Tag Archives: fine arts

Nye & Company will Hold An Important Two-Day Online-Only Chic and Antique Estate Treasures Auction January 19th and 20th

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Bloomfield, NJ, USA, January 6, 2022 -/DailyVoice/- Nye & Company Auctioneers’ two-day, online Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction planned for Wednesday and Thursday, January 19th and 20th, at 10 am Eastern time both days, will offer a wide variety of fine and decorative arts, with a concentration on 17th thru 20th century paintings, furniture from the 18th through the 21st century, silver and jewelry.

The auction will be headlined by property from a private Southern New Jersey collection, the NAMITS collection, property from descendants of the New York and Philadelphia Clinedinst family, property descended in the Fulton, Ludlow, Livingston and Phillips families, property from the estate of John Strawbridge Lloyd of Philadelphia and, lastly, a small selection of Rev War-era property approved for deaccession by the Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City.

A headliner of the auction is one of the earliest known paintings of Martin Van Buren, by Thomas Sully. Initialed and dated 1810, the painting descended in the estate of John Strawbridge Lloyd. This early Sully work depicts a young Van Buren in a striking half-length pose. Documentation goes back to the early 1920s, when it was sent to the Pennsylvania Museum of Art.

Also, coming from the New York and Philadelphia Clinedinst family is a portrait marked as Hannah Van Buren on the verso, but it is more likely a portrait of the late President’s daughter-in-law, Angelica Singleton Van Buren, who assumed the role of “White House Hostess” during Martin’s presidency.

The fine art category includes a bold yet refined 16th/17th century British School Portrait of a Gentleman, one that serves as a window into the life of Elizabethan aristocracy. For those who enjoy the Old Masters, there is a small selection of paintings from private collections. There are also a number of 19th century American and European paintings from a private Southern New Jersey collection, led by a tonalist and impressionistic landscape by Emile Gruppe (1896-1978). The painting perfectly captures the New England landscape.

Another interesting work is by the Russian artist Mikhail Guermacheff (1867-1930). The autumnal landscape is a nice representation of the artist’s oeuvre. William Stanley Haseltine’s depiction of Bald Face Cliff in Ogunquit, Maine is perfect for those looking to take a piece of Vacationland home with them. There is also a signed George Inness painting of a Haystack in the Moonlight.

For fans of traditional furniture, the star of the auction is a George IV desk made by Morel & Seddon in 1828 for Windsor Castle. This highly documented secretaire was made for room 231. The craftsmanship is exceptional and clearly fit for a king. There is also a large set of twelve Regency dining chairs that are well proportioned and beautifully designed and a pair of oversized Regency sofas.

American furniture is also represented in the sale. It will be led by a Federal fan-inlaid chest of drawers, probably Southern, and a Queen Anne high chest of drawers, made in New England circa 1750. The estate of John Strawbridge Lloyd also contains a rich selection of early American furniture, English Toby jugs, Chinese Export and silver.

After celebrating its 300th year in 2019, the Fraunces Tavern Museum decided to implement a reinterpretation of one of its rooms. Deaccessioned items include a Federal style mahogany sofa, a set of Regency dining chairs, two Federal style gentleman’s dressing tables and a Regency breakfast table. These items present a perfect opportunity for patrons to help support the museum and its collection efforts.

For those who prefer more contemporary and designer furniture, there is a Bunny Williams designed breakfront and additional items personally selected by Bunny Williams Interior Design for a prominent New York City patron. A pair of Billy Baldwin chairs supplied to Mrs. William McCormick (Deeda) Blair by Billy Baldwin for her Washington D.C. residence and a Jacques Adnet attributed floor lamp complements a Marcel Wanders-designed for Louis Vuitton leather and carbon fiber lounge chair.

Following along the line of being modern and contemporary, the sale features a small selection of Self-Taught and Outsider Art from the NAMITS collection. The group is led by a Purvis Young Goodbread Alley era painting of two figures, dated 1976. Jimmy Lee Sudduth and Sybil Gibson works are also being offered from the same collection.

People can bid in absentia and online. An online preview is being held from January 5th thru January 19th-20th at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.liveauctioneers.com, www.bidsquare.com and www.invaluable.com. Anyone looking for additional images, condition reports or info about an object is invited to visit the Nye & Company website or email to info@nyeandcompany.com.

For more information about Nye & Company Auctioneers and the Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction Wednesday and Thursday, January 19th-20th, visit www.nyeandcompany.com.

About Nye & Company Auctioneers:
John Nye had a long and fruitful career at Sotheby’s before he and his wife, Kathleen, acquired Dawson’s in 2003 and started Dawson & Nye. With the move to Bloomfield seven years later, they renamed the business to Nye & Company (Auctioneers, Appraisers, Antiques). The firm is nationwide, but the vast bulk of the business comes from trusts and estates in the tri-state area. For more information about Nye & Company Auctioneers, please visit www.nyeandcompany.com.

Nye & Company’s Online-Only Chic & Antique Estate Treasures Auction, Oct. 27-28, has A Fine Selection of Decorative Arts

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Bloomfield, NJ, USA, October 13, 2021 -/DailyVoice/- Nye & Company Auctioneers’ two-day, online Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction slated for Wednesday and Thursday, October 27th and 28th, will be headlined by property from Winston F.C. and C.Z. Guest, the estate of Mrs. Mimi Adler, the NAMITS collection, the collection of Steve and Stephanie Alpert, items from The Millbrook School and property from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Terian, starting at 10 am Eastern time.

The sale will feature a broad and diverse selection of fine and decorative arts. Real time Internet bidding and absentee bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Bidsquare.com and the Nye & Company website: www.nyeandcompany.com. Telephone bidding will also be available on a limited basis.

“This auction is going to be a special sale and is sure to delight collectors, dealers and institutions alike,” said Andrew Holter of Nye & Company Auctioneers. “It’s composed of an exceptionally curated selection of property from private collections, with an emphasis on American and European furniture, sporting art, Chinese ceramics, rugs and contemporary and modern art. Also, a nice group of modern furniture complements the contemporary art.”

One of the headliners of the auction is the collection of Winston F.C. and C.Z. Guest. Winston Frederick Churchill Guest was born in England in 1906 and was named after his godfather and his father’s best friend and cousin, Sir Winston Churchill. He was raised in the company of great men. His father, Captain the Right Honourable Frederick E. Guest, a grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough, was a member of Parliament and held the post of Britain’s first Secretary of State for Air. His mother, Amy Phipps, daughter of Henry Phipps of Pittsburgh, was a philanthropist and partner at Carnegie Steel Corporation. She harnessed her considerable resources to fulfill her deep interest in aviation and to realize its value in the future of world transportation.

Mr. Guest was not only a devoted student (while attending Yale University and Columbia Law School he developed fluency in French and Spanish), but also an avid sportsman and Polo Hall of Fame 10 Goal player. He later served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps in World War II, and during his overseas travels he began his exceptional art collection. Many of the Chinese works in the collection were purchased by Mr. Guest in the mid-20th century, following the war, through his close friend Ralph M. Chait, of Chait Galleries, and through C.T. Loo, also a predominant Chinese art dealer of the period.

In 1947, Mr. Guest married the love of his life, Lucy Douglas Cochrane, of Boston, known to family and friends as C.Z., which stemmed from her young brother’s attempt to call her ‘sister’. Ernest Hemingway stood witness as best man at the ceremony in Havana, Cuba. As a style icon of New York high society, Mrs. Guest graced the covers of Time magazine and Town & Country, among many others. With their unbridled enthusiasm, high standards and unrivaled sense of style, C.Z. and Winston F. C. Guest became one of the most iconic taste-making couples of 20th century America.

Reminiscent of being well traveled, the collection offers a diverse selection of furniture and decorative arts from England, France and Italy. The couple collected a variety of 17th and 18th century European wall brackets that displayed some of their Chinese porcelains. These brackets are exceptionally carved, with fluid lines of interlaced leafage, monograms, shells and figures. The adage of good things come in small packages definitely applies to these pieces.

There is also a wonderfully carved oak marble-top console table decorated with satyr faces and continuing to cloven feet. This impressive piece would have made quite the statement in its European country house. Also of note is the sporting art from the collection. John Frederick Herring Sr., Henry Alken, Sr., Charles Towne, Harry Hall and Sawrey Gilpin are all represented, with classic English depictions of horses in the 19th century. These dynamic equestrian portraits capture an era of landed gentry and the celebration of horse racing and fox hunting.

Complementing the Guest collection is property from the estate of Mimi Adler. Ms. Adler and her late husband, Max, also collected sporting art, silver, English and American furniture and Chinese Export armorial porcelain. Of particular note is an exceptional oil painting by the celebrated 18th century British sporting artist James Seymour (1702-1752). Hare Coursing is a superb picture that would be a welcomed addition to any serious collector. Also included in this collection is a terrific portrait of a gentleman on horseback by John N. Sartorius. The exceptional work captures the essence of an 18th century English gentleman riding in the countryside on a big bay horse. This picture has all the hallmarks of showcasing the high societal status of the rider.

The Adlers also collected a wide variety of both English and American furniture. They acquired objects from the top dealers in the field such as Israel Sack, Inc., Hirschl and Adler, James Robinson, Arthur Ackerman & Son, Inc., Mallet and Richard Green. The collection includes a superb Regency ebony-inlaid mahogany breakfront bookcase. With its delicately interlaced mullions, vibrant veneers and well-balanced proportions, the cabinet is truly a statement piece and would be the highlight of any room and collection.

There is also a magnificent 18th century George III carved giltwood looking glass. This piece is a masterpiece of the Rococo aesthetic. The flowing carving of foliage and scrolls is exceptional. Acquired from the New York firm, Israel Sack, Inc., is a superb Liverpool Success to America cider jug. Emblazoned with the American flag and eagle, this piece drums up patriotic fervor like no other. Israel Sack also sold the Adlers a great Federal writing desk that is signed by the Providence, Rhode Island cabinetmaker, William Clark. It’s a true historical document of American cabinetmaking. Another highly respected New York gallery, Hirschl and Adler, sold the couple a quintessential Severin Roesen Still Life of Fruit. The picture is brilliantly colored and symbolic of a bountiful and prosperous America.

Continuing along the theme of fine art, the NAMITS collection features a diverse selection of contemporary art from around the globe. The Belgian artist, Charlotte Culot, manages to capture a bold, yet light and airy feeling from her work titled Au Coeur de Blanc. This abstract representation of light white and yellow colors draws the viewer in and creates a calming effect that soothes the soul. The celebrated French artist, Francois Bard, doesn’t disappoint with his portrait bust of a man. Filled with frenetic energy and textured paint strokes, this work is mysterious and a visual delight.

Continuing along with European artists from different private collections is a small group of Pablo Picasso ceramics. These colorful and beautifully sculpted pieces offer a great opportunity to own something designed by one of the world’s most celebrated artists.

Complementing the Picasso ceramics is property from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Terian, including a pair of Percival Lafer green upholstered lounge chairs that features clean, rectilinear modern lines. The collection also boasts an Edward Wormely for Dunbar single drawer console table. Light and airy, this piece appears to be inspired by Chinese alter tables.

A Philip and Kelvin Laverne table from another collector also dovetails nicely with the aforementioned pieces.

The Millbrook School (Millbrook, N.Y.) has approved a selection of property to be deaccessed. Pieces include a wonderful watercolor by the French impressionist painter Paul Emile Pissarro. Continuing in the footsteps of his father, Camille Pissarro, and his godfather, Claude Monet, Paul’s work is evocative of these master technicians. There is also a nice selection of Chinese Export Blue Fitzhugh ceramics. This is a perfect opportunity for graduates to purchase a piece of their childhood and support the school that launched them into adulthood.

People can bid in absentia and online. An online preview is being held from October 13th thru October 27th-28th at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.liveauctioneers.com, www.bidsquare.com and www.invaluable.com. Anyone looking for additional images, condition reports or info about an object is invited to visit the Nye & Company website or email to info@nyeandcompany.com.

For more information about Nye & Company Auctioneers and the Estate Treasures online only auction on Wednesday and Thursday, October 27th-28th, visit www.nyeandcompany.com. The full color catalog can be viewed in its entirety right now, at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.liveauctioneers.com, www.bidsquare.com and www.invaluable.com.

Nye & Company’s Online Chic and Antique Estate Treasures Auction, September 8-9, is Packed with Fine and Decorative Arts

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Bloomfield, NJ, USA, August 25, 2021 -/DailyVoice/- Nye & Company Auctioneers’ two-day, online Chic and Antique Estate Treasures auction features property from the Bishop-Peabody-Metcalf family, the NAMITS collection, the estate of Peter Benchley (the author of JAWS, Princeton, N.J.), and several private collections. It is slated for Wednesday and Thursday, September 8th and 9th, at 10 am Eastern both days. Up for bid are thousands of lots of fine and decorative arts.

Real time Internet bidding and absentee bidding will be provided by the popular platforms LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Bidsquare.com, as well as the Nye & Company website: www.nyeandcompany.com. Telephone bidding will also be available on a limited basis.

“This is going to be a special sale,” said Andrew Holter, Director of Business Development at Nye & Company Auctioneers, adding, “It is sure to delight collectors, dealers and institutions alike and features an exceptionally curated selection of property from private collections, with an emphasis on American and European furniture, books, folk art, textiles, Chinese and Japanese works of art, silver and jewelry. For those who prefer contemporary and modern to the traditional, there is also a nice selection of chic furniture, lighting and carpets.”

Headlining the auction are works from a private collection based in New England. The collection features a delightful group of early American furniture, folk art and Northeastern Indian baskets. Of particular note is a richly figured maple Queen Anne high chest. The face of the chest is so vigorously figured, the eyes can’t help but dance with delight.

The collection also has two early mirrors that are rare survivors and gems. The first is an early 18th century diminutive looking glass that is in untouched condition and a real survivor of the late William and Mary/early Queen Anne period. Equally exciting is a William and Mary japanned courting mirror. Only traces and shadows of the japanning remain, but this mirror is potentially a rare example of Boston japanning and a true survivor.

The collectors also amassed a superb collection of colored and potato-stamped Northeastern Indian woven splint baskets. The colors, shapes, sizes and condition are truly striking and exciting to see. For those that appreciate folk art and collect textiles, the collection also includes a rather large selection of quilts from the 18th through the early 20th century. Highlights include a terrific “Whig rose” example, as well as “log cabin” and “flying geese” patterned quilts.

Continuing along the theme of folk art, the NAMITS collection features a superb gilt and paint-decorated zinc and iron optician’s trade sign. Purchased from the highly respected dealer, Alan Katz, this piece can’t help but garner collectors’ attention with its superbly painted eyes. Also included in the sale are some exceptional painted cast-iron banks acquired from noted dealers, Gemini Antiques. The Clown and Globe bank is a personal favorite and conjures up fond childhood memories of the circus and the joys that the clowns brought to the audience.

The collection also contains a broad and diverse selection of inlaid tea caddies, boxes and miniature chests of drawers from both sides of the Atlantic. The collector’s tastes also dipped into the contemporary and modern design aesthetic and include a terrific pair of hemp rope and wood Christian Astuguevielle designed chairs. These tall-backed chairs are reminiscent of weeping willow trees that can be seen in early folk art needlework and paintings and are a nice complement to the folk art in the auction.

Another collection with a strong hold in the traditional decorative arts is being offered by descendants of the early New England Bishop-Peabody-Metcalf families. Steeped with a rich New England history and tales of global travel, this family amassed a superb collection. Of note is a collection of Asian arts that includes carved jade, Japanese baskets and carved boxes that were part of the Heber R. Bishop collection. Bishop assembled one of the finest collections of carved jade in the world. A large portion of his collection was bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1902 and is recognized as a hallmark collection. Of particular note is a cast bronze vase that possibly dates from the 16th century.

Dovetailing nicely with this group is a selection of Asian arts that were collected by Charles Shultz, the celebrated collector from Montclair, NJ. This serendipitous connection with the aforementioned family was buoyed by fact that Shultz purchased several items that were part of the Heber R. Bishop auction held in 1906 at the American Art Galleries in New York City. Two spectacularly weaved Japanese bamboo baskets by the celebrated basket weaver, Tanabe Chikuunsai I (1877-1937), are woven so tightly and with such precision, one can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship. Also acquired at the Bishop auction was a great pair of Samurai warrior chainmail sleeves.

Further strengthening the connection with the Far East is an exceptional Chinese Queen Anne carved hardwood armchair. This delicately carved chair was made in the George II manner and is a magnificent example of Chinese artisans imitating the English Georgian style at the height of the Queen Anne period. Representing the Chippendale period, Nye & Company will be offering a boldly sculpted block-front chest of drawers from Boston, circa 1770. This exceptional chest stands proudly and is wonderfully proportioned and balanced. The large original brass back plates would have reflected the dancing and shimmering light of 18th century candles.

The sale also features a large selection of printed books dating back as early as the 16th century. Included is a selection of early American printings and Revolutionary war period books and period travel books with pull-out maps. There is also an exceptional early topographical map exhibiting the plan of Fort Washington (now Fort Knyphausen), surveyed by Claude Joseph Sautheir, published by permission of Right Honorable, the Commissioners of Trade of Plantations by William Faden, 1777, “A Plan of Attack of Fort Washington, now Fort Knyphausen, and of the American Lines on New York Island by the King’s Troops on the 16th of November 1776.” For those who like American and English literature, there are several large sets, including works by Washington Irving, Rudyard Kipling, Herman Melville and Charles Dickens.

Fine art is also well represented in this auction. There are several works that were exhibited at the famed Salmagundi Club in New York City. Many works descended in the Clinedinst family who count the highly acclaimed artist, Benjamin West, as one of their descendants.

If traditional furniture is not your preference, fear not. There is a wonderful selection of contemporary furniture, including a pair of Weiman kidney-shaped sofas, terrific dining tables and chairs. The sale is also brightened by a large selection of chandeliers and lighting by designers such as Sean Lavin, Thomas O’Brien and Chapman & Myers.

Speaking of bright objects, the sale includes one of Nye & Company’s largest offerings of silver and jewelry for the year. Of particular note is an incredibly large and sophisticated early Tiffany & Company sterling silver punch bowl with Bacchante handles. This piece is a pure showstopper and hails from an old Virginia family. Equally impressive is a sterling silver presentation repousse footed bowl, Bigelow-Kennard & Co., Boston. Bold and impressive, this footed bowl would have been the envy of all dining guests seated at the table.

Highlights from the estate jewelry and watches category include pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Company and Spiral Brequet Remontion, plus unmarked turn-of-the century engagement rings comprising old-mine diamonds from private collections.

People can bid in absentia and online. An online preview is being held from August 25th thru September 8th-9th at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.liveauctioneers.com, www.bidsquare.com and www.invaluable.com. Anyone looking for additional images, condition reports or info about an object is invited to visit the Nye & Company website or email to info@nyeandcompany.com.

For more information about Nye & Company Auctioneers and the Estate Treasures online only auction on Wednesday and Thursday, September 8th and 9th, visit www.nyeandcompany.com. The full color catalog can be viewed in its entirety right now, at www.nyeandcompany.com, www.LiveAuctioneers.com, www.Bidsquare.com and www.Invaluable.com.