These two quite different lots were for sale at two different sales yesterday, and I had an interest in both. The two white ladies is unsigned and in a naive style by an C19th unknown English artist. It sold at Bonhams for GBP5,000.
A pair of Chinese School C19th pictures were sold at Doyle's in New York yesterday for a heady USD15,000.
I was quite taken with the two English ladies, but the interest was superseded by the Chinese ladies. I have been lamenting the runaway prices for art of this genre, and this lot was no exception. I was rather hoping for a bit of auctioneering luck, but their obvious beauty was acknowledged by the winner, and I was quite easily outbid. Spotting sleepers is becoming quite a task, so no sleeping beauties here, sadly.
10 comments:
Dear Columnist -
I'm sorry your bidding wasn't successful, but I'm glad you nonetheless shared the ones that got away. The painting of the two ladies reminds me a little of the work of Ralph Earl, who painted his share of dramatic carpet designs. One wonders whether the clients said, "Now don't forget to emphasize the new carpet — we payed a pretty penny for it!" While the Chinese paintings have charming perspectives, I'm really taken with the light and shadows.
I'm quite relaxed about failing to secure items on which I bid; if I fail to get them it's because the price is too high, (for me). I will go and explore the work of Ralph Earl. The carpet in the English picture is quite fetching, but I agree, the Chinese pictures have a great use of dark and shade, despite their typically naive perspective.
I am really quite taken with the two ladies-in-white picture. The non-contrasting dresses make quite an impression, almost like some kind of grisaille or sprigwork, perhaps even ectoplasmic in effect--or maybe I'm too ready for Halloween.
The Chinese scenes seem to have bright and crisply delineated colors; I wish I could see them in better detail to form a real opinion.
--Road to Parnassus
Because I handle 19th century European furnishings and decorative arts, I find the first painting very interesting and appealing! That rug is so graphic and vibrant compared to everything else in the room. Really unusual. And, I have a near identical pedestal table in my shop. The Chinese pictures are lovely, too. Fingers crossed for the next auction ~ Loi
Parnassus - I'm glad you enjoy the English picture as much as I do. There were a number of reasons why I didn't get too excited about bidding, but beauty wasn't one of them. The Chinese pictures are really rather good in close up, but again, I feel they are fully priced.
Loi, I can well imagine that the English painting fits in well with your chosen style of furniture. It is a lovely and unusual piece. As it's a hobby, there is no compunction to buy, so every experience is a learning one.
The two ladies in white has a sort of modern or surrealist appearance. I like it. I agree that parts of the art market can be overpriced. Everything modern seems to be, while some traditional areas are languishing. Last week a large Regency rosewood card table went for $200 USD at Bonham's LA, while 1960s and 70s lithographs easily doubled their estimates.
While the Chinese presented presented an interesting decor and pairs are always appealing, I must stay I am bowled over by the fabulous carpet in the English picture!
Diogenes - yes, the white ladies is really quite charming. I'm often bemused by what sells well. I'd obviously be no good at buying for a shop (for resale), because my tastes are quite different to fashionable items.
DC - the carpet seems to be a hit! I'm still having difficulty leaving a comment on your blog; one from several days ago has not been published, (Treasures of France post).
Post a Comment