CRANSTON, RI.- An online-only Fine Art & Antique auction that’s loaded with 345 lots of paintings, decorative arts, fine furniture, jewelry, silver, Asian arts and collectibles, pulled from prominent estates and collections all across New England, is scheduled for Thursday, February 25th, by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. The auction has a start time of 6 pm Eastern time.
“This auction certainly offers a good mix for the eclectic collector,” said Kevin Bruneau, the president of
Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. “From mid-century modern furniture to life-size marble carvings, this sale has what you’re looking for. Even with it being an online-only event, I’m excited to see where the auction goes. People have been going collector crazy in quarantine.”
One of the more intriguing items up for bid is a rare, 18th century tiger maple drop-front desk on a stand, made in New England with a fitted country interior over one drawer over a separate base, with a simple apron and finely turned legs. It has a conservative estimate of $800-$1,200.
“The tiger maple desk on stand is a very interesting piece to me,” said Travis Landry, a Bruneau & Co. auctioneer and the firm’s Director of Pop Culture. “I would imagine it is not often seen in American furniture collecting. I can’t wait to see where the hammer falls on this one.”
An ornately carved, heavy life-sized bust of Maria Theresa (Austrian, 1717-1780), is of the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions, ruling from 1740 until her death. The 27-inch-tall bust, atop a 39 ¼ inch three-piece marble and pudding stone pedestal, features cross jewelry, a dainty laced trimmed dress and curled hair adorned with a tiara. The lot should achieve $2,500-$4,000.
A large oil on canvas abstract profile of a head by Lawrence Kupferman (Mass., 1909-1982), comprised of vibrant patchwork and mottled colors, is expected to fetch $2,000-$3,000. The 65 inch by 48 inch work (canvas, less frame), is signed “Kupferman” lower right and signed, titled and dated “Landscape of the Mind 5 Lawrence Kupferman 1964” on verso, on the stretcher.
A large, 20th century Chinese relief carved dining set (table and six chairs) has been estimated at $2,000-$3,000. The 79 ½ inch wide by 39 ¾ inch deep table, with original glass inset, boasts an ornately carved reticulated top featuring a war scene over an intricate apron decorated with taotie at each corner and supported by ball and claw feet. The six matching chairs have red cushions.
A collection of ink and pencil on paper neon sign designs for businesses around New England, each with a “Laushway Advertising Co. Inc.” label, should bring $2,000-$3,000. The businesses include Benny’s Auto Store, A&P, Boston Store, Old Colony Cooperative Bank and Magoni’s Dutch Donut Shop, ranging in size from 22 ½ inches by 10 ½ inches to 20 inches by 30 inches.
A pair of cardboard Wiggle Stools by the Canadian-born American architect Frank O. Gehry (b. 1920), part of the artist’s 1972 “Easy Edges” series, is expected to garner $2,000-$3,000. A number of Gehry’s buildings, including his private residence, have become world renowned attractions. Vanity Fair magazine once labeled him "the most important architect of our age.”
A pair of leather and chrome chairs, plus an ottoman, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (German, 1886-1969) and Lily Reich (German, 1885-1947) for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition of 1929 in Barcelona, Spain, has an estimate of $1,500-$2,500. Mies is regarded as one of the top pioneers of modernist architecture. Reich was a frequent collaborator.
An oil on canvas landscape by Nikolay Tysland Leganger (N.Y./Mass., 1832-1905), depicting a tree on the shoreline of Lake George, New York, illuminated by the setting sun, should change hands for $1,000-$2,000. The work is signed, titled (Afternoon at Hague Lake George N.Y.) and dated (“1890”) on verso. The painting measures 30 inches by 25 inches (canvas, less the frame).
