Skinner, Inc. one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art, will host its semi-annual auction of American Furniture and Decorative Arts on Sunday, March 7th. The sale kicks off at 11 a.m. in the Boston gallery located at 63 Park Plaza and is comprised of 667 lots of material.
Lot 190: William Bradford (American, 1823-1892). Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark’s Point, New Bedford. Unsigned.
Estimate:$60,000-80,000
A;so featured is a major collection of Mochaware, utilitarian pottery dating back to the 18th century, which due to its unique glaze and colorful design, finds favor among Americana collectors. The collection is perhaps the most extensive that Skinner has ever offered in a single sale.
A hallmark of Skinner’s Americana auctions has always been prolific folk portraiture, and distinguished in this sale is Portrait of a Girl and Her Dog in a Grape Arbor by Susan Catherine Moore Waters. The painting has remained in a New Hampshire collection since it was purchased at Skinner thirty years ago. It is estimated at $8,000 – $12,000. Another portrait of interest is a John Samuel Blunt work, Portrait of a Lady Wearing a Green Dress with Jewelry. While the face is very carefully rendered, the remainder of the picture was done far more quickly, but effectively. The painting, which is estimate at $15,000 – $25,000 was bought by the consignor’s grandmother in 1930 and has remained in the family since.
The sale also features some particularly fine landscapes, including Overlooking the Harbor, Cohasset, Massachusetts by Frank Henry Shapleigh, most regarded for his New Hampshire scenes. The piece is estimated at $4,000 – $6,000. Marine art is highlighted by William Bradford’s Portrait of the Whaleship Young Hector off Clark’s Point, New Bedford. Created early on in Bradford’s career, the painting has a very luminous in nature and reminiscent of Fitz Henry Lane style, from whom he was influenced. It is estimated at $60,000 – $80,000. Other marine offerings include James Edward Buttersworth’s Yacht Race estimated at $15,000 – $20,000 as well as a scrimshaw and whale tooth carvings.
Previews and Special Event
Previews for the auction will be held Wednesday, March 3rd from 12-5 p.m., Thursday, March 4th from 12-8 p.m., Friday, March 5th from 12 -8 p.m., Saturday, March 6th from 12- 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 7th from 8-10 a.m. In conjunction with Friday’s preview, Skinner will host an Americana gallery walk. The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., with the Gallery Walk commencing at 6:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. 617-350-5400.
Catalogs and Bidding
Illustrated catalog #2494 is available by mail for $35 ($42 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 508-970-3240. It is also available at the gallery for $32. 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 catalogs, and bid live in real-time through Skinner-Live. To register for real-time bidding go to http://www.skinnerinc.com/buy-sell/skinner-live.php. Or, for more information call 508-970-3000.
