Christie’s and Sotheby’s held dueling LIVE auctions on November 21, 2017. Christie’s American sale offered 93 lots resulting in $34,131,500 total sales, nearly 7x the total sales of Sotheby’s which featured less than 67 lots because the Berkshire Museum lots were pulled from the sale. Sotheby’s* failed to sell more than 1/2 of the first 45 lots. I’ll update after the sales have ended. *Sotheby’s sale is now closed. The auction house sold just 34 of 67 lots, total sales (including Buyer’s Premium) were $5,858,250. Christie’s sold 72 of 91 lots today.
It turns out that the James Prendergast Library deaccession (see prior GMG post) would have made more money and kept the art in Jamestown if they had not brought the art to market at Sotheby’s. Here are the three of nine paintings to find collectors; two went under estimate.
SOLD $320,000 under estimate
SOLD $55,000 under estimate
SOLD $32,000 over estimate
One of Sotheby’s best lots today was a Dame Laura Knight which sold for $560,000, right within its estimate range.
Hammer prices unless otherwise indicated:
Christie’s Lot 15 Norman Rockwell What Makes it Tick, a 1948 oil on canvas, sold for 6.2million (just above its pre sale high estimate, 4 million to 6 million) which came to $7,287,500 after buyer’s premiums were factored. Rockwell’s Returning from Camp fetched 1.9 million. A Winslow Homer Tynemouth watercolor fetched a hammer price of $170,000, above its presale estimate range of 100,000-150,000. The Martin Johnson Heade failed to sell; the Milton Avery self portrait went for $45,000 at the gavel drop; and the Paul Manship sculpture was unsold, bidding failing to climb past $240,000 (pre sale estimate was $300,000 to $500,000.)
Norman Rockwell. Girl Returning from Camp. 1940. Christie’s presale estimate is 2 million – 3million
Milton Avery, Self Portrati and Still Life (a double sided work) oil on board, ca.1930s, 20 in x 15 in (Christie’s presale estimate is $60,000-$80,000)
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On November 21, 2017, Sotheby’s (New York) will be holding a European sale and Christie’s (New York) will be holding an American sale. Both auctions feature works by artists with ties to Gloucester and neighboring shores, among them:
Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904) Haystacks, 1878-1892, oil on canvas, (Christie’s presale estimate $120,000-$180,000)PAUL MANSHIP (1885-1966), Lying Doe, ca. 1932 (Christie’s presale auction estimate $300,000-$500,000)
There are a few Norman Rockwell works, including the classic What Makes it Tick (The Watchman), a 1948 commission for the watchmakers of Switzerland, oil on canvas. Christie’s presale estimate is 4 million – 6 million. Christie’s is offering a Cecilia Beaux 1916 portrait in its American online auction, ending tomorrow as well. It’s titled Mrs. Albert J Beveridge (Catherine Eddy/Lady Primrose) and measures 57 x 38. Bids open at $12,000 on this Beaux.
Milton Avery, Self Portrati and Still Life (a double sided work) oil on board, ca.1930s, 20 in x 15 in (Christie’s presale estimate is $60,000-$80,000)
Cecilia Beaux, 1916 portrait of Mrs. Albert J Beveridge Christie’s online American auction ends Nov 21 2017 bids open at $12,000
Norman Rockwell. Girl Returning from Camp. 1940. Christie’s presale estimate is 2 million – 3million
Sotheby’s Nov 21 Auction a tale of two AGOs
The Berkshire Museum story has several updates. As a reminder, the Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled last week that the Berkshire Museum could not sell its artworks on consignment with Sotheby’s until the courts settle. The Berkshire Museum is pushing for an accelerated court case. They have issued a press release which I’ve posted below the break. One trustee has quit in protest of the Museum’s intent to sell. The Massachusetts Attorney General office filed responses. It’s been reported that the AG is repeating unanswered requests for archives, financial papers and other material as well as questions related to museum contruction projects completed by another board member (speculating unconfirmed reports of conflict of interest.) Official filings and documents from both sides have been shared with media outlets. The injunction decision impacted Sotheby’s American and Impressionism & Modern art sales last week, and its European sale tomorrow only in that there are fewer lots for sale. The cover of tomorrow’s European sale catalogue featured a Berkshire Museum painting, Lot 18 now unavailable.
Sotheby’s lists Lot 18 as “upcoming” sale. Bouguereau L’Agneau Nouveau (The Newborn Lamb) oil on canvas, 65 in x 34 in (Sotheby’s presale estimate 1.5million to 2 million)
Additional Sotheby’s Berkshire Museum lots described as “upcoming”, on hold till the courts decide:
Sotheby’s European sale features fine art consigned from another public repository: the James Prendergast Library, Jamestown, NY. Unlike the Berkshire Museum, the library attempted to maintain its collection, but was unsuccessful. It did not receive as much press as the Berkshire Museum brouhaha. The New York Times ran a story this weekend, too little too late for any with aims to hold on. According to the article, the library had even lined up angel collectors willing to buy the great works to ensure they remained in Jamestown, NY.
“Some critics of the sale are particularly upset that the library rejected a plan by two art patrons, Cathy and Jesse Marion of Houston who had proposed keeping the collection in Jamestown by buying about 40 of the works for $1.2 million and finding a new home for them in the city.”
The New York State Attorney General’s office declined this proposal, instead requiring that the library sell at public auction.
“Mr. Rankin said the library had to pass on that offer because the New York State attorney general’s office, which oversees nonprofit organizations, had objected to a private sale without testing whether the paintings might actually bring in more if sold through public auction.”
The library founders made careful selections amounting to an encyclopedic world tour of artists and contemplative, dreamy scenes to enrich the experience of patrons of all ages. They are fascinating together. I love this beguiling and chatty magpie narrative!
James Prendergast Library collection: Jehan Georges Vibert Le Nouveau commis oil on panel. Sotheby’s Eurpean pre sale estimate is $30,000- $40,000
More works to be sold at Sotheby’s to benefit and from the James Prendergast Library collection
Thanks to Mayor Romeo Theken, teacher Brett Dunton, Principal Lucey, and the extreme generosity of Manship Artists Residency & Studios (MARS) under the direction of Rebecca Reynolds, the O’Maley Innovation Middle School ramped up in a powerful fashion with an amazing and enviable addition to the art department:
a rare loan of a Folly Cove Acorn fine art printing press for the art room!
Acorn printing presses were used by Gloucester’s legendary Folly Cove guild of artisans, most notably Virginia Lee Burton, an internationally renowned artist, children’s picture book author-illustrator, dancer, teacher and Folly Cove co-founder. O’Maley students study Gloucester, printmaking, and the history of Folly Cove artists through a myriad of units in each grade and subject, often in partnership with Cape Ann Museum, local artists and other community partners. And now, to have this pedigree press, … Wow! Enjoy some photographs from Brett Dunton from the exciting installation day.
teachers Brett Dunton and Ashley Doke with 8th grade students admiring the newly installed famous Acorn press O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester MA
The O’Maley press is one of the last actual Folly Cove presses remaining on Cape Ann. It was owned and used by Elizabeth (Libby) Holoran and Isabel Natti, eventually taking up Holloran’s floor space in the Sarah Elizabeth Store which she opened in 1974. Superstar sculptor, Paul Manship, was Isabel Natti’s grandfather. Aino Natti, Natti’s uncle, was one of the Folly Cove co-founders and the original owner of this particular press. Acorn printing presses were fabricated and distributed by companies like the Adams Brothers in Boston circa 1830-1870. The name “Acorn” comes from the cut away which resembles the shape of an acorn; the presses are RARE and beautiful. One is on view at the Cape Ann Museum.
Mayor Romeo Theken was hopeful that MARS would consider the schools and Gloucester’s students when determing a most suitable location. Teacher Brett Dunton knows Natti and all about this famed press. He was thrilled to build a print room around it and get going. Natti had already given him some of her drying racks. This opportunity would not have happened without MARS working with donors to rescue the press and Mr. Dunton’s expertise and enthusiasm for taking it on. This has to be one of the nicest feel good full circle art stories coming home ever! I look forward to sharing some of the results from the inaugural student printmaking classes, original print editions from this stellar art room addition.
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Confidence was in the room for the Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Salvator Mundi, painting which climbed from a starting bid of $75,000,000 to $400,000,000 (hammer price) at Christie’s Contemporary art sale Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The Mona Lisa value has climbed tonight as well.
The buyer’s premium for Salvator Mundi will bring the sale to $450,312,500.
Hammer price is the highest bid announced by the auctioneer just before the gavel drops. Additional charges include fees such as buyers premium, taxes, etc added to the hammer price.
Prior record private sales for a William de Kooning (Interchange) and Paul Gauguin (Nafea Faa Ipoipo) reached 300 million. This Christie’s auction sale is public.
The da Vinci was the 9th lot in a sale featuring 58 lots. Prior to the da Vinci excitement a Kerry James Marshall did quite well.
Live Sale still in process. Hammer prices so far
1B Adam Pendleton $180,000
2B Philippe Parreno $420,000 (est $250,000-$350,000 )
3B Kerry James Marshall $4.2 million (est. 1-1.5 million)
4B Frank Stella $3.2 million (est 2.2 – 2.8 million)
5B Eva Hesse $900,000 (est $800,000-$1.2 million)
6B Rothko $28.5 million (est $25 million – 35 million)
7B Bourgeois $7.5 million (est $10 million-$15 million)
8B Vija Celmins $3,500,000 (est $1,500,000-2,500,000)
9B LEONARDO DA VINCI
10B Jean Michel Basquit PASSED
11B Keith Haring sold $3,500,000
12B John Currin PASSED
13B Andy Warhol sold $56,000,000
28B Milton Avery Pale Field, Dark Mountain 1959 approx 40 x 54 oil hammer price was $1,300,000
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Photo caption: children from Gloucester MA performed with Dawn’s Studio of Dance at Walt Disney World November 7, 2017. Photos shared from participating families
On November 7, 2017, 19 children from Gloucester performed with Dawn’s Studio of Dance at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Florida. The Gloucester dancers did a fantatstic job performing with Disney Performing Arts under the direction of Gloucester’s instructors, Dawn Koller and Tiffany Smith. The 2017 dancers were a multi-age group, includingseniors from Gloucester High School as well as students from O’Maley and some of the local elementary schools. Many friends and family from Gloucester watched the performance and were thrilled to see Gloucester “sparkle on the Disney stage.” Dawn’s has been bringing dancers for years and some of these kids have performed at Disney World many times before. About 4 years ago, they were chosen to lead the parade at Magic Kingdom over all the other dance studios that were there to be in the parade.
The November 13, 2017 evening art sales –counting buyers’ premiums–totaled nearly $500,000,000 between two major NYC auction houses: Sotheby’s American Art sales were $19,407,375 and Christies Impressionism and Modern Art sales were $479,000,000 million.
The Sotheby’s sale was unusual because 7 of its 84 star lots were withdrawn just before the auction, a result of the Berkshire Museum litigation. (The combined conservative value of potential sales for the museum lots was $30,000,000 at the low presale estimate range. If the art is sold in the future its value will be more because of the increased familiarity.) Other Sotheby’s lots went unsold. Two Norman Rockwell works surpassed their estimates. Of note for Gloucester artists fans, Paul Manship’s sculpture heavily surpassed its estimate. One Milton Avery sold within its estimate range while a second went unsold. There was a selection of original and rare Paul Manship sculpture for sale in Gloucester this summer (here’s the link).
detail of Paul Manship (1885-1966) Diana, 1921, which sold for $975,000 at Sotheby’s on November 13, 2017 (hammer Price with Buyer’s Premium) Sotheby’s presale estimate was $400,000-$600,000
Christies sale night had several surprises including records for Leger ($71,000,000)
and a gorgeous Vuillard,
and big bidding for Van Gogh ($81,000,000 million).
Christies superstar Fall lot is still to come and in all the news: Salvator Mundi –attributed to Leonardo da Vinci– will be sold in the contemporary sale alongside Warhol tomorrow. It’s been for sale since it was rediscovered in the oughts, but no museum purchased it and experts debate its hand and condition. The opening bid for the “lost Leonardo” will be $100,000,000. A Jean Michel Basquit sold for $110,500,000 last May. Christie’s marketing hype video “The Last da Vinci…”
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The Contents of The Harriett (Woodsom) Gould Country Home in Amesbury, MA Removed for convenience to our McInnis Gallery,76 MAIN STREET – AMESBURY, MA
SESSION ONE Friday, December 1 at 3 p.m. OLD FASHIONED DISCOVERY AUCTION There will be no internet bidding for this session
Harriett and her husband “Bud” were well known long time Amesbury Residents. Harriett grew up on the famous Woodsom Farm and Bud ran Gould Insurance for decades. Discovered in the estate to be auctioned are the personal belongings of Jon J. Gould, son of Harriett and Bud. Jon was a former Vice President of Paramount Pictures and shared a special bond with Andy Warhol, becoming Andy’s closest friend and companion in the 1980’s.
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On Friday November 10, 2017, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy responded to Judge Agostini’s November 7th decision greenlighting Sotheby’s sale. The Massaschusetts AGO appeal reversed the decision, ultimately procuring an injunction from Judge Trainor, Massachusetts Appeals Court. This 11th hour move will not be the last word on the case, though it scuttles any scheduled sale prior to December 11 (with allowances for extensions to build the case.)
Meanwhile, on Monday, November 13, 2017, collectors can purchase Martin Johnson Heade’s Crimson Topaz Hummingbirds and 76 major American paintings at Sotheby’s. The Sotheby’s sale originally featured 84 lots. Norman Rockwell’s Shuffleton’s Barbershop, and 6 more of the Berkshire Museum 40, will not be sold, yet.
No bidding No sales for these 7 Berkshire Museum Sotheby’s lot 10 – lot 16:
Albert Bierstadt Connecticut River Valley Claremont NH temporarily remaining collection Berkshire MuseumAugustus Saint Gaudns Diana of the Tower temporarily remaining collection Berkshire MuseumGeorge Henry Durrie Hunter in Winter Wood temporarily remaining collection Berkshire MuseumJohn La Farge Magnolia temporarily remaining collection Berkshire MuseumNorman Rockwell Blacksmith’s boy 1940Thomas Wilmer Dewing The White Dress temporarily remaining collection Berkshire Museum
This one you can buy; it’s not from the Berkshire Museum. Martin Johnson Heade Crimson Topaz Hummingbirds Nesting near a Palm tree oil on canvas, 13 x 11, ca1865, Sotheby’s presale estimate is $150,000 to $250,000. Heade painted Newburyport and area great salt marsh scenes
11/10/2017 Motion for stay under M.R.A.P. 6(a) filed by Maura Healy.
11/10/2017 Memorandum of law in support filed for Maura Healy
11/10/2017 Record Appendix Volume I filed by Maura Healy
11/10/2017 Record Appendix Volume II filed by Maura Healy
11/10/2017 IMPOUNDED Record Appendx filed by Maura Healy
11/10/2017 Response to Motion to Stay, filed by Tom Patti, Tom Patti Design LLC.8
(none)
11/102017 Motion to exceed page limit filed for Trustees of Berkshire Musuem by Attorney William Lee.
11/10/2017 Opposition to Motion to Stay, filed by Trustees of Berkshire Musuem.
11/10/2017 Supplemental Record appendix filed for Trustees of Berkshire Musuem
11/10/2017 ORDER: The motion for a stay pending appeal pursuant to Mass. R. App. P. 6(a) from the November 7, 2017, order of the Superior Court denying the request for a preliminary injunction, is allowed. The Attorney General’s Office shall forthwith file a notice of appeal in the Superior Court if it has not already done so. The Attorney General’s Office shall file a status report on or before December 11, 2017, regarding the status of the appeal. (Trainor, J.). Notice/attest/Agostini, J.
11/10/2017 ORDER: After reviewing the parties’ submissions, the request for a preliminary injunction prohibiting the defendant, Trustees of the Berkshire Museum from selling, auctioning, or otherwise disposing of any of the artworks that have been listed for auction commencing on November 13, 2017, is allowed. The balance of the risk of irreparable harm to the petitioner and the respondent in light of each party’s chance of success on the merits weighs in favor of the petitioner. Packaging Industries Group, Inc. v. Cheney, 380 Mass. 609, 615-617 (1980). The injunction shall expire on December 11, 2017. Prior to the expiration of the injunction, the Attorney General’s Office may move to extend the injunction with a date certain by which the investigation will be completed. (Trainor, J.). Notice/attest/Agostini, J.
This 11th hour move is not the last word on the case. Stay tuned!
On Monday, November 13, 2017, collectors CAN purchase Martin Johnson Heade’s Crimson Topaz Hummingbirds from Sotheby’s.
But not Norman Rockwell’s Shuffleton’s Barbershop, or any of the Berkshire Museum 40, for now.
Melissa Sallah, owner of Sugar Magnolia’s has opened DRIFT WOOD CHARCUTERIE, a delicious catering option to help you entertain in style. When you order Drift Wood Charcuterie boards– like the one featured at Taste of Cape Ann– you’ll get a delicious spread to kick off your party plus a one off charcuterie board hand crafted by RPF Woodworking that you keep! Call Melissy at Sugar Magnolia’s (978) 509-5641
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photos: teens help the annual fundraiser run smoothly (click on photos to enlarge and see captions)
Sarah Jean
Who Brought the Magic for a great cause?
I don’t think that there are many individual YMCA or towns that could pull this fundraiser off so well. They don’t have Rick Doucette and the rest of the great staff in Gloucester or such a ridiculous abundance of local foodie establishments and culture. Here’s a list of Gloucester, Cape Ann and North Shore great eats and drinks establishments that participated this year:
Dazzling fine food, desserts and drinks were at every turn. Feather & Wedge, 1606 Restaurant, Mile Marker One, Classic Cooks, Azorean, Sea Glass Restaurant, and Sugar Mags served winning main dishes. To die for desserts and specialty drinks were abundant. Virgilios cannolis were gone fast!
photos: Great fun taking snapshots at all the booths. (Apologies to Liquor Locker! The only photo that didn’t come out.)
Live Entertainment – Jerome Music
Sounds of Taste of Cape Ann thanks to fine musicians were John Jerome on guitar and vocals, and Steve Jerome on drums. Cameron sat in as a back up drummer.
Wouldn’t happen without the 9th Annual Taste of Cape Ann generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: Institution for Savings and Cruiseport Gloucester
Presenting Sponsors: Beauport Financial Services, Robert Stewart PC, Tom Davis CPA
plus all the participating restaurants, hotels, specialty food and liquor businesses, and local business support for all those gift basket raffles
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Nice letter from Patti Amaral in today’s Gloucester Daily Times writing on behalf of the city’s Clean City Initiative. She thanked the city, donors and supporters while providing some background about the Carry In Carry Out art. In case you missed it: Nov 9 2017 Letter to the Editor
The murals were refurbished by Jason Burroughs in October 2017. They were designed and painted by Bob Viau from StudioVo 15 years ago. Here are a few photos documenting the refurbishing. The Wingaersheek wall needed more attention.
Carry In Carry Out mural at Good Harbor Beach BEFORE
Carry In Carry Out mural at Good Harbor Beach AFTER
Carry In Carry Out mural at Wingaersheek BEFORE
Carry In Carry Out mural at Wingaersheek AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Anyone interested in sponsoring a possible update to these beach displays, please let her know!
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Join us for an exploratory voyage to the nearly inexpressible world of spirit. By bringing together inspired paintings with soulful improvisations and soundscapes, we joyfully invite you into the sacred dance of life.
Concert + Exhibition
Saira Elizabeth Austin, artist Greta Bro, vocals, songwriter with Stan Strickland, sax, vocals + friends: – Akill Jamal Haynes, bass; Josh Rosen, piano; Pashawarl Cohen, percussion
Saturday Nov 18, 6:30 pm Viewing + Artist Talk followed by Concert at 7:30 pm Donations at the door: $20/$15
Save the Date! Press Release From The Annisquam Sewing Circle:
Each autumn the members of the Annisquam Sewing Circle gather to prepare for the Annual Christmas Fair, well known for its fabulous one-of-a-kind wreaths and center pieces as well as decorated boxwood trees. Also one will find beautiful bulbs and potted plants ready to give or take home, delicious homemade gourmet food items and handcrafted gift items.
Annual Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair December 2, 2017 – 8:00am – 12:00 pm Annisquam Village Hall 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester MA 01930-1322
The Annual Christmas Fair & Luncheon and the Annual Plant and Gourmet Food Sale raise funds to support scholarships for graduating seniors who are going on to college, training for a trade or other educational opportunities and community projects on Cape Ann, for example: The Open Door Food Pantry,Backyard Growers, Cape Ann Animal Aid, Pathways for Children.
The Annisquam Sewing Circle was begun in 1837 as the Annisquam Female Benevolent Society. It is thought to be the oldest continuous independent society of women on Cape Ann.
The Society’s purpose as stated in its Preamble, was “for the performance of acts of benevolence.” Through the years, the Society, and now the Circle, has contributed generously to community programs and to individuals.
detail from Norman Rockwell Blacksmith (1940 for Saturday Evening Post)
From Berkshire Museum Board of Trustees President Elizabeth “Buzz” McGraw:
“We believe we acted consistent with our responsibility to this community and our collections, to keep this museum open now and strengthen it for generations to come. We are grateful the Judge recognized the care and diligence the Board exercised in arriving at this decision, and that today’s decision will ensure we can move forward.”
–more to come —
*sent from phone, no power again in East Gloucester
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On November 2 2017 David Brooks and Jason Burroughs re-installed the Action Inc public art mural, Harbor and Home, which was newly repainted by Burroughs.
Cole Herbst was the original artist of the Home and Harbor mural, installed in 2010. Herbst used spray paint, acrylics and markers. Fellow artists Jake Stafford and Giacomo Vorhees helped Herbst with the project, and Jason Burroughs was involved a bit, too. Burroughs and Herbst were students together in the Compass youth program, Action Inc. Burroughs and Herbst have been in contact about the condition of Harbor and Home and settled on the current solution. Herbst is living overseas and is pleased Burroughs revived the mural and its new iteration.
The Edward Hopper etching The Lonely House was the star lot going into the sale and in the live auction last night. The print sold for $310,000 vaulting past its pre auction estimate of $150,000-$200,000.
Hopper’s Les Poilus circa 1915 surpassed its $15000-$20,000 pre-sale estimate as well, selling for $42,500. I’ve sold an impression of the Lonely House before but I’ve only scene Les Poilus in the Whitney collection.
The sale featured Old Master through Modern prints by American and European artists.
Curator’s talk at the Cape Ann Museum SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2pm
