AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- APRIL 15: FRENCH LUXURY, CHINESE FANTASY AND WHIMSICAL PAINTINGS
by Kelly Keating on 04/14/13
This week's auction finds come from 3 different auction houses and cover a wide range of objects from French to Chinese to American painting.
The first find for this week is an example of French luxury furniture- a Napoleon III borne a araignee, circa 1870. It is not exactly a practical piece for today's interiors, but what a wonderful confection of wood, gilt and silk damask fabric. The piece is elaborately carved with floral branches and scallops and each crest is adorned by a crown. This piece is being auctioned at Sotheby's in New York, lot 43, on April 19th with a pre-sale estimate of $15,000-20,000.
From French 19th century luxury to a Chinese fantasy- a pair of chinoiserie 2-tier side tables done in a scarlet lacquer with gilt decorated scenes and dated to the 20th century. These tables are just one example in the West's continual fascination with China and its continuing need to depict the Other in terms of its own fantasies. The pair are being offered at Bonham's New York, lot 1322, on April 24th with a pre-sale estimate of $1,200-1,800.
From a Chinese fantasy to a real piece of Chinese spiritual furniture- a Hongmu Altar table with a rectangular top set above a boss-centered frieze with ruyi decorations. The ends are pierced with bats amidst scrolling foliage. The whole table is raised on four square-section legs carved with floral motifs and terminating with scroll feet. The altar table is a good size and could serve a variety of functions in a variety of settings while simultaneously enhancing a room with its beauty. The piece is being offered for auction at Skinner in Boston, lot 554, on April 20th with a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-4,000.
The final auction find of the week is a pair of whimsical paintings of the circus by American artist Hazel Finck (1894-1977). The pair are wonderfully colorful and naive and would look great in a child's room or as a counterpoint to a modern setting.
The first painting is called "Who's Afraid?" from 1946 depicting a little boy and girl and a trio of elephants each intrigued by the other, but also slightly cautious. This painting is being offered for auction at Skinner in Boston, lot 188, on April 17th with a pre-auction estimate of $700-900.
The second painting by Finck entitled "The Mystery Show" depicts a little boy and girl about to enter a darkened tent for the unknown show depicted on a banner with an elephant on the left side of the painting. This work is being offered for auction by Skinner in Boston, lot 192, on April 17th with a pre-auction estimate of $700-900.
This week I found a diverse group of objects. From a Napoleon III "couch" to a pair of 20th century chinoiserie tables to a Chinese altar table to a pair of sweet and colorful paintings by Hazel Finck. What will I find next week? Stay tuned.
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
