremely strong with two major works by Barry McGee (American, b. 1966) leading this genre. La Migra, 1995, an installation work in collaboration with the artist Sandow Birk (American, b. 1962) is comprised of 60 metal panels placed together to create a monumental image of McGees signature style of Graffiti art mixed in with central figures. His Mission School style of painting plays a pivotal role in La Migra, and will certainly fetch its $40,000-$60,000 estimate.
European & International
A number of impressive works by European and International artists will be offered. Among these highlights is an early oil on canvas from 1917 by Jean Metzinger (French, 1883-1956) titled, Table 25 a la Cafetiere, Fleurs, Tasse et Citron Jaune, which will be offered with an estimate of $60,000-90,000.
Clars will be offering two original oil paintings by artist Senaka Senanayake (Sri Lanka, b. 1961). One of the works, The Fishermen, which will be offered with an estimate of $7,000 - $10,000, is a classic example of Senanayakes use of vibrant colors to depict native Sri Lankan lifestyle. Senanayakes artwork was first exhibited when he was just 10 years old in New York. The artist late went to Yale Univeristy to further his education in art studio. The Fishermen was purchased from the artist directly in the early 1970s, after his return to his homeland of Sri Lanka.
Another exceptional piece is by Lee Man Fong (China, Indonesia, 1913-1988). The oil painting titled, Six Doves in Peaceful Harmony, is valued at $20,000 to $40,000. Known for his depictions of genre scenes and animals, this painting displays Lees exceptional talent for painting flora and fauna and is yet another example of his delicate white doves. His talent and theme of beauty and tranquility, which elevated him to the position of Indonesias presidential painter, resonates through all his works and does not fall short in this extraordinary piece.
Rounding out the International highlights will be Jamini Roys (Indian, 1887-1972), Untitled (Four Figures), which combines the artists love for folk art and his passion for bringing modernism to Indian art. With an estimate of $10,000-$20,000 this piece will certainly pique the interest of collectors around the globe looking to add a significant work by one of Indias most famous artists to their collection.
Highlights in Decorative Arts & Furnishings
Decorative Arts
The November sale will feature several exceptional special collections.
For historical collectors, Clars will be offering a framed hand written and signed legal briefing by Abraham Lincoln dated May 30 1855, that is expected to bring $6,000-9000. Matthew Carey's American Pocket Atlas, Philadelphia: Printed for Mathew Carey by Lang and Ustick, 1796 will be offered as will an impressive Russian historical archive relating to Spyridon Dionisevich Merkulov (1890-1957) businessman, Russian political and public figure, will be offered with an estimate of $10,000-15,000.
For lovers of couture and fine accessories, there will be a large collection of fashion during both the Saturday and Sunday sessions. Destined to bring strong interest will be two Hermes Birkin bags.
A fine collection of Native American art will also feature prominently in this sale highlighted by an antique Apache olla and a San Ildefonso blackware jar, signed Marie and Julian, 1928-1933.
A selection of Oceanic, African and Pre-Columbian art will also be offered, including a Senufo, Cote d'Ivoire, agriculturist's staff from the collection of Maria Manetti Shrem and Jan Shrem. This piece will be offered for $8,000-12,000. An Olmec, Mexico, figural sculpture of a baby, 2000BC-800BC, will also be offered as part of this collection.
Furnishings
For modern furniture enthusiasts this sale will feature several fine Mid-Century Modern and studio furniture pieces including a Greta Magnusson Grossman desk for Glenn of California, Sweden/USA, circa 1952, estimated at $7000-9,000. A Jack Rogers Hopkins sculpted low table will be offered for $8,000-12,000 and a Gabriella Crespi 'Sculpture' table, executed in brushed stainless steel, circa 1970, is expected to achieve $10,000-$15,000. Concluding these highlights will be an Italian Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte "Pistil" centerpiece circa 1961.
Among the other important furniture pieces to be offered is an American Wooten Queen Anne patent desk circa 1880, a17th century Flemish tapestry depicting the Alexander Party After the fall of Babylon, and a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, circa 1895, that is expected to sell for $8,000-12,000. A Federal style mahogany tall case clock, retailed by Geo. C. Shreve and Co. San Francisco, CA, and having a Durfee movement, will also be offered.
Highlights in Jewelry
The jewelry to be offered in this sale is extraordinary. A stunning Art Deco Tiffany & Co. diamond, synthetic sapphire, platinum and 14k yellow gold bracelet will top these offerings and is expected to achieve $20,000 30,000.
A 3.52 ct sapphire is the centerpiece of a diamond and 18k gold ring that is estimated at $7,000 10,000. An un-mounted oval-cut emerald dazzles alone with an estimate of $7,000 9,000.
Also bring offered will be a large collection of over 100 unusual stickpins. Including Victorian gold-in-quartz and mining stickpins, Georgian rose-cut diamond and rubies and silver-topped gold animals.
Rounding out the fine jewelry will a diamond (1.80ct) and 14k white gold ring; a diamond (1.70 ct) sapphire and platinum ring and a diamond and 18k white gold bracelet.