NEW YORK, NY.- Shapiro Auctions announced its December sale of International Fine and Decorative Art. Begin-ning at 10am on Saturday, December 12th, Shapiro Auctions will hold an auction of Important Fine and Decorative Art that will include selections of important Russian, American and European fine art and antiques as well as an important collection of rare Russian books and manuscripts and Russian militaria.

The auction will begin with a particularly strong selection of predominantly 19th and 20th century European and American paintings. A particularly diverse selection of Russian paintings will be led by an exceptional work of the early 20th century artist, Fillip Maliavin (1869-1940). Ploughing at Sunset (lot 53, estimate: $100,000-125,000)), a late work of the artist from the 1930’s, depicts the familiar choice of colourful peasant life as sub-ject, executed in Maliavin's characteristically dynamic and vibrant style, suggesting a certain longing for joyous Russian village existence and celebration of life and vitality.

Among the highlights of the auction will be a work on paper by the 20th century master artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985), lot 34, estimate: $700,000-850,000. The Comité Marc Chagall has confirmed the authenticity of this work. The present work is typical of works executed in the South of France throughout Chagall's life. Two sets of lovers are wreathed in flowers below a luminous sky and a forest of verdant tropical trees. Executed countless years after his first visit, the bright, transluscent colors seen in the present work impart pure radi-ance. “We are delighted to include such a classic work with such impeccable provenance by such an important master artist of the early 20th century and we are grateful to the Comité Marc Chagall for confirming the au-thenticity of this work,” Principal Auctioneer Gene Shapiro said.

Over the past several seasons, collectors have sought for works by 20th century Vietnamese artists who spent their formative and productive years studying and working in Paris. Among the most sought after artists have been Vu Cao Dam (1908-2000) and Le Pho (1907-2001)). The 12 December sale will offer several examples by these artists. One powerful example is a work by Vu Cao Dam, La famille (lot 104, estimate: $15,000-20,000). Vu was an artist who embraced both his traditional Vietnamese heritage as well as his adopted French culture. During his time in the south of France Vu Cao Dam also became a friend of Marc Chagall who influenced his work. At this time his work also became influenced by the Impressionists such as Matisse and Bonnard.

Also on offer is a work of exceptional interest and provenance, lot 132, by the 20th c. Dutch American artist, Willem De Kooning (estimate: $40,000-60,000). Previously in the collection of the important American dealer and gallerist, Allan Stone, the work was acquired by the current owner directly from Allan Stone who acquired the work directly from the artist himself. From the same New York private collection comes a fresh-to-market lithograph from 1893 of the iconic image, Jane Avril, lot 33, by the 19th century artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901).

A diverse and rare selection of Russian books and manuscripts from the 19th and early 20th centuries will also be on offer. Leading the selection of rare and important Russian books in the sale is a journal from 1924, Lit-eratura da skhva [Literature and the Rest], lot 167 (estimate: $12,000-16,000). This edition is one of only a few known works to come to auction with the original collage wrapper designed by Kirill Zdanevich still intact. Also among the gems of the books on offer is a very rare 1827 edition of Alexander Pushkin’s Bratya Raz-boyniki (The Robber Brothers), lot 155 (estimate: $3,000-4,000).

An exceptional example of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany will be offered in lot 254 (estimate: $45,000-65,000), an exceptional Favrille Glass and Bronze 18 Light Lily Lamp. This work from Tiffany Studios dates back to circa 1906 and has been lovingly maintained in the same private collection for more than 50 years.

The full exhibition will be on view at the Shapiro Auctions gallery in New York, 506 East 74th Street, beginning on Friday, December 5th through Friday, December 11th, 10am – 6pm, as well as by appointment. A full cata-logue of the exhibition is currently available to view on www.shapiroauctions.com.