The Old Master & 19th Century European Art sale at Christie’s New York on January 27th contains two important collections of Sporting Art. The collection of Mr and Mrs Montgomery Fisher, from California, (lots 181-200) includes many superlative examples by renowned English equestrian painter Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959). Paintings from the well-known racing enthusiast Thomas J. Carroll from Middleburg, Virginia include excellent examples by Munnings as well as works by key 19th century English artists J.F. Herring Senior and Thomas Blinks. Estimates in the sale start from $10,000+ and the collections epitomize sophisticated English country house style.
Lot 189
Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S. (Mendham 1878-1959 Dedham)
The Start
oil on artist’s board
16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm.)
Painted circa 1950
Estimate: $300,000-500,000
Lot 191
Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S. (Mendham 1878-1959 Dedham)
A Park Meeting
signed ‘A.J. MUNNINGS’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm.)
Estimate: $400,000-600,000
Designers Note: I LOVE Lot 189 and Lot 191. The soft brush strokes lend a wonderful movement to both works. ” A Park Meeting” immediately draws me into the world of british equestrian society. I love the man and woman on the right – perhaps the owners of the horse? I love the combination of sport and fashion. Lot 189 would look amazing in a library with deep rusty red or chocolate walls to really make the jockey’s colors pop off the page. I see Lot 191 in a living room with soft yellow or pale green walls.
Lot 200
Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S. (Mendham 1878-1959 Dedham)
Millicent Baron on `Magpie’
signed ‘A.J. MUNNINGS’ (lower left)
oil on canvas
30.1/2 x 38 in. (77.5 x 96.5 cm.)
Estimate: $800,000-1,200,000
You do not have to be at the auction to place a bid ( though raising the paddle is half of the fun!). You can watch items as they come up and bid on line. As Clare says, “Trust your own eye but don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
http://www.christies.com/departments/sporting-art/
For inquiries contact:
Clare McKeon – Vice President
(p) 212 636 2084
xo,
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