SOLD to the impeccably dressed gentlemen in the front...
Auction time! Nothing like a vintage nude and retro clock to dress up the drab corner of your dining room.
During a Midwestern childhood, STUDY's first exposure to an auction was rather unimpressive. It was in fact, a farm auction, where a fast talking man née auctioneer sold off everything from John Deer tractors to porch rockers. There was a sad undercurrent as men in overalls perused the relics of their failed (dead?) farming comrade. Wives in printed blouses and ugly slacks sold barbecue on white buns, scooped out of crock pots.
Twenty years later, our perception of the auction has changed significantly, as STUDY has become partial to the very urbane art auction. We find the preview days leading up to the auction are a perfect excuse to skip out of work early, meet a friend for a six martini lunch, and peruse the lots as if we could actually consider bidding on something. The day of, our competitive nature rears as we sit amidst dealers and collectors, tiny pencils in hand, nodding at the coiffed auctioneer who speaks with a calming yet assertive voice.
Though STUDY is hardly a big wheeler, we have had the occasional stroke of luck at the auction house. Once in awhile a lot strikes little interest and nobody bids, causing the opening bid to drop quite low. One such acquisition is pictured above, obtained from Toomey Gallery for a mere $65.00.
We are fortunate to have some very important auction houses here in Chicago, three of which have art auctions coming up in September. Here is a cross section of noteworthy pieces that STUDY has a particular fondness for. (All images courtesy of their respective auction houses.)
17 September 2009
Lot 102
Stephen Shore b. 1947
Untitled, from The Velvet Years: Warhol's Factory 1965-1967
Estimate: $1,500–2,000
STUDY has always had a soft spot for Nico, and would certainly find a place for this. Perhaps in a breakfast room? Lot 145
Cindy Sherman b. 1954
Untitled
Estimate: $5,000–7,000
There's nothing like a good Cindy Sherman print to disturb relatives from rural areas/children. This would go in the guest room, near the Tom of Finland coffee table book and the skeleton of a small bird/rodent.John Toomey Gallery
13 September 2009
Lot 501
Egon Schiele (Austrian, 1890-1918)
Portrait of Edith, 1920
color lithograph
Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000
13 September 2009
Lot 24
Frederick William MacMonnies (American, 1863-1937)
Nathan Hale
bronze, inscribed and dated 1890
Estimate: $ 100,000-150,000
Frederick William MacMonnies (American, 1863-1937)
Nathan Hale
bronze, inscribed and dated 1890
Estimate: $ 100,000-150,000
Gorgeous statue, anyone? At 28" tall this would be a dramatic addition to the foyer. STUDY would place it on a lucite console next to an Anatomical print and a vintage Hermés crocodile bag. Seasonal produce would make the occasional festive appearance, perhaps replacing the bag, or perhaps filling it up. Note: he's in chains! This could be considered a fetish piece.
Though STUDY is not optimistic that any of the above will go for much under their estimated value, we do have our eye on a few less important pieces that just may find there way into our modest yet well-curated collection. We'd post them now, but unfortunately don't need the competition. We'll let you know how it turns out.
STUDY loves a good study, especially ones done by angst-ridden Austrian convicts. This would be a welcome addition to STUDY's dining room as orange plays a key role as a secondary accent color.
