German Gothic tapestry panel climbs to $48,380
Leading the lots that changed hands in Ahlers & Ogletree’s spring estate auction was a 16th century figural tapestry panel with German text.
ATLANTA, Ga. – An early 16th century German Gothic tapestry panel climbed to $48,380 and a large 17th or 18th century Tibetan gilt bronze seated Buddha figure coasted to $42,480 at an estates auction held April 30-May 1 by Ahlers & Ogletree, in the firm’s gallery located at 715 Miami Circle in Atlanta. Over 1,160 lots came up for bid in a sale that grossed $1.3 million. Online bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and Bidsquare. All prices quoted include an 18 percent buyer’s premium.
The German Gothic figural tapestry panel was horizontally aligned and measured 39 1/4 inches by 72 inches. It depicted three scenes divided by ribbon banderoles, with German text inscriptions. The central scene was of a young woman in a gown (presumably a queen), walking in a forest and looking back at a man (possibly a king). The piece was last sold at auction in April 1968.
The finely cast gilt and polychrome bronze Buddha was imposing, at 28 1/2 inches tall, with the sculpture affixed to a later veneered block pedestal. The Siddhartha Gautama Buddha figure was depicted seated on a lotus throne with closed meditative eyes, a third eye to the forehead, and the palm of one hand facing up, with the thumb touching the index finger in a classic Buddhist pose.
An impressive English (or possibly Irish) George III mahogany library bookcase cabinet, dating to the third quarter 18th century, in two sections with the upper section in breakfront form and the piece overall standing tall at 119 inches, rose to $24,780; while an English late 15th or early 16th century carved oak misericord seat (a small projection on the underside of a hinged seat of a church stall), with a round carving in high relief depicting the Garden of Eden, fetched $16,520.
Three artworks by Denis Adeane Mitchell (Br., 1912-1993) came up for bid. One of them, an abstract
polished bronze sculpture (#6 of 9) titled Selena (1969), featuring a pieced rhombus form on the body and two pointed horns curving inward, 7 ½ inches tall, garnered $18,880. Also, a group of five botanical studies by La Roche Lafitte (Fr., b. 1943), each one a watercolor on silk laid down on paper, signed lower right and measuring 21 inches by 16 inches (sight), hit $5,310.
An early 16th century Netherlandish carved oak figural group sculpture depicting a young Virgin Mary wedding the elderly Joseph, with the High Priest Zacharias behind the couple gesturing a blessing, plus additional figures, changed hands for $15,340.
A circa 1889 sterling silver four-arm epergne (centerpiece surrounded by four dishes, created for exhibition or custom order), by Gorham (Rhode Island, founded in 1831), about 11 inches tall and with a total estimated weight of 155 troy ounces, made $11,800.
Another of the auction’s high achievers is a 15th century French giltwood reliquary box (or chasse) in the French Gothic style, with the rectangular casket boasting ornately carved reticulated tracery and the box body and roof gables lined with textured red fabric, gaveled for $7,080.
Ahlers & Ogletree is always seeking quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, contact them at 404-869-2478 or consign@AandOauctions.com. Learn more at www.AandOauctions.com.
