15th century ecclesiastical figural carving may see $6K

THOMASTON, Maine — Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ Summer Auction is August 25-27. Artwork from the Old Masters and icons of carving arts to 20th-century innovators will cross the block. Also of interest are large collections of folk art, marine items, and antiquities. Also expected to garner attention from bidders are carving examples, early furniture, and 20th Century decorative arts.

Thomaston Place owner and auctioneer Kaja Veilleux noted: “With an inventory of over 625 paintings, watercolors, graphic arts and sculptures, this auction will be a paradise for anyone who appreciates or collects artwork. More works are now on display in our gallery than is viewable in most museums.”

The auction begins at 11 a.m. Eastern time each day. Live bidding will take place in the auction hall, and Thomaston Place also accepts bids via absentee and telephone. Internet bidding will be available via Thomaston Live, Invaluable, and Live Auctioneers. The buyer’s premium is 17% for on-site, telephone, and absentee bidders and 20% for online bidders.

A centerpiece of the sale will be an oil on canvas painting by Marsden Hartley (ME, 1877-1943) titled “Landscape.” The piece depicts the sun breaking through the clouds over a Maine harbor and has an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000. Additional highlights will include: a gouache on paper work by Alexander Calder in its original frame and mat ($40,000-$60,000) and an intaglio on handmade paper /mixed media composition by Kenneth Noland ($10,000-$15,000).

Three oil paintings by James Taylor Harwood will come before bidders. The selection includes a depiction of Pont Neuf viewed from the Louvre created while Harwood was living in Paris ($20,000-$30,000). A pair of 1830 portraits of Peter and Mary Copeland Atherton of Hallowell, Maine by William Matthew Prior comes with an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000.

Among the sculptures on offer is a 15th-century wood carving of a German ecclesiastical figure (Pictured here). It

carries an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000. The Germanic carvings in this sale also include two additional lots featuring St. Crispinian and a kneeling carving of St. Anne. Plus, bidders will have a chance to bid on a Greek Hellenistic period terra cotta “Tanagra” figure of a seated woman holding grapes, dating to 300-100 BC, will head to auction with an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.

Within the auction catalog is a selection of English Royal Navy autographs, portraits, and documents relating to the period and esteemed career of Lord Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. The lot bears an estimate of between $20,000 and $30,000. Another group lot coming to auction is a set of fifty letters and notes from author and philosopher George Santayana. It comes forward with an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000. There will also be a framed collection of colonial currency from the 13 original states, with an estimate of $5,000 to $7,000.

Highlights of the folk art and marine collection includes a 20th-century sternboard with an eagle by carver Harold B. Simmons. The piece has an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000). A “stargazer” form black carousel horse by Charles Carmel rides into the sale with an estimate of $4,000 to $5,500. Meanwhile, a 19th-century scrimshaw whale’s tooth depicting a whaling ship under sail may command between $4,000 and $6,000. A hat form trade sign from a Seneca Falls, New York firefighter supply businesses, Rumsey & Co. Fire Engine Supply Co., carries into auction an estimate of $2,500 to $3,500.

The antique furniture group includes an unusual mid-19th century Chippendale block front secretary built in the John Brown Shipyard of Warren, Rhode Island. All parts of this piece are set forth so it could be knocked down and easily reassembled after transport by ship. Its estimate is $25,000 to $35,000.

• Chinese ship captain’s desk in exotic hardwoods, circa 1830, with an estimate of $5,000 to $8,000.
• An 18th-century square gilt bronze Chinese cloisonné cachet with Qianlong mark and an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000.
• Three-piece American coin silver tea service by Joel Sayre, with an estimate of $2,000 to $3,000.
• Oil painting by Waldo Pierce depicting two women, including Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Elizabeth Hadley Richardson, in a French Riviera apartment setting. The painting has a presale estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

Tiffany Studios will be represented by four early-20th century bronze floor lamps. Leading the selection is an Aladdin form lamp with an acorn-design leaded glass shade and a presale estimate of $7,000 to $9,000. A vintage Vistosi Murano blown art glass bird by Alessandro Pianon will also come before bidders, with an estimate between $3,000 and $5,000. A rare “New Hampshire” footed etched glass bowl by Steuben from their “United States in Crystal Series” is poised to command between $2,000 and $3,000). Plus, bidders will be presented with a Faberge egg-form enameled perfume flask, carrying an estimate of $6,000 to $8,000.

The large collection of designer furniture will include pieces by Danish maker Brouer Mobelfabrik, De Sede Design Team, L. & J.G. Stickley, Josef Hoffmann (Vienna), Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Niels O. Moller, Arne Vodder, Eero Saarinen, Edgar Bartolucci, Paul McCobb, Carl Hansen, Charles & Ray Eames, Thomas Moser,

For more information, visit www.thomastonauction.com or call 207-354-8141.