MONROVIA, CA.- As we get closer to the end of the year,
John Moran Auctioneers is offering some of their best art and objects just in time for the holiday season. On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 10:00am PST, they will present their Made in Mexico sale, filled with fine art, pottery, jewelry, and a large collection of William Spratling silver from the well-known author Phyllis M. Goddard.
The 87-lot, William Spratling collection comes from the estate of Phyllis M. Goddard, a lifetime collector and researcher of his work. Her children had this to say about their mother and her love of Spratling silver, “Phyllis Goddard dedicated 30 years to collecting, researching, and sharing her love of Spratling silver with others. From her discovery of a silver cigarette box and 6 wood-based silver snail ashtrays found in an antique shop in Los Angeles in the early 1970’s, she embarked on a journey of learning and sharing her knowledge about this exquisite silver. Her collection is the basis of the definitive website for William Spratling's work www.spratlingsilver.com and is illustrated throughout "Spratling Silver: A Field Guide to Recognizing a William Spratling Treasure" which charts the artistic evolution of the world-renowned designer of Mexican silver. Both serve as indispensable resources for new and seasoned collectors alike. Phyllis also insisted this fine art should be appreciated in daily life. Her pieces have been treasured objects, lovingly used, held, and worn bringing joy from their handcrafted beauty. It was her wish that these objects be passed to hands that will continue to kindle the passion she held for this living art.”
Her passion started in 1970 with a $50 birthday check and a trip to the antique store, then lead her to a scholarship to further study the work. These efforts were turned into a book, and thanks to the Goddard Family, every invoice from this collection will come with a copy. With estimates ranging from $200-6,000, Moran’s is pleased to present the exquisite Phyllis M. Goddard Collection to the public in honor of Phyllis and her wish that people will appreciate it, use it, and enjoy it.
Representing the fine art in this sale are multiple works by the Cuban artist, Kadir Lopez Nieves. “Skilled in watercolor and acrylics, Kadir is also known for the creativity and individuality of his installations. He combines burlesque and caricature with elements of the socio-cultural legacy of Cuba in such a way that the clear and the dark come together, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia, enchantment, and dreaminess,” from Lisa Reynolds Wolfe of Cuban Art World. His painting, Esperando la Marea, 2004, has an estimate of $2,000-3,000. In addition, Ruffino Tamayo’s “Figure de Pie” from 1977 will be offered and displays a bold use of red and an abstracted figure for which he is known. Other important artists to keep your eye on in this auction are Vladimir Cora, Reyna Castano, Jesus Leuus, Jose Orozco, Francisco Toledo, David Sisquerios, Frank Romero, and Francisco Zuniga.
A variety of incredible sculptural works from Sergio Bustamante will impress attendees of the preview with their size and whimsy. Both “Fish Cooling” and “Bust with Alligators” have an estimate of $3500-4500. Rounding out the sculptural offerings is a seated woman by Victor Gutierez.
There will also be a wide selection of Mexican jewelry from various collectors including the Cindy Tietze-Hodosh and Stuart Hodosh collection that includes makers such as Hector Aguilar, William Spratling and Antonio Pineda, as well as Margot de Taxco, Fred Davis, Los Castillo, Abraham Paz, Salvator Teran, Hubert Harmon, Enrique Ledesma, and Fernando Calderon. The Calderon piece is special to note for its modern abstraction of ceramics applied to wearable art and is sure to inspire collectors from a wide array of styles. A two-tone gold washed Matl necklace by Matilde Poulat will be another stand out piece in the wide selection on offer.
