Fine Art PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Fine Art PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

William Randolph Hearst Collection Fine Art Auction

Kaminski Auctions, one of Massachusetts’ premier antiques and fine art auction houses, announces its February Fine Art and Estates Auction. Crossing the block is a diverse array of antiques, fine art and collectibles including a number of rare Old Master paintings. The auction takes place Saturday and Sunday February 28 and March 1 at Woodman’s Function Hall, 127 R. Main St., Essex, MA. Bidding commences at 10am each day and preview periods are scheduled Friday, February 28, 4-8pm and 8-10am on the days of the auction.

Highlighting the auction are more than 10 lots from the collection of late newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Hearst, an avid collector of fine art, was well known for his lavishly decorated castle in California. These consignments come from a collector in California who acquired them from the Hearst estate. Of particular interest is a selection of rare Old Master paintings from Hearst’s expansive collection.

A tempera and oil painting on linen by Venetian School artist Giovanni Bellini (1430-1516) underscores the offerings from the Hearst collection. The painting, depicting The Annunciation (Est. $50,000-$100,000), has exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Additional items from the Hearst collection include a pair of Florentine silver candlesticks (Est. $15,000-$20,000), circa 1730-1740. Each candlestick consists of eight interlocking pieces, allowing the components to be disassembled and hidden safely in time of war. During Napoleon’s reign, the leader melted down the vast amounts of solid silver he claimed in Europe to pay his troops. As a result, the majority of pre-1815 silver in Europe is made of silver plate.

An 18th Century Dutch Old Master painting is also featured. The piece, Maiden at the Trough (Est. $100,000-$200,000), is oil on canvas and measures 55 x 83 inches in its frame. The painting hails from an estate in Los Angeles, California.

Additional Old Master paintings include a 16th Century piece (Est. $30,000-$50,000), oil on wood panel, by Dutch artist Barend Van Orley (1502-1542). Judgement Day measures 31 x 38 inches in its hand carved gilt frame and comes from a collection in Tel Aviv, Israel.

“We’re thrilled to offer such rare pieces of fine art from William Randolph Hearst’s astounding collection,” comments Frank Kaminski. “It’s clear that Hearst had quite an eye for beautiful objects.”

A complete catalog is available online at www.KaminskiAuctions.com and the auction will also feature live online bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com. For more information, call 978-927-2228.