Skinner Auction of Prints, Photographs, Paintings, and Sculpture to Feature Works by Old Masters th The Skinner Fine Paintings & Prints auction in Boston on May 18, 2012 features works by old masters through contemporary artists.
Louis Lami’s Equestrian Portrait of Louis Phillippe, King of France, 1830 (lot 210, $18,000 to $22,000), and Awaiting the Master by Wouterus Verschuur I (lot 244, $12,000 to $18,000).
Karel Appel’s Presque Une Joie (lot 517, $80,000 to $100,000) leads the 20th century works. The composition makes use of Appel’s signature texture: a thick impasto, often with paint applied directly from the tube. While the present work is not explicitly figurative, its title [“Almost a Joy”] refers to the human condition in terms of melancholy. For Appel, despair was always a counterpart to joy, but the speed with which it could change from one to the other was emblematic of the modern world. Two Op-Art pieces by Victor Vasarely (lots 528 & 529, both $25,000 to $35,000) are also offered.
A bronze cast by George Kolbe, Skizze zu Wolkenfahrt, (lot 501, $40,000 to $50,000) depicting Dante’s tragic lovers, Paolo and Francesca, highlights the fine sculpture offered in the sale.
Previews, Catalogue and Bidding
Previews for the auction will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday, May 17, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, May 18, 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Department director, Robin Starr, will offer a gallery walk of selected works on Thursday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Boston Gallery. To register, please visit: http://conta.cc/paintings-may17.
Illustrated catalogue #2598B is available from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, order catalogues, and bid live in real-time through SkinnerLive!
About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner’s appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, American & European Works of Art, European Furniture & Decorative Arts, 20th Century Design, Fine Ceramics, Fine Silver, Fine Jewelry, Couture, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Works of Art, Fine Wines, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, Fine Judaica, Antique Motor Vehicles, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Discovery and Science, Technology & Clocks. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Marlborough, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.
