Modern to Medieval from Eclectic Estates
July 2020 press release
From an estate with European heritage comes some of the varied collections to be offered at Winter Associates July 27th auction. A signed Chagall drawing titled Young Couple purchased in 1968 from the Galerie Wilhelm Grosshennig and illustrated on their catalog page as Junges Paar with a date of 1953; as well as two small edition pencil signed Chagall color lithographs (Mourlot 286 and 287) depict the items of modern tastes from this western Connecticut estate. Also from the estate are two medieval devotional wood sculptures with traces of polychrome decoration, both carvings of mother and child. The larger of the carving is 31” high, likely French c. 1500 and the second 22” high work is most probably Spanish medieval. Beautifully displayed in the same room of the estate and now at auction will be early oil paintings: the largest attributed to the workshop of Nicholaes Pietersz Berchem (Dutch 17th C.) depicting shepherds, dogs and cattle forging a stream, a few still life works including one of a lizard and tobacco jar on a ledge, another still life with flowers and an exotic bird; and a marine scene attributed to Jacob Adriaenz Bellevoix (Dutch 17th C.) with numerous ships on the sea and a town visible in the distance.
The taste in silver from this household also spanned centuries from examples in the Pyramid and Acorn pattern by Jensen to 18th C. silver and silver gilt German covered cups, other early silver and large Continental pieces. Notable pieces from other estates will include an impressive piece of Bucellatti sterling polo trophy engraved with horse and rider for matches in Boca Raton, Houston etc. and presented as the J. Myer Schine Memorial Trophy. Schine was a mid-century hotel and theatre magnate who came to the US from Latvia at the age 11 settling in Gloversville NY. His real estate investments would eventually make him extremely wealthy and the family made generous donations including in Gloversville. Unfortunately, the family had tragic losses of children and fortune as family members spent years fighting each other in court.
A much smaller but also unusual silver ostrich is set with 99 rubies, 18 sapphires, the base is stamped “R Co”, it is 4” high and set on an aventurine pedestal. This auction will also feature over a half dozen sizable flatware services and some pieces by Jensen, Tiffany, Christofle, etc.
The jewelry offerings will be quite diverse for buyers that appreciate substantia glamour two men’s ring sport impressive center stones of 3 ct. and 2.74 ct. round brilliant cut diamonds. For appreciators of exquisite craftsmanship are micro mosaic and pietra dura pieces set in gold that include a Giacomo Raffelli c. 1800 signed 14k pin; 18k Egyptian revival scarab; an 18k ring depicting the Taj Mahal; 18k floral pendant pins, buttons, etc. Some other pins set with pearls and gems as well as generous lots with semiprecious stones and Venetian glass beads will also be offered.
Larger pietra dura from the same estate as the jewelry will also be offered and features framed pieces portraying Pliny’s doves and other birds, floral and landscape plaques; some artist signed by Giovanni Montelatic, Neuci; and Montecchi.
Furniture that would look well in the same room as the early artwork are examples of Baroque and Renaissance revival pieces including two heavily carved throne chairs, both carved with masques, however one also with mermaids and the second with griffins, the back rests reaching heights of 69” and 82” high respectively. Continuing the offerings of beautifully carved furniture in the European style is a bedroom suite with marble top stands and chest, and an armoire with three beveled mirror paneled doors. A large French farm table 81” long is another furnishing of the many of European origin or design that will attract attention, this time for its warm and rustic appeal. For those interested in modern Italian design are a set of four black leather and chrome armchairs designed by Guido Faleschini, these Tucroma dining chairs were designed for the Pace collection.
American 19th C. furnishings and paintings will be another segment of this sale with blanket chests, a handsome marble top Eastlake breakfront, unusual examples of oak furniture including a center table with deep drape carved friezes, a mahogany library table with figural supports, landscapes including a work by William Merritt Post and handsome portraits.
The complete catalog will be available on our website www.AuctionsAppraisers.com on July 17th, after 5pm. Customers who wish to preview items in person will be welcome to attend our public previews to be held on Friday, July 24th from 10am – 4pm; Sunday, July 26th from 2pm – 4pm; as well as Monday, July 27th from 11am – 6pm, or to contact us and schedule an appointment during normal business hours. The gallery is located in central Connecticut at 21 Cooke Street, Plainville.
In accordance with public health advisories and with concern for the well-being of our clients and staff, Winter Associates’ auctions in the upcoming weeks will be offered online. Bidders are welcome to actively bid during the evening of the sale online or by phone, and to submit bids prior to the sale. To enhance our already well-established online availability we have enrolled with a second online platform, LiveAuctioneers.com. We will now be using this platform in conjunction with the online platform Invaluable.com. Pickups will be by appointment only, please email or call ahead and we will do our best to accommodate you.