AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- APRIL 29TH: FRENCH AND ITALIAN HAUTE DESIGN, VIBRANTLY COLORFUL PAINTINGS AND SUPERB, SPARKLING CRYSTAL
by Kelly Keating on 04/29/13
In searching every week for new auction finds, I learn about new artists, new designers and new forms of decorative art. Perusing auction listings is a fun and educational exploration which benefits me and will also benefit my clients in the future. And I hope blog readers will enjoy and learn about the many beautiful and stylish objects that are available at auction or will use these posts as inspiration for the design of their own living space. This week there are a total of 7 treasures to inspire you featuring French and Italian haute design, vibrantly colorful paintings and superb sparkling crystal.
The first find this week is a 1959 French wood marquetry sideboard designed by Jean Royere (1902-1981). This piece is up for auction at Artcurial in Paris, France, lot 7, on May 21st with a pre-sale estimate of 30,000-50,000 euros ($39,076.80-65,128). Made of dark, medium and light wood, the sideboard has a wonderful graphic quality and presents itself as solid block, almost as a piece of sculpture. This blockiness is countered by the marquetry surface which is dynamic in its diagonal execution and the forming of a triangle shape on the corners of the piece.
The second discovery this week is a French chandelier by Gino Sarfatti (1912-1985) with visible bulbs, brass socket sleeves, a brass ceiling fitting and rigid arms aptly called "Fireworks" from 1939-1942. The chandelier is being auctioned at Artcurial in Paris, France, lot 75, on May 21st with a pre-sale estimate of 4,000-6,000 euros ($5,210.24-7,815.36). Despite being made 70 years ago, the Sarfatti chandelier has such a modern or better yet moderne feel. The dynamic and varied spray of 14 lights does, indeed, resemble a firework exploding and bursting in the sky. At 53 inches wide the piece is substantial and would be a stylish addition to any modern setting ranging from Art Deco to Mid-century Modern.
The third treasure this week is another French chandelier but in a more decidedly Art Deco style in contrast to the almost futuristic nature of the Sarfatti above. This French Art Deco frosted glass chandelier dated to the early 20th century is being auctioned at Neal Auction Company in New Orleans, LA, lot 1054, with a pre-sale estimate of $700-1,000 on May 5th. The fixture is labeled "Sabino, 4651, Paris, Depose" and the shade has a floral and geometric design. This piece is reminiscent of more expensive Lalique Art Deco fixtures, so if you want that look without that high price, this chandelier in New Orleans is a good stylish substitute.
The next find is a lovely, sweet and vibrantly colorful watercolor entitled The Arch Flower Market, Rome by the American artist Henry Martin Gasser (1909-1981). The watercolor is being auctioned at Neal Auction Company in New Orleans, LA, lot 784, with a pre-sale estimate of $600-800 (A second watercolor by Gasser is included in this lot). Under a series of arches a woman helps a customer select a bunch of flowers while a man in the foreground carries a box of flowers to add to the display. The stone of the arches is well-rendered and the punch of color in the almost center of the work focuses the eye of the viewer.
Another painting is the next discovery for this week. Still Life with Oranges, an oil on canvas, by Theresa Bernstein (1890-2002) is being auctioned at Weschler's in Washington, DC, lot 308, with a pre-sale estimate of $1,000-2,000. In this vibrantly colorful and richly painted work with vigorous and lively brushstrokes, 4 oranges and 2 vases of flowers are depicted on a black table. The work was painted circa 1950 and owes something to the beginnings of Abstract Expressionism in its color and brushwork, even though it is still representational. A good size at 20"x15", it could work as the focal point of a grouping of paintings in any setting.
The last 2 finds for this week are wonderully sparkling crystal pieces from 2 very divergent periods. The first is a pair of early 19th century Irish cut crystal covered urns at a good 16.5" tall. The pair of urns is being auctioned at Neal Auction Company in New Orleans, LA, lot 470, with a pre-sale estimate of $600-800 on May 4th. The urns have a geometric and swag design and are topped by a pineapple finial. This vibrant pair would work well in a traditional setting on a mantle or even as part of a dining room tablescape. But perhaps too, they would look elegant on a more modern sideboard. I always love when there is a contrast of styles and periods in interior design rather than everything from one time period or one aesthetic.
This week's final treasure is a Lalique "Ondines" vase being auctioned at Neal Auction Company in New Orleans, LA, lot 502, with a pre-sale estimate of $600-900. The piece features frosted bathers impressed in clear rippled crystal with a height of 9.5". The vase is signed "Lalique, France". The beauty of this vase is in the constrast of frosted and clear crystal and the classically elegant female bodies which adorn it. It is a luxurious item meant for a side table or a bedside night stand filled with beautiful flowers.
This week's auction finds were chararcterized by great variety- French and Italian haute design, American painting and 19th and 20th century glass. I hope you found something you liked or that inspired your own interior design sense. Till next week.
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
