Woody Auction will celebrate the grand opening of its new Douglass gallery with a major antique and fine art auction on Saturday, February 24th, one that will be highlighted by several original artworks by the renowned Swedish-born Kansas painter Birger Sandzén (1871-1946), plus outstanding collections of Royal Bayreuth, Daum, Galle, Tiffany, Pairpoint, pattern glass, and furniture.
All four of the original Sandzén paintings are fresh to the market, not offered to the public in over 50 years. The McCaslin Royal Bayreuth collection of 132 items out of Indiana features many of the rarest animal forms available. A private collection from Illinois will present a great selection of Daum, Galle, Tiffany, Pairpoint, pattern glass and additional quality art glass. The period furniture collection features Meeks, Wooton, Hunzinger and more. Also sold will be bronze statues, lovely brides baskets, and more.
Birger Sandzén was born in Blidsberg, Sweden, in 1871. He studied art in Stockholm and Paris early on, before coming to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas in 1894, to teach languages and assist in the art and vocal music departments. He remained at Bethany for the remainder of his career, becoming the principal art instructor in 1899 and retiring in 1946. He painted right up until his death, in 1954.
During his lifetime Sandzén completed more than 2,600 oil paintings and 500 watercolors. He created 207 lithographs, 94 block prints and 27 drypoints which, when the editions are totaled, amount to over 33,000 prints. He was also a skilled draftsman, filling over 80 sketchbooks. He exhibited extensively throughout the United States and Sweden and today his works are found in many museums worldwide.
The centerpiece artwork in the group of four Sandzén paintings in the sale is Cedars and Rocks, a vivid and colorful oil on canvas landscape rendering of Manitou Springs, Colo., dated 1922. The 36 inch by 48 inch painting was professionally cleaned by WCCFA in Denver in 2015 and is housed in its original frame. “It’s also the finest artwork we’ve ever had the privilege to bring to auction,” Mr. Woody said.
The other paintings are Lake in the Rockies, a 26 inch by 22 inch oil on canvas using very thick paint with high ridges (the meringue technique), in the original frame, dated 1921; Horses in Wyoming, a 20 inch by 24 inch oil on board, a subject for another painting, circa 1930; and an untitled oil on board (various references have indicated Glimpse of Mountain Lake), 36 inches by 48 inches, circa 1938.
Woody Auction is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate, or a collection, you may call them at (316) 747-2694; or you can e-mail them at [email protected]. To learn more about Woody Auction and the February 24th auction, please visit www.woodyauction.com
