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Historic Silver Presented to One of Melbourne’s Founding Fathers Emerges for Auction

27 September 2018

One hundred and seventy six years after it was first presented, the historically significant Lonsdale Silver Presentation will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 24 October 2018 with a combined estimate of $625,000-1,025,000. Consigned by a fifth generation descendent of Captain William Lonsdale, the collection is a rare connection with Melbourne’s colonial foundation and its early citizens, and acknowledges the esteem that the public felt for one of its leading figures in its establishment as a colony separate from New South Wales. One hundred and seventy six years after it was first presented, the historically significant Lonsdale Silver Presentation will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 24 October 2018 with a combined estimate of $625,000-1,025,000. Consigned by a fifth generation descendent of Captain William Lonsdale, the collection is a rare connection with Melbourne’s colonial foundation and its early citizens, and acknowledges the esteem that the public felt for one of its leading figures in its establishment as a colony separate from New South Wales. (237.38 KB)

Sotheby's Australia Presents John Kelly: Sculptures A Selling Exhibition

30 August 2018

Sotheby’s Australia is pleased to present John Kelly: Sculptures, the first selling exhibition to be held at our newly restored heritage building on Collins Street, Melbourne. Renowned for his sculptures and paintings of cows, John Kelly has continued to explore the genre further, examining the skeletal form. Other highlights include the maquette of the sculpture Man Lifting Cow 2016, unveiled by Brimbank City Council in Sunshine to critical and public acclaim. Sotheby’s Australia is pleased to present John Kelly: Sculptures, the first selling exhibition to be held at our newly restored heritage building on Collins Street, Melbourne. Renowned for his sculptures and paintings of cows, John Kelly has continued to explore the genre further, examining the skeletal form. Other highlights include the maquette of the sculpture Man Lifting Cow 2016, unveiled by Brimbank City Council in Sunshine to critical and public acclaim. (230.04 KB)

Sotheby’s Australia Continues Market Leadership with Record Results

29 August 2018

Sotheby’s Australia continues its market leadership with $8.84 million sold at the August auction of Important Australian Art with 88% sold by value. Sotheby’s Australia has recorded a total of $22.2 million of art sold in Australia during 2018. A new world auction record for Arthur Boyd’s Drowned Bridegroom (1959) was achieved, selling for $1,952,000 (estimate $1,600,000-1,900,000, lot 20, pictured previous). Sotheby’s Australia holds the top five auction results for the artist. Sotheby’s Australia continues its market leadership with $8.84 million sold at the August auction of Important Australian Art with 88% sold by value. Sotheby’s Australia has recorded a total of $22.2 million of art sold in Australia during 2018. A new world auction record for Arthur Boyd’s Drowned Bridegroom (1959) was achieved, selling for $1,952,000 (estimate $1,600,000-1,900,000, lot 20). Sotheby’s Australia holds the top five auction results for the artist. (431.64 KB)

Arthur Boyd Masterpiece Debuts for Auction at Sotheby’s Australia

13 August 2018

Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Arthur Boyd’s Drowned Bridegroom (1959) makes its auction debut at Sotheby’s Australia this August in Sydney, 60 years after the work was painted and first exhibited. Drowned Bridegroom is one of the most powerful, tender and monumental of the entire ‘Bride’ series by Boyd, which articulated his deep concern for social, political and psychological complexities that faced Indigenous Australians during the 1950s. This compelling painting is anticipated to break the current artist record Sotheby’s Australia achieved in August 2012 with Bride Running Away (1957-1958) realising $1.68 million, surpassing the previous record of $1.2 million for Frightened Bridegroom (1958) which we established in 2011.’ Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Arthur Boyd’s Drowned Bridegroom (1959) makes its auction debut at Sotheby’s Australia this August in Sydney, 60 years after the work was painted and first exhibited. Drowned Bridegroom is one of the most powerful, tender and monumental of the entire ‘Bride’ series by Boyd, which articulated his deep concern for social, political and psychological complexities that faced Indigenous Australians during the 1950s. This compelling painting is anticipated to break the current artist record Sotheby’s Australia achieved in August 2012 with Bride Running Away (1957-1958) realising $1.68 million, surpassing the previous record of $1.2 million for Frightened Bridegroom (1958) which we established in 2011.’ (228.51 KB)

Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design

10 August 2018

On 24 October 2018, Sotheby’s Australia will present an extraordinary selection of works of fine and decorative arts as part of its Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale. Positioned as Australia’s pre-eminent arts and design auction, this sale assembles exemplary ceramics, furniture, glass, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, silver, and objects of virtu, selected for their outstanding quality, rarity, beauty and historical significance. Of singular importance, the works define and contribute to our understanding of our multi-cultural nation and the treasures it houses. On 24 October 2018, Sotheby’s Australia will present an extraordinary selection of works of fine and decorative arts as part of its Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale. Positioned as Australia’s pre-eminent arts and design auction, this sale assembles exemplary ceramics, furniture, glass, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, silver, and objects of virtu, selected for their outstanding quality, rarity, beauty and historical significance. Of singular importance, the works define and contribute to our understanding of our multi-cultural nation and the treasures it houses. (216.37 KB)

Sotheby’s Australia Dazzles with Record Result of $2.93 Million for a Jewels Auction in Australia

9 August 2018

Sotheby’s Australia’s auction of Important Jewels & Watches achieved $2.93 million, the highest ever total for a jewels and watches auction in Australia. The record-setting sale was the first auction to be held in Sotheby’s Australia’s newly restored heritage building in Collins Street, Melbourne, and featured a superb selection of diamonds, coloured diamonds and precious gemstones, including magnificent pieces of signed jewels by the most celebrated international jewellers and watchmakers. Demand for creations by Audemars Piguet, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Emil Meister, Hublot, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co., saw many items sell above estimate, with 6 lots selling for over $100,000. Sotheby’s Australia’s auction of Important Jewels & Watches achieved $2.93 million, the highest ever total for a jewels and watches auction in Australia. The record-setting sale was the first auction to be held in Sotheby’s Australia’s newly restored heritage building in Collins Street, Melbourne, and featured a superb selection of diamonds, coloured diamonds and precious gemstones, including magnificent pieces of signed jewels by the most celebrated international jewellers and watchmakers. Demand for creations by Audemars Piguet, Bulgari, Cartier, David Webb, Emil Meister, Hublot, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co., saw many items sell above estimate, with 6 lots selling for over $100,000. (227.89 KB)

State of Grace: Important Modernist Interior Emerges for Auction at Sotheby’s Australia

3 August 2018

Consigned by the granddaughter of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE, Grace Cossington Smith’s highly-acclaimed masterpiece, Fruit in the Window 1957 is offered for auction for the first time by Sotheby’s Australia at its August sale of Important Australian Art (estimate $200,000-250,000, pictured previous). Dr Brown has long been revered as Australia’s most prolific art collector and dealer, Fruit in the Window formed the cornerstone of his personal art collection. With the painting’s particularly distinguished provenance and exhibition history, the composition is a pictorial record of the artist’s domestic environment, a shimmering interior painted in a pointillist manner. In 2014, Sotheby’s Australia achieved the artist auction record of $671,000 for The Window 1956, formerly in the collection of art historian and art-museum curator, Daniel Thomas, and acquired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Consigned by the granddaughter of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE, Grace Cossington Smith’s highly-acclaimed masterpiece, Fruit in the Window 1957 is offered for auction for the first time by Sotheby’s Australia at its August sale of Important Australian Art (estimate $200,000-250,000). Dr Brown has long been revered as Australia’s most prolific art collector and dealer, Fruit in the Window formed the cornerstone of his personal art collection. With the painting’s particularly distinguished provenance and exhibition history, the composition is a pictorial record of the artist’s domestic environment, a shimmering interior painted in a pointillist manner. In 2014, Sotheby’s Australia achieved the artist auction record of $671,000 for The Window 1956, formerly in the collection of art historian and art-museum curator, Daniel Thomas, and acquired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. (340.02 KB)

Precision Timing: One of the Highest Valued Selection of Watches to be Auctioned in Australia

31 July 2018

Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘One of the most important and comprehensive auctions of watches in Australia will be conducted by Sotheby’s Australia on 8 August 2018 in Melbourne. The cornerstone of this sale is two significant private collections, property from the Late James (Jim) Woodward and property from the Late William (Bill) Hughes. James Woodward was integral to the introduction of high-end European appliances to the Australian market, obtaining the licence to import the Smeg brand. The wristwatches from Jim’s collection are a testament to his connoisseurship of European elegance, design and craftsmanship. Perfectly complimenting this selection, William Hughes’ collection of pocket watches provides a fascinating and comprehensive insight into over 200 years of time-keeping and style.’ Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘One of the most important and comprehensive auctions of watches in Australia will be conducted by Sotheby’s Australia on 8 August 2018 in Melbourne. The cornerstone of this sale is two significant private collections, property from the Late James (Jim) Woodward and property from the Late William (Bill) Hughes. James Woodward was integral to the introduction of high-end European appliances to the Australian market, obtaining the licence to import the Smeg brand. The wristwatches from Jim’s collection are a testament to his connoisseurship of European elegance, design and craftsmanship. Perfectly complimenting this selection, William Hughes’ collection of pocket watches provides a fascinating and comprehensive insight into over 200 years of time-keeping and style.’ (227.86 KB)

Brett Whiteley’s Multi-Million Dollar Sydney Harbour View to Lead Sotheby’s Australia’s August Sale

26 July 2018

Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Harbour (Grey Day) (1978) comes to auction having remained unseen in public for 40 years. The painting beautifully articulates aspects of the Asian aesthetic that appealed so greatly to Whiteley. Here each element of the composition – palm trees, boats, promontories, buildings, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, wharves, bays, together with the great expanse of Sydney Harbour, are applied in a deliberate kind of a calligraphic gesture against a simple, flat, empty background. The painting is a literate, sensual, elegant, and quietly joyous celebration of the good art and the good life; the composition is a quiet exhalation that elevates the soul. Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to offer this rare masterpiece in our August sale of Important Australian Art and we anticipate great excitement from collectors in Australia and internationally.’ Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Harbour (Grey Day) (1978) comes to auction having remained unseen in public for 40 years. The painting beautifully articulates aspects of the Asian aesthetic that appealed so greatly to Whiteley. Here each element of the composition – palm trees, boats, promontories, buildings, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, wharves, bays, together with the great expanse of Sydney Harbour, are applied in a deliberate kind of a calligraphic gesture against a simple, flat, empty background. The painting is a literate, sensual, elegant, and quietly joyous celebration of the good art and the good life; the composition is a quiet exhalation that elevates the soul. Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to offer this rare masterpiece in our August sale of Important Australian Art and we anticipate great excitement from collectors in Australia and internationally.’ (197.02 KB)

Sotheby’s Australia to Offer FAREWELL BY DEL KATHRYN BARTON – Estimate $150,000-350,000 –

20 July 2018

Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to announce Del Kathryn Barton’s Farewell 2004 as a highlight of our auction of Important Australian Art this August. One of the most significant works by the internationally renowned artist to ever appear at auction, the painting is a tour de force that captures Barton’s extraordinary vision and technical command. A testament to the artist’s singular vision, Barton’s work was the recent subject of a major survey exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne in 2017-2018. A contemporary cornerstone to our Important Australian Art auction on 28 August, Farewell 2004 carries a pre-sale estimate of $150,000-350,000, and is poised to establish a new world auction record for the artist. Sotheby’s Australia is honoured to announce Del Kathryn Barton’s Farewell 2004 as a highlight of our auction of Important Australian Art this August. One of the most significant works by the internationally renowned artist to ever appear at auction, the painting is a tour de force that captures Barton’s extraordinary vision and technical command. A testament to the artist’s singular vision, Barton’s work was the recent subject of a major survey exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne in 2017-2018. A contemporary cornerstone to our Important Australian Art auction on 28 August, Farewell 2004 carries a pre-sale estimate of $150,000-350,000, and is poised to establish a new world auction record for the artist. (341.27 KB)

Muhammad Ali Punches Above Weight at Sotheby’s Australia

19 July 2018

Fierce bidding delivered champion results at Sotheby’s Australia’s July sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design. The cross-cultural diversity of international arts and design from the first century to contemporary achieved a resounding result of $1,917,596 sold. Bidders fought over two 1978 screenprint portraits of Muhammad Ali with lot 47 selling for $48,800 (estimate $20,000-30,000), while an upper-cut bid for lot 48 delivered $63,440, a fitting result for the three time World Heavyweight Champion as the result nearly tripled the low estimate (estimate $25,000-35,000, pictured). Demand for fine Australian and international art saw bidders punching the air as prices soared for works by Jacob Epstein, Norman Lindsay, John Passmore and Brett Whiteley, with overall results of 130% sold by value for the art section of the sale. Fierce bidding delivered champion results at Sotheby’s Australia’s July sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design. The cross-cultural diversity of international arts and design from the first century to contemporary achieved a resounding result of $1,917,596 sold. Bidders fought over two 1978 screenprint portraits of Muhammad Ali with lot 47 selling for $48,800 (estimate $20,000-30,000), while an upper-cut bid for lot 48 delivered $63,440, a fitting result for the three time World Heavyweight Champion as the result nearly tripled the low estimate (estimate $25,000-35,000, pictured). Demand for fine Australian and international art saw bidders punching the air as prices soared for works by Jacob Epstein, Norman Lindsay, John Passmore and Brett Whiteley, with overall results of 130% sold by value for the art section of the sale. (246.05 KB)

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