NEW YORK, NY.- La Belle Epoque Auction House presented their Holiday Season Multi-Estates Auction on December 2nd at their stunning 7,000 square-foot space at 71 8th Avenue New York City. The auction, being held live in-person, was also online.
This auction featured Contemporary and Modern Art of all kinds, while also offering a wonderful collection of Art Glass from Baccarat, Lalique and Carl Radke, German and French ceramics, sterling silver articles, Christmas memorabilia from the 1930’s and collectible baseball cards from the 1950’s.
The spotlight was on an impressive selection of affordable Contemporary Art at La Belle Epoque on December 2nd, where one lucky bidder walked away with a “Superman” sketch by Andy Warhol, sketch on Arches paper, stamped on back twice with authentication by Frederick Hughes c.1989 and again in 2001 by The Estate of Andy Warhol, selling for $8,960, while a “Memoriam to Basquiat” Attributed to Keith Haring (1958-1990), acrylic on canvas in the style of Basquiat signed on bottom mid right 'K. Haring 89', sold for $4480.
Getting a lot of pre-auction attention was a Betty Tompkins (b. 1945) Schmutz #3', 2013, Pencil on Paper. Hand signed bottom right. Tompkins is now recognized as a pioneering force in the development of feminist art. This sold for just $1408 and a framed Joan Miro (1893-1983 Spanish) 'Galerie Matarasso' Lithograph c.1957. ''Exposition a la Galerie Matarasso''. Hand signed bottom right, numbered bottom left 37/200. Approximate site size: 22" H x 18" W. Approximate size including frame : 28.25" H x 23" W, went for just $1920.
Revised Endpapers for The Homosexual Neurosis (pink) by Hernan Bas (1978), circa 2013. Edition of 25. Color aquatint (printed resist). Approximate size: 31½" x 47½". Hernan Bas makes paintings that are tinged with nihilist romanticism and influenced by the writings of Joris Karl-Huysmans and Oscar Wilde, Sold for $640, while the Homosexual Neurosis (Blue) by Hernan Bas (1978), circa 2013. Edition of 25, also sold for $640. For the curious, an Acrylic on Canvas After Basquiat, sold without documents, went for $1536.
In other areas, a much sought after Professional Wood Billiard Cue in Protective Case, sold for $1920 and a vintage Santa Claus, electrified with head nodding, Papier mache, 1930’s. Approximate Size: 25.5" H x 13" W, sold for $1280 and a group of 9 Lalique Crystal Fish, approximate Size: 1.75" H x 2" W. Sold for $1152.
Some very rare historical documents included a notation dated 21st July 1795 discussing the transfer of 9 pounds of corn and beef, from William Henry Harrison (1773-1841), An American military officer and politician, Harrison was the ninth President of the United States (1841), the oldest President to be elected at the time. On his 32nd day, he became the first to die in office, serving the shortest tenure in U.S. Presidential history. Sold for $1024.
In the furniture arena, a pair of Barbara Barry over-upholstered Club Chairs, approximate size: 34" H x 33" W x 25" D each, property from a residential apartment in the Plaza Hotel NYC. Sold for $672 and aRalph Lauren Open Armchair. English Georgian Style Carved Open Armchair in the French taste by Ralph Lauren Home, property from a residential apartment in the Plaza Hotel NYC. Sold for $2880.
La Belle Epoque Auction House will now continue with seasonal auctions and will offer pre-sale evaluations, where potential consignors and collectors can schedule an appointment to inquire about their own art, antiques, collectibles, furniture and decorative items for potential consignment, affording the focused attention one would expect in a “neighborhood” auction house. The auction gallery is open Monday to Friday 11am-5pm.
