AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- APRIL 22: WHIMSICAL DOG TABLES, 19TH CENTURY PAINTING, ROCOCO DRAMA, AESTHETIC CHAIRS & BLAZING TORCHERES
by Kelly Keating on 04/22/13
This week's auction finds span over 3 centuries of design and impeccable good taste. The first find to be auctioned off on April 24th at Sotheby's New York, lot 59, with a pre-sale estimate of $1,200-1,800 is a pair of parcel gilt and silvered canine-form side tables attributed to Jansen circa 1960. What a whimsical and even chic pair of side tables in the shape of dogs probably greyhounds who sport 3-lobed tabletops on their heads. The silvering and gilding of the surface elevate this barking pair beyond just being an oversized canine figurine which could in all honesty be a bit twee. They almost evoke Egyptian statues in their finish and hieratic, expressionless poses. I think they could fit into any setting and add a touch of luxe glamour without being jokey or contrived.
This week's second discovery is an Impressionist painting by Jean Beraud entitled "Leaving Montmartre Cemetery" which is being auctioned off on May 9th at Sotheby's New York, lot 32, with a pre-sale estimate of $600,000-$800,000. Beraud was known for his depictions of Parisian life and in this 1876 work he depicts mourners returning from Montmartre Cemetery in a water soaked cityscape just after the rain has subsided. One can almost feel the moisture of this work. This work could grace any wall in my house.
The third treasure for this week is a pair of South German Rococo carved giltwood console tables mid-18th century. This pair is being auctioned off at Sotheby's New York, lot 181, with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-15,000 on April 24th. The tables are comprised of gorgeous shell and scrolling foliate motifs and are topped by a black and white marble. Admittedly, this pair of console tables is not for the faint of heart when it comes to interior design, but they could be the fabulous centerpiece of a room perhaps all done in tones of white and cream- a neutral backdrop for their popping Rococo drama.
The next find is a complementary pair of American Aesthetic carved, gilt-incised and ebonized side chairs, late 19th centtury, each with reticulated back centered by sunflower roundel, incised seat rails and bracketed turned legs. The pair are being auctioned off on May 5th at Neal Auction Company, New Orleans, lot 863, with a pre-sale estimate of $500-700. I adore the Aesthetic period and collect pottery and silver from that era. The black color of these chairs give them a sense of drama and enables them to work well in a modern setting with the right fabric for the seat cushions.
The final discovery this week is a intricate pair of bronzed and gilt metal floor torcheres, in the manner of metalwork designer/craftsman Oscar Bach (1884-1957), with caryatid and acanthus leaf supports for the globes, spiral and embossed leaf columns and all resting on four winged griffin feet, 20th century. The pair is being auctioned off on May 18th, lot 380, with a pre-sale estimate of $400-600. Like the Aesthetic chairs, I think this pair of floor lamps could work in a modern setting where they are the most intricate piece of design in the room.
This week there are 5 fabulous auction finds. Perhaps one has peaked your interest or given you a new idea. Even if you have never bought an item at auction or never plan to, these finds could serve as inspiration for the design of your own space. But check out auctions in your area. You can find some wonderful treasures. Enjoy!
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
