LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bonhams announces the upcoming sales of the Collection of Sir Daniel Donohue. The extraordinary Collection is that of a true antiquarian, a manner that is rarely seen today. The offering is all encompassing and features more than 1,000 works, ranging from antiquities to 20th century decorative arts. Sales will begin with a two-day single owner auction on April 4-5, 2011, at the Los Angeles salerooms of Bonhams & Butterfields.

Among the early works of art to be offered are a number of important religious pieces, including a Florentine carved marble tympanum from the late 15th/early 16th century in the style of Francesco de Simone Ferrucci (est. $25,000-35,000) and a large Italian Renaissance polychrome decorated terracotta figure of the Virgin and Child, possibly Siena, 15th century (est. $18,000-25,000). Other important items include a Tyrolean carved wood and polychrome decorated relief panel depicting the Death of the Virgin, late 15th century (est. $18,000-25,000) and an Italian Baroque carved ivory group of The Holy Family, late 17th/early 18th century (est. $8,000-12,000).

Later works of art and decorations featured in the single owner sale are extensive and eclectic, including a fine Italian micro-mosaic panel depicting the Forum, circa 1850 (est. $40,000-60,000) and a fine Austrian silver gilt, lapis lazuli, enamel and ivory small private altar from the late 19th century (est. $18,000-25,000). Other decorations include blackamoors, torcheres and an Italian Neoclassical gilt bronze and cut glass chandelier, late 18th/early 19th century (est. $15,000-20,000).

Works of note from the European furniture section include a large offering of 18th century armchairs from France, Italy and England, as well as a generous selection of mirrors. Highlights include an imposing George III mahogany four-pedestal dining table, fourth quarter 18th century (est. $10,000-15,000); a pair of Venetian Rococo blue painted and parcel gilt console tables with inlaid marble tops, third quarter 18th century (est. $30,000-40,000) and a pair of Venetian Rococo painted, parcel gilt and scagliola console tables, mid 18th century (est. $40,000-60,000). A young Bernardine Murphy purchased another highlight in 1927 in New York from noted designer, Elsie de Wolfe, for $1,100. Today, the mid 18th century Italian Rococo cream chinoiserie lacquered desk carries an estimate of $20,000-30,000.

Standing out among the mirrors is a pair of Italian Neoclassical mirrors, late 18th century ($20,000-30,000). Nearly six feet in height, a profile portrait panel surmounts the magnificent giltwood frames. Another highlight is an imposing Italian Rococo carved, silvered wood mirror (est. $15,000-20,000).

The single owner auction also features extensive collections of fine late 19th and early 20th century European tableware in glass and porcelain by some of the most important makers. Works of note include a suite of engraved table glass by Thomas Webb (est. $1,000-1,500) and a suite of enameled glass by J.D. Imberton (est. $5,000-7,000), as well as a fine Ambrosius Lam of Dresden porcelain service painted with operatic scenes (est. $5,000-7,000).

The fine selection of rugs, carpets and tapestries featured in the single-owner auction is highlighted by a monumental Meshed carpet (est. $10,000-15,000) and a fine Brussels tapestry from 'The Inclinations of Man' series created at the workshop of Joris Leemans and Matthijs Roelants, mid 17th century (est. $30,000-50,000).

Objets de Vertu featured in the Collection include 18th century snuff boxes, Russian icons, 18th and 19th century portrait miniatures and an extensive collection of Palais Royal mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet decorations. Likely to be one of the most sought after objects is a very fine Austrian silver gilt, enamel and jewel mounted carved rock crystal covered cup in the form of a fabulous bird, 1886-1922 (est. $20,000-30,000).

English silver is also prominently featured in the Collection. Highlights include a magnificent pair of early Victorian silver wine coolers, Reily & Storer, London, 1839 (est. $35,000-50,000); a William IV silver gilt figural dessert stand by the Barnards, 1843 (est. $10,000-15,000) and two sets of Victorian salt cellars by Mortimer & Hunt, 1841. The silver offering also includes sterling flatware services by Gorham in the Versailles and Mythologique patterns, and a Russian silver stirrup cup in the form of a stag's head, St. Petersburg (est. $4,500-6,000).

Architectural elements and garden statuary is also prominently featured within the two-day auction. Works of note include three pairs of imposing Italian Rosa Verona marble columns, an Italian Renaissance marble wellhead (estimates range from $12,000-20,000 per pair), a pair of life-size carved stone figures of Apollo and Diana, 19th century (est. $15,000-20,000), carved capitals from the Romanesque period to the 20th century, to name just a few.

The Single-Owner auction also includes a selection of Asian works of art and 20th century decorative arts including a large silvered figure of a giraffe by Max Kuehne, a group of gilt bronze 'Pomme de Pin' style floor lamps and a group of drawings by Tony Duquette.

Fine art to be offered during the April sale includes a still life from the circle of Andrea Scacciati (est. $10,000-15,000), a patinated bronze portrait bust of Winston Churchill by William Reid Dick (est. $7,000-10,000), a robust group of Continental school and Italian Old Master drawings and paintings (estimates vary), as well as a strong selection of printed materials.

For additional biographical information about Sir Daniel Donohue his wife Countess Bernardine and their historic Los Angeles residences including Villa San Giuseppe in Los Angeles (designed by Bernard Maybeck), Sotto il Monte in Montecito (designed by George Washington Smith) and Capo di Monte in Bel Air, please contact Bonhams & Butterfields' Public Relations Department.

Property from the Collection of Sir Daniel Donohue, will be included within the following auctions at Bonhams: