NEW YORK, NY.- Sothebys will present the second chapter of Visions of America, building on the success and acclaim of last years groundbreaking debut, presented in partnership with Cadillac. This exceptional week-long event will feature a curated selection of American craftsmanship from prominent private collections and institutions, offering a dynamic blend of auctions, exhibitions, and immersive experiences that celebrate the full breadth and depth of American artistry.
This year, renowned designer and creative director Ken Fulk joins Visions of America as guest curator, bringing his unique vision to the event. Known for his transportive creations and signature magic-making,
Fulk has carefully curated a selection of 18 superlative works that celebrate the rich cultural and artistic legacy of America, weaving a compelling narrative that spans over 400 years of craftsmanship. The full breadth of his vision will be unveiled in due course, promising a remarkable exploration of history and artistry.
Ken Fulk" Assouline's coffee table books are the essential addition to any luxury home decor collection.
On his personal approach to art and objects, Fulk remarked: My work has always been about creating experiences that transport peoplewhether through a space, a moment, or a story. The pieces Ive chosen for Visions of America reflect that same sensibility: objects that spark emotion, tell a story, and evoke the rich tapestry of American craftsmanship. Im drawn to works that feel timeless yet uniquely resonate with the way we live today, weaving beauty and meaning into our everyday lives.
Expanding further, Fulk reflected on the connection between storytelling and collecting: Collecting, for me, is an extension of storytelling. Just as I design spaces and experiences that bring people into a world of wonder and connection, I see art and objects as vessels for storiesstories of their creation, their history, and the lives theyve touched.
With over 25 years of experience leading globally recognized projectsfrom bespoke private estates to high-concept hospitality venturesFulks work transcends traditional boundaries. As the founder of Saint Josephs Arts Society, a non-profit supporting artists and creatives, Fulks passion for preserving and celebrating artistry aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Visions of America.
On what American innovation means to him, Fulk says: "To me, American innovation is about boundless creativity and the freedom to imagine the extraordinary. Its the ability to dream big, take risks, and stay true to your vision while embracing the diversity that makes this country so inspiring."
Building on last years success, this second annual edition promises to elevate the series to new heights, offering audiences an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the finest in American craftsmanship and culture.
As the presenting partner of Visions of America, Cadillac will feature the highly anticipated CELESTIQ, the next generation of all-electric, hand-crafted luxury. The CELESTIQ will be displayed in an exhibition gallery alongside two iconic heritage vehicles, offering a powerful narrative that celebrates both timeless and contemporary American innovation and craftsmanship. While these vehicles will not be for sale, their inclusion will enhance the exhibitions exploration of American ingenuity.
Further highlights and details surrounding this extraordinary collaboration will be announced in due course, as it prepares to take center stage at Sothebys New York this January.
A GLIMPSE INSIDE VISIONS OF AMERICA
Now in its second year, Visions of America expands upon the solid foundation laid by its inaugural auction and event series, further elevating the celebration of American artistry and craftsmanship. Comprising over 500 exceptional examples of American art and objects spanning from the 17th century to the present day, the event offers both new and established collectors an opportunity to experience a diverse range of outstanding American works. This years monumental salesheld both live and online in January at Sothebys New Yorkwill feature fine furniture, fashion, decorative arts, folk art, paintings, silver, Chinese export ceramics, prints, historic maps, whiskey, books, and manuscripts, among other treasures.
AMERICAN ART
A thoughtfully curated selection of important American paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture will be featured in this year's Visions of America week. Entitled Art of the Americas, Featuring the American West, this live auction will celebrate prominent artists of American, Canadian and Latin American descent. With a focus on nineteenth century landscapes, still life, portraiture, and historical subject matter, this sale will highlight a wide array of artistry and innovation across the Americas. Through the inclusion of a dedicated session of American Western art within this year's sale, we will showcase important artworks by Frederic Remington, Albert Bierstadt, Eanger I. Couse and many others whose illustrations and sculptures honor the beauty and grandeur of the western frontier.
AMERICANA: FURNITURE, FOLK ART, PRINTS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS
The Americana department has a tremendous assortment of property on offer for 2025 Visions of America. The headlining piece is a mid-eighteenth-century Philadelphia Queen Anne mahogany dressing table that was declared by Albert Sack as a Masterpiece of late Baroque design. Another highlight is the incredible, newly discovered Reynell-Coates family Philadelphia Chippendale high chest of drawers, which has remained in the family for two-hundred-and-seventy-five years until offered this January and has astonishingly survived in an untouched condition. The third exceptional piece of American furniture is a yet another important Philadelphia object, The Laird family Chippendale high chest base elaborately carved by John Pollard, which has never been publicly offered or exhibited and for nearly a century was only known about from its illustration in the seminal publication on Philadelphia furniture, Blue Book: Philadelphia Furniture, William Penn to George Washington where it was declared by the author as "The Ultimate as Produced in Philadelphia.
Sotheby's will be offering the outstanding folk art and furniture collection of Leslie and Peter Warwick of Middletown, New Jersey. A lifelong passion for both, they were admired scholars in the folk art and stoneware fields and greatly advanced the study of New Jersey art. We are also offering the lovely collection of American folk art and furniture from Mr. Vance Peacock and Darren Bryenton of Savannah, Georgia as well as the southern furniture collection of Jodi White Wenzl and Daniel Wenzl.
Lastly, the auction house will be offering an important, newly discovered Edward Hicks painting of George Washington, The Passage of the Delaware.
AMERICAN SILVER
The silver being offered during Visions of America is led by an impressive group by the American Patriot and silversmith, Paul Revere, which include a Coffee Pot, Teapot, and Creamer, each with known provenance going back to their original owners. Another American Patriot, Benjamin Franklin, is represented this season with a pair of English silver candlesticks he gifted to his close friend Polly Stevenson upon her wedding. Highlights from the great makers of Americas Gilded Age, Tiffany and Gorham, include a mixed metal American Indian loving cup by Tiffany and an ewer and plateau from Gorhams Martelé line that was exhibited at the St. Louis Exposition in 1903.
CHINESE EXPORT
The Important Americana sale includes a wide array of Chinese export art made for the Western market and is led by two rare finely decorated Yongzheng period ruby back Ladies and children dishes, and an eggshell porcelain Pheasants dish, all from a private collection. Additionally, the sale also includes two large Chinese Export Famille Verte Provinces Chargers from the Kangxi to Yongzheng period and decorated with the coat of arms of Amsterdam and Luxembourg respectively.
BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS
The Books and Manuscripts department presents a curated selection of rare and significant material, with highlights including a world-class Jewish baseball card collection featuring over 190 major league players, and a unique exploration of American literary culture through Great Writers/Great Drinkers. These examples showcase the departments focus on important and distinctive collections, from sports history to literary treasures, offering a rich perspective on American heritage and culture.
BOURBON AND RYE | AMERICAS FINEST WHISKEYS
Sotheby's New York January auction, Americas Finest Whiskeys will feature its second-ever Visions of America sale, highlighting rare American spirits, including exceptional bottles from the late 19th century to the early 2000s, with whiskeys produced before and during Prohibition. Notable highlights include rare whiskies, rye, and gin from Philadelphias Stewart Distillery.
A standout is the President's Choice Private Barrel Select 8-Year-Old 112.8 Proof, personally chosen by Brown-Forman's president for its perfect balance. Aged in barrel #A296978 and set aside for Haabs Restaurant, this rare bourbon is a unique collectors item from the iconic Presidents Choice line.
REAL ESTATE | SOTHEBYS CONCIERGE AUCTIONS
Featuring a hand-picked selection of luxury real estate that emphasizes hand craftsmanship, Sothebys Concierge Auctions Exceptional Global Properties sale will showcase marquee Sothebys International Realty properties, presented alongside similar offerings that celebrate American culture and creativity in all its art forms. In this highly curated sale, select lots totaling over US$60 million in luxury real estate will be sold live at Sothebys New York headquarters on 29 January. From a newly constructed estate designed by legendary architect Robert A. M. Stern Architects in the coveted Sea Island area of Georgia to an architectural masterpiece set in the heart of Napa Valley featuring angular lines, sculptural elements, and artful details throughout, this sale will feature icons of American luxury. Further lots and details to follow in due course.
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