NEW YORK, NY.- Americas oldest art auction, the historical New York City based
Salmagundi Club hosted their first in-person public auction in over two years with a very successful two-day fundraising auction event, which was co-promoted by Roland Auctions NY, on Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th.
Both sessions were held live at the legendary Salmagundi Club at 47 Fifth Ave. New York, NY in its 1854 built townhouse headquarters, the oldest house on Fifth Ave. The auctions were presented live as well as online through Live Auctioneers, spotlighting work by many of the clubs top emerging and established artists. The auction featured all original portraits, still life, landscapes, photography and other genres, with all purchases to support both the artist and the club.
Over 200 original works of art by Salmagundi Club members were offered, being both affordable and professionally framed. A unique addition to the auction was the Judy Daniele Marsh bequest of thirty paintings, most purchased 20 years ago and recently donated in memory of Judy Daniele Marsh, a longtime patron of the club. Salmagundi auctions have operated continuously since the late 1870s.
The two day event kicked-off with Salmagundi Chairman Nick Dawes hosting a pre-auction sit-down dinner in the Skylight Gallery and dining room of the club on Friday, April 8th, which included a tour of the auction by acclaimed artist and Salmagundi President Jacob Collins and part one of the auction itself. The remaining 150 lots were then auctioned on Saturday, April 9th..
All eyes were on some very specific works of art, which highlighted the two-day auction event with bidding in the room, online. on the phone and through absentee bids. Private collectors and internet bidders competed fiercely.
Taking the spotlight were a Joseph McGurl, Evening Light on the River, Oil landscape depicting a view of Battery Park from across the river by the noted tonalist, 16" x 20" x 1", which sold for $3450 after multiple bids, a modernist interior scene by Walter Hatke titled Vestiges which sold for $2,700 and a Carole Teller, titled "Window view", oil on board depicting the city after a snowfall through a window view, 14" x 11" x 0" 16" x 13" x 1" Carole Teller is a long-time member of the Salmagundi Club. She has won various awards over the years and is known for her cityscapes. This piece went for $2185.
Paintings from Salmagundi archives also drew a lot of attention, including a New England scene by Antonio Cirino, titled House With the Green Roof, from the estate of Antonio Cirino, painted in the 1970s, which sold for $1725 and a John Traynor, titled "Morning in Hollow Stowe, VT". oil on canvas landscape of idyllic Vermont in the mid-day, 12" x 16", selling for $1380. John Traynor is a classically trained oil painter, with such a distinct and recognizable style, many of his works can be identified instantly a "Traynor". 100% of proceeds from the sale of this circa 2000 landscape benefits Salmagundi, as it was bequeathed to Salmagundi from the estate of Judy Daniele March.
Another John Traynor, titled, "Kit Carson Road, Taos". a cozy oil landscape depicting a hacienda in Taos, New Mexico, 11" x 14" x 2" was sold for $1610, while a Richard Lithgow, titled, "Prize pig", an oil painting of a man walking a huge prize pig at the market, 9" x 12" x 1" went for $750. Richard Lithgow is a long time member of the Salmagundi Club who explores a wide range of subject matter through an equally varied range of mediums. In addition, an Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, Tree of Knowledge (Endangered), acrylic with Imported Archival Handmade Paper. 16" x 20" x 2" (image). Acrylic piece dedicated to women across the world pursuing studies outside religious doctrine, sold for $2185.
I was delighted to see so many private collectors in the room and online said Salmagundi Chairman Nick Dawes, who also acted as auctioneer, adding: I am grateful for all our volunteer help especially staff from Roland Auctions who assisted with photography, auction services and promotion. Salmagundi welcomes donations of historic paintings for the permanent collection of future auctions.