Sotheby’s New York Highlights Release FINE EUROPEAN FURNITURE Exhibition opens: 27 March INCLUDING TAPESTRIES, SILVER, CERAMICS AND CARPETS 1 April 2010
Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and a number of other revolutionary figures appear among these important documents. The sale also includes a number of items relating to the British perspective of the American Revolution with King George III prominently represented, as well as the Howe Brothers and General Burgoyne, whose Autograph letter from 25 June 1775 provides an eyewitness account of the Battle of Bunker Hill (est. $40/60,000). Abraham Lincoln is also well represented in the Copley Library. In an Autograph Telegram to Major General George B. McClellan, Lincoln delivers one of the sharpest orders issued by the most militarily involved of all presidents: “You must either attack Richmond, or give up the job and come to the defense of Washington” (est. $500/700,000, pictured left).
A JULY 1776 CONGRESSIONAL DOCUMENT Exhibition opens: 8 April SIGNED BY BUTTON GWINNETT
14 April 2010
Among the most important pieces of Americana from the James S. Copley Library is An official letter from 12 July 1776 from the Marine Committee of Congress to John Ashmead signed by Button Gwinnett, the most prized of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence (est. $500/700,000), which will be sold via a separate catalogue and sale in April. The letter represents the finest Button Gwinnett autograph that will ever be available for sale. Of the fifty-one known examples of his signature, this is one of just eight from the year 1776, one of just four from his term of Congressional Service, and the closest of all to July 4, 1776. The letter also boasts a storied provenance, having once belonged to A.S.W. Rosenbach, the world’s most celebrated books and manuscript dealer.
A CELEBRATION OF THE ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE Exhibition opens: 10 April
15 April 2010
Among the top works offered in A Celebration of the English Country House is an Important George I Green-Japanned and Parcel-Gilt Desk-and-Bookcase, in the manner of John Belchier, circa 1725 (est. $120/180,000). An Important and Monumental George II Stripped Pine Fireplace Surround, circa 1735, is also included (est. $60/80,000). The beautifully carved chimney-piece is a fine exampled of Palladian chimneypieces and was commissioned by John Fuller of Brightling Park, Sussex, in the 1730s.Other highlights include an Important George III Mahogany Sideboard Table attributed to William Vile, circa 1760, with superb, crisp carved details (est. $100/150,000), and A Fine Pair of George III Satinwood, Mahogany and Tulipwood Marquetry Demilune Commodes in the manner of Mayhew and Ince, circa 1780 (est. $50/70,000), which was once in the collection of New York socialite Mrs. John E. Rovensky and later owned by Mr. James Donahue, son of the Woolworth heiress Jessie Donahue. The sale will also feature a Fine and Rare Pair of George III Painted Satinwood Card Tables attributed to Seddon, Sons & Shackleton, circa 1795, probably made for the 5th or 6th Earl of Dysart and thence by descent to the Countess of Dysart at Stobo Castle, Scotland (est. $40/60,000). Among the silver works on offer is a Charles II Silver Two-Handled Bowl and Cover,
