Four original Sandzén paintings to debut Feb. 24

DOUGLASS, Kans. – Woody Auction will celebrate the grand opening of its new Douglass gallery with an auction Saturday, Feb. 24. The auction will feature several original artworks by iconic Swedish-born Kansas painter Birger Sandzén (1871-1946). In addition, items of Royal Bayreuth, Daum, Gallé, Tiffany, Pairpoint, pattern glass, and furniture are set to sell.

The new showroom is located at 130 East Third Street in Douglass. It is just south and east of Wichita, not far from Interstate 35 and Hwy. 5/Kellogg Rd.

“The February 24th grand opening will be the first of many quality auctions to be showcased in our new facility,” said Jason Woody of Woody Auction. “Like in all our past auctions, everything will be sold without reserve to the highest bidder.”

All four of the original Sandzén paintings in this sale are fresh to the market. It's the first time they're before the public in more than 50 years. The McCaslin Royal Bayreuth collection of 132 items out of Indiana features many of the rarest animal forms available. In addition, a private collection from Illinois will present a selection of Daum, Gallé, Tiffany, Pairpoint, pattern glass and additional quality art glass. The period furniture collection features Meeks, Wooton, Hunzinger, and many more interests.

In addition to in-person bidding in the new showroom, absentee bids submitted by Feb. 22 are acceptable. In addition, LiveAuctioneers is handling internet bidding.

Birger Sandzén was born in Blidsberg, Sweden, in 1871. He came to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas in 1894, to teach languages and assist in the art and vocal music departments. The artist remained at Bethany for the remainder of his career, becoming the principal art instructor in 1899 and retiring in 1946. He painted right up until his death in 1954.

During his lifetime Sandzén completed more than 2,600 oil paintings and 500 watercolors. His works include 207 lithographs, 94 block prints and 27 drypoints. All together the editions amount to over 33,000 prints. In addition, he was a skilled draftsman, filling over 80 sketchbooks. Today his works appear in museums worldwide.

The centerpiece artwork in the group of four Sandzén paintings in the sale is “Cedars and Rocks,” a vivid and colorful oil on canvas landscape rendering of Manitou Springs, Colo., dated 1922. Furthermore, the 36-by-48-inch painting bears professional cleaning of WCCFA in Denver. It appears in its original frame.

The other paintings are “Lake in the Rockies,” a 26-by-22-inch oil on canvas using very thick paint with high ridges (the meringue technique), in the original frame, dated 1921; “Horses in Wyoming,” a 20-by-24-inch oil on board, a subject for another painting, circa 1930; and an untitled oil on board (various references have indicated “Glimpse of Mountain Lake”), 36 inches by 48 inches, circa 1938.

Finally, for more information, visit www.woodyauction.com, email info@woodyauction.com or call 316-747-2694.