Antique Desire
AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- MAY 13TH: A SOFA TALE
by Kelly Keating on 05/12/13
The auction finds for this week are all sofas of different styles and periods. The sofa is of course the centerpiece of one's drawing room and can set the tone for the entire space. Its style and fabric can be a difficult choice; it is the chief piece of furniture in the room.
I do not have a regular sofa, but a Victorian fainting couch. It has fairly simple lines and its simplicity is enhanced by being upholstered in a black damask fabric with large tone-on-tone fleur de lis, but I am disruptive like that. It sets the mood for my drawing room, but does not look "too Victorian" or "too fussy" or "too Grandma-ish" And that is what really prompted this week's finds. How do 19th century couchs compete against the prevailing fade for mid-century and other modern design? Can they compete? Are they still desirable objects in this current market?
This week's first 4 discoveries are all being auctioned off on May 25th at Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The first find, lot 91, is a New York carved mahogany sofa circa 1825-1850 in the Empire style. The back of the couch has an arched and serpentine crest rail joining horn of plenty arms upholstered with bulster pillows above a gadrooned front rail and ending in magnificient winged hairy paw feet. This is a gorgeous piece of furniture with great carving and who could resist those large hairy paw feet! But it looks like a museum piece rather than something someone would buy to be the centerpiece of their living room. In part it is its historical red formal fabric that also "dates" this item. Perhaps with a more modern textile this sofa could achieve a new life and a new home. The pre-sale estimate for the Empire sofa is only $1,000-2,000.
The second sofa discovery this week is lot 108, another Empire carved mahogany sofa with scrolled back and arms with carved acanthus, scroll and cornucopia carving, raised on similarly carved legs and ending in massive paw feet. This couch suffers in much the same way as the above sofa. But just in its neutral upholstery, it feels less "dated" then the first Empire piece. A dynamic modern fabric in a neutral shade could be quite fabulous on this couch. The pre-sale estimate for this piece is $800-1,400.
The final 2 sofas at Northeast Auctions on May 25th are in the sleeker, simpler Sheraton style. "Sheraton is a late 18th century neoclassical English (and American) furniture style, in vogue ca 1785 - 1820, that was coined by 19th century collectors and dealers to credit furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, born in Stockton-on-Tees, England in 1751 and whose books, "The Cabinet Dictionary" (1803) of engraved designs and the "Cabinet Maker's & Upholsterer's Drawing Book" (1791) of furniture patterns exemplify this style. The Sheraton style was inspired by the Louis XVI style and features round tapered legs, fluting and most notably contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style furniture takes lightweight rectilinear forms, using satinwood, mahogany and tulipwood, sycamore and rosewood for inlaid decorations, though painted finishes and brass fittings are also to be found. Swags, husks, flutings, festoons, and rams' heads are amongst the common motifs applied to pieces of this style." The first sofa, lot 137, is a Massachusetts Sheraton carved mahogany sofa with scrolled arms and reeded legs. The pre-sale estimate for this couch is $500-800. The simpler Sheration style could lend itself to a more modern setting as long as the fabric had a modern flair in terms of design and color.
The second sofa, lot 129, is a New York Sheraton mahogany carved sofa with a rolled back and shaped arms, shaped handgrips continuing to reeded vasiform supports continuting to turned, tapered and reeded frontal legs. The Sheraton style has a subtle and simple elegance that I think could still appeal in today's market. Again the piece needs the right fabric and lots of cushy pillows in the same fabric to soften its 19th century look. The pre-sale estimate for this item is $1,500-2,500.
And now 4 modern design sofas that probably have greater appeal in the current market. The first find is an update of an old form- the tete-a-tete- an Edward Wormley tete-a-tete sofa with brass sabots and walnut legs made for Dunbar Furniture circa 1980. It is being auctioned on May 25th at Palm Beach Modern Auctions, lot 1, with a pre-sale estimate of $7,000-10,000. Wormley "(1907–1995) was an American designer of modernist furniture. In 1926 he went to study briefly at the Art Institute of Chicago. Funds ran out and he went to work as an interior designer for Marshall Fields & Company department store. During the Depression, Wormley was introduced to the president of Dunbar Furniture Company of Berne, Indiana, who hired him to upgrade their product line. Dunbar made a good choice, as Wormley's work met with immediate success. In 1944 the company decided to focus strictly on Modern lines, and Edward Wormley rose to the task, incorporating European and Scandinavian innovations. His eye for quality and the exacting craftsmanship at Dunbar made for furniture that was elegant, understated and exceptionally well-made. Wormley was never really at the forefront of Modern design. Instead, he took the best elements from classical, historical design and translated them into Modern vernacular. The result was furniture that was sophisticated, yet mainstream and very successful." The tete-a-tete is certainly sophisticated and very chic. And look at that estimate compared to the estimates for the 19th century sofas above.
The next sofa discovery is another Wormley piece also made for Dunbar Furniture- a gondola sofa with creme upholstery in a diamond pattern and metal stretchers through the wooden legs. This couch like the tete-a-tete above exudes the same chic sophistication. The gondola couch, lot 176, is being auctioned on May 18th at Ivey-Selkirk in St Louis with a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-5,000.
The third find is a Swedish Grace Period sofa circa 1925 made of tiger maple, ash and brass. This piece is extremely elegant and distilled down to its simplest elements, but made with rich materials. It has a real Neo-classical feel in its tapered legs, curved ends and the subtle contrast of color in the woods used while simultaneously owing something to Art Deco. This graceful couch, lot 184, is being auctioned on May 16th at Wright in Chicago with a pre-sale estimate of $9,000-12,000.
The final sofa discovery this week is a Carl Malmsten sofa made in Sweden circa 1950 with a curved serpentine back and tufted back cushion. The piece is very elegant, but also playful and exuberant. It reminds me of the Hollywood Regency style. This couch is being auctioned on May 16th, lot 282, at Wright in Chicago with a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-5,000. Malmsten (1888–1972) "was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator who was known for his devotion to traditional Swedish craftmanship (slöjd) and his opposition to functionalism. He 'considered the rationalization of the home according to functionalist principles a debasement of its traditional role as an intimate place for gathering and repose'" One can clearly see how this sofa suggests intimacy, repose and gathering against more austere forms of modernist design.
So, which sofa would you like to have in your living room? The four modern pieces have much higher estimates than the four 19th century American sofas which is a clear indication of today's markets and its desires. For myself, I could definitely live with the Swedish Grace Period sofa and the Sheraton couches as long as the fabric was sleek, minimal and modern. I hope this week gave you some design ideas for your own home or showed you something new.
Until next week...
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- MAY 5TH- I AM IN THE NEED OF A FRENCH 18TH CENTURY MOMENT
by Kelly Keating on 05/09/13
I have always adored the style and sumptuousness of the French 18th century from the Rococo to the later Neoclassical period. The art, furniture, fashion and design of this century has always held my attention. In my fantasy house there would be at least one room devoted to this chic century- a well-turned out salon- comfortable, extravagant and richly appointed. Here are five upcoming auction items which I think would look wonderful in my pretend drawing room. They are all being sold at Doyle New York on May 22nd.
A good couch is the centerpiece of any drawing room. How about this mid-18th century Continental Rococo gilt-wood settee, lot 106A, with a padded back of serpentine outline, a shell carved crest rail above a padded seat and raised on cabriole legs terminating in claw and ball feet. I love the worn emerald green of the cushions and would keep that fabric as the starting point of my room's palette and would use rich creams and greens. The cabriole leg with the claw and ball feet shouts Rococo and the gilt-wood just adds to the luxury of this piece. The pre-sale estimate for the settee is $2,000-4,000.
The next item for my imagined room is a pair of chairs. Lot 102 is a pair of Louis XVI painted fauteuils a la reine circa 1780 and stamped H. Jacob.
Each chair has a rectangular padded back above a loose cushion seat outlined with entrelac and raised on circular tapering fluted legs. These chairs in their rectilinear shapes and tapering legs are moving away from the Rococo style of the settee above to the Neoclassical, but I think they would provide a nice contrast to the curvilinear, sensuous couch. A new fabric to coordinate with the faded grandeur green of the settee would of course be needed. The pre-sale estimate for the fauteuils a la reine is $5,000-7,000.
The third piece of in my dream salon, lot 150, is a chest of drawers made of sumptuous materials- satinwood, ebonized mahogany, ebony, gilt-bronze mounts- all capped by a green marble top. This piece is dated circa the late Louis XVI period to the early 19th century and like the fauteuils a la reine above demonstrate a move away from the sinewy Rococo towards a more sober Neoclassicism. The pre-sale estimate for this commode is $6,000-8,000. I love the black in this chest of drawers. Every room should have a touch of black and the green marble top will work with my creams and greens color scheme.
I would of course need some kind of wonderful ornament to adorn the top of my magnificient commode. A pair of lamps definitely, but how about a wonderul clock. Every drawing room should hear the soothing rhythmic ticking of a clock. Lot 276 is not a period 18th century clock but a Louis XV style gilt and patinated bronze mantel clock. The enamel dial has Roman and Arabic numerals. The clock face is surmounted by a putto and the entire clock rests on a wild boar with a naturalistically cast base with scrolled feet. I am guessing this clock is 19th century in date. I love the contrast of the bronze and the gilt and the dark bronze color would pick up the ebony of my lovely commode. Plus, I adore pigs in the decorative arts and who can resist a putto! This clock has a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-8,000.
The final piece for my imagined room is lot 310 a late 18th century oak console with grey veined marble top of serpentine outline, above a pierced, architectural frieze hung with garlands and raised on curved supports. Although this console has the curve of the swagging leaves it is much more restrained than a Rococo piece. I think this oak console would look wonderful between my 2 chairs and the grey marble could easily work into the palette of my room. This piece has a pre-sale estimate of $2,000-4,000.
My fantasy French 18th century room may never come to pass, but it is fun to imagine what pieces I would choose to adorn it. I hope you enjoyed this 18th century moment as much as I did and let's see what I find next week.
Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com
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
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
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
