FALLS CHURCH, VA.- On Sunday, Dec. 3,
Quinn’s Auction Galleries will present Part II of the personal collection and business inventory of the late Merton D. Simpson (1928-2013). This important one-day auction features Pre-Columbian, African/tribal, Oceanic, and other ethnographic art pieces, as well as paintings and fine art created by Simpson, an early member of the Spiral collective of African-American artists. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Among the top lots is a standing commemorative figure from the Bongo people of Sudan. Dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, the 58 ½ inch tall figure is expected to sell for $6,000-$8,000.
A round wood mask with oval-shape eyes outlined in blue pigment comes from the Teke culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Teke. Also dating to just before or after the turn of the 20th century, it is estimated at $5,000-$10,000.
Another fine piece, a horned face mask from the Jukun people of the Benue Valley, Nigeria, is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
“There’s a wide range of price points in this sale,” said Matthew Quinn, senior vice president of Quinn’s Auction Galleries. “Many will be buying because of the artistic and historical value of the pieces in Mr. Simpson’s collection, but others will view the art for decorative purposes. Many interior designers like to mix tribal and ethnographic art into contemporary décor. Both types of buyers will find what they want in this old and well curated collection amassed by the man who arguably established the secondary market for African art in America.”
Simpson was a talented abstract artist in his own right. The auction selection includes Red Poem, a 1956 oil-on-canvas, signed and titled with gallery label on verso; and Polytonics, 3, an oil and acrylic on board created in 1983-84, signed at lower right. Each of the paintings has a Simpson inventory number and is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
Bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information on any item in the auction, call 703-532-5632 or email info@quinnsauction.com.
