Thiebaud’s Lollipop Tree may surpass $400K on Jan. 1

WINDSOR, Conn. – An oil on board painting by Wayne Thiebaud (Am., b. 1920) titled Lollipop Tree, a lovely art glass vase by Ercole Barovier (It., 1888-1974), and one of the finest collections of Victorian furniture ever offered at auction are just part of what bidders can expect at Nadeau’s Auction Gallery’s annual New Year’s Day auction on Monday, January 1st, at 11 a.m. Eastern time.

“This promises to be the most important sale we’ve held to date. One that will be even bigger and more special than previous New Year’s Day auctions,” said Ed Nadeau of Nadeau’s Auction Gallery. “In the past we striven hard to reach and surpass the $1 million mark. More than once we actually hit $1.4 million. This one, though, has the merchandise to reach $2-$3 million.”

Over 700 quality lots will come under the gavel, online and in Nadeau’s gallery. For those unable to attend in person, online bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, Bidsquare.com and Invaluable.com. Telephone and absentee (or left) are bidding options. Previews ar daily, from Dec. 27th-30th, or by appointment.

The expected top lot of the sale is the Thiebaud oil on board, the Lollipop Tree. The colorful and whimsical painting dates to 1969. It measures 13 inches by 10 ¼ inches. It bears the signature and date in pencil by the artist. Also an Allen Stone Galleries, Inc. label appears on the reverse. The piece is in gallery on 1970. The painting may bring $400,000 to $800,000.

Wayne Thiebaud is a pop artist widely known for his colorful works depicting everyday objects. His paintings include pies, lipstick, paint cans, ice cream cones, pastries and hot dogs. He's also renowned for his landscapes and figural paintings. He uses heavy pigment and exaggerated colors to depict his subjects. The well-defined shadows characteristic of advertisements are usually evident.

The vaso mosaico (mosaic vase) executed by the noted Italian entrepreneur and designer Ercole Barovier carries a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000. The 9 ½ inch tall vase, from circa 1925, consists of clear glass with a mosaic pattern of clear, cobalt, amethyst and emerald, and a rim with gold inclusions. A little roughness at the rim is not expected to dampen bidder enthusiasm.

Ercole Barovier was the son of Benvenuto Barovier, one of the most important glass furnace owners of the late 19th and early 20th century. Ercole made his mark very early on, inventing numerous decorative techniques that contributed significantly to the renovation of art glass. His portfolio of work includes no fewer than 25,000 designs. His works appear in museums worldwide.

The fine selection of Victorian furnishings comes from the estate of Frank Perotti, led by a pair of Renaissance Revival walnut and burl walnut cabinets, 75 inches tall, with pierce carved tops over bronze panels over shaped marble tops (est. $6,000-$12,000). Also on offer are Louis XV and continental pieces (several bearing signatures) and some Margolis furniture pieces.

The furniture category also includes two late Louis XV Charles Topino marquetry bonheurs du jour

(small, delicate French writing tables with raised backs). The pieces, both circa 1765, are individual lots. Both are ormolu mount tables comprising several woods. One bears a stamp of Charles Topino ($20,000-$40,000); the other is sans a stamp ($15,000-$25,000).

Fine estate jewelry will be highlighted by a Tiffany & Company ladies’ diamond engagement ring, set with a center Asscher cut diamond weighing 4.58 carats. Baguette cut diamonds flank the center stone. The circa 1930 ring, with color G and clarity VS1, should sell for $80,000-$120,000.

Two very different lots have identical estimates of $15,000-$25,000. One is a beautiful Tiffany Studios Daffodil table lamp with a Favrile 20-inch glass shade, It features cascading daffodils on a bronze base, and the mark of Tiffany. The other is a 40 inch by 28 inch oil on canvas painting by Virginie Demont-Breton (Fr., 1859-1935), titled Mother and Child in the Garden, artist signed.

The auction will also feature fine decorative accessories, to include Louis Vuitton, four large Picasso ceramics, Baccarat, blackamoors, clocks, silver, Oriental rugs and many other fine items.

Also offered will be Part XXIV of Credit Suisse’s Americana collection. This is the balance of a collection appearing in more than 20 previous auctions leading up to the New Year’s Day event. Credit Suisse’s Americana collection's resides in the firm's opulent U.S. headquarters on Madison Avenue in New York.

Nadeau’s Auction Gallery is always accepting quality consignments for its sales, held throughout the year. To consign an item or a collection, you may call them at (860) 246-2444, or you can e-mail them at info@nadeausauction.com. For more information about Nadeau’s big upcoming annual New Year’s Day auction slated for Monday, January 1st, visit www.NadeausAuction.com.