CLOSTER, NJ.- On Wednesday, May 13, New Jersey’s
Sterling Associates will present a 368-lot Modern & Decorative Art Auction featuring some of the finest fresh-to-market pieces recently obtained from residences in the New York tri-state area.
Among the top highlights is a breathtaking Louis-Ernest Barrias (French, 1841-1905) seminude bronze titled Nature Unveiling Herself Before Science, which stands 17 inches tall and is signed “E. Barrias.” The work is a testament to detail, as witnessed in every tiny fold on the “cloth” that drapes the female figure. The bronze is also cold-stamped under the base with the foundry mark “SUSSE FRERES EDITEURS PARIS.” Its pre-auction estimate is $8,000-$16,000.
Also entered in the sale is an abstract modern sculpture on marble base by Dimitri Hadzi (American, 1921-2006). Signed and numbered on the lower-back portion of the bronze, this handsome piece stands 10 inches tall and has a broad estimate range of $600-$2,200.
An absolute showstopper, an 18-inch Le Verre Francais “Scarabees” vase exhibits a quintessential Art Deco motif of a large scarab beetle resting on vivid orange glass overlaid with purple glass. Designed by Charles Schneider, the vase is artist-signed and dates to around 1919-1922. It is estimated at $3,500-$5,000.
Another example of Art Deco glass artistry at its best, two matching Auguste Legras acid-cut vases feature a geometrical pattern on clear olive-green glass. Created around 1920-1925, the 17½ inch tapering vessels are entered in the auction with an $800-$1,600 estimate for the pair.
Borrowing from a classical theme, a Boch Freres (Belgian) late Art Deco charger by Raymond-Henri Chevallier depicts a partially obscured nude male holding a torch with plumed flames. Artist-signed, it is also stamped “Boch Freres la Louviere” and dated 1949. It measures 12 7/8 inches wide and is offered with a $1,200-$2,000 estimate.
In the manner of Oscar Bach, a period openwork brass and iron telephone console is stamped with the maker’s mark beneath the marble top. The front and side brass panels are decorated with repousse knights and nude females, each with a velvet background. The piece is elaborately detailed and stands 47 inches tall on paw feet. A most unusual design, it is estimated at $500-$1,000.
From an earlier design era, a Tiffany-style Art Nouveau lamp consists of a triangular base with three intertwined gilt-bronze supports for an inverted leaded and stained glass shade. The honey-colored shade, whose metal framework exhibits natural verdigris, is of a construction similar to Tiffany Studios’ belted turtleback pieces. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000. Another Art Nouveau highlight is a signed and dated Josef Ekberg (Swedish) pottery vase with repeating floral and tree design, estimate $800-$1,600.
Fine art is led by a colorful and appealing oil-on-canvas painting, possibly by Kees van Dongen (Dutch, 1877-1968), that depicts smartly dressed men and woman at an outdoor event. On verso, a gallery stamp reads “Galerie Louis Carre, Paris.” Measuring 25½ by 21 inches (framed), its presale estimate is set at $3,000-$6,000.
All bidding in Sterling Associates’ auctions is conducted remotely, but the company is a brick-and-mortar establishment where anyone can inspect the goods. Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.com or Invaluable.com.
The Wednesday, May 13, 2015 auction will commence at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The live gallery preview is from 11-3 on May 6-8 (inclusive) and May 11 and 12; or at later times by appointment. The gallery is located at 70 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 07624. Bidding methods include phone, absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.
For additional information on any item in the auction or to reserve a phone line, call 201-768-1140 or e-mail sterlingauction@gmail.com. Online: www.antiquenj.com. View the fully illustrated catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com or www.Invaluable.com.
