


( Brand: Sothebys ), ( Model: SALE-4599Y ), ( Origin: United States ), ( Items Shown In The Catalog: There Are 407 Items Listed In The Catalog. ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 4599Y ), ( Publisher: Sotheby ), ( Publication Year: 1981 ), ( Type: Catalog ), ( Format: 8.75 By 9.25 Catalog ), ( Language: English ), ( Features: Illustrated ), ( Topic: Auction ), ( Season: Summer )
Sotheby's Catalogue 4599Y stands as a testament to the historic importance of American art in the international art market. This comprehensive catalogue, dedicated to the sale of American Art spanning the period from 1650 to 1870, took place on November 23, 1981, in New York. This pivotal auction event marked the first significant offering of American art at Sotheby's and signified a critical moment in the recognition of the importance of American art within the global arena.
The catalogue features an extensive array of highly esteemed paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by prominent American artists from colonial times through the 19th century. Each meticulously researched entry is accompanied by an illustration, a detailed description, and an estimate of the work's value, showcasing the scarcity, rarity, and historical significance of the offered pieces.
The auction commenced with early American material, including traditional portraits and genre scenes that depicted the daily life of settlers and Native Americans. Numerous works of colonial and early Federal artist John Singleton Copley elaborated on the themes of the American identity and the transition from a colonial to an independent nation. Other artists of note from this era include Ralph Earl, Benjamin West, and John Trumbull.
The sale progressed to include works from the Hudson River School of the mid-19th century, renowned for their landscape paintings that captured the natural beauty and the significance of the American landscape. Artists such as Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Thomas Doughty, and Thomas Moran rendered scenes of the American West, Appalachian Mountains, and the Hudson River Valley.
Intriguing works from the folk art genre, including shingle-painting, decorative wooden folk sculptures, and navigational charts, demonstrated the artistic production from the colonial and post-colonial periods. The sale also featured a diverse assortment of drawings, watercolors, and etchings.
Some of the most highly anticipated pieces included:1. A fine portrait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale, 1775-1785, estimated at $150,000-$200,000
2. "Autumn in the Catskills," an oil on canvas by William Cropsey, 1864, estimated at $100,000-$150,000
3. The terracotta sculpture "Lady Pretty Face" by Pompeo Coppini, 1905, estimated at $35,000-$45,000
4. The celebrated work on paper, "View of Castle William, Boston Harbor" by John Singleton Copley, 1773, estimated at $60,000-$80,000
Sotheby's Catalogue 4599Y was a groundbreaking event that not only showcased the wealth and depth of American art but also set new standards for future sales of American art. The catalogue offers not only valuable information for potential buyers and scholars but also reveals the creative evolution of the American art market.
Buying a catalog from Sotheby's 1981Important Art sale can be an attractive proposition for art collectors and enthusiasts. Below are some pros and cons that might help in making an informed decision:
Pros:1. Authenticity and Expertise: Sotheby's is a reputable and well-established auction house with a team of experienced specialists. The catalog provides detailed information about the provenance, condition, and estimated value of each artwork, ensuring a high level of authenticity.
2. Valuable Research Tool: The catalog is an excellent research tool for artists, periods, and styles, providing a comprehensive overview of the art market during that time. It offers insights into the art world's trends, prices, and significant sales, making it a valuable resource for collectors, art historians, and researchers.
3. Access to Rare and Significant Works: The catalog features a curated selection of rare and significant works by famous artists, some of which might not be available elsewhere. It serves as a window into the art market of the past and presents an opportunity to discover emerging artists and trends.
Cons:1. Cost: The catalogs can be expensive, especially for high-profile sales. While the financial investment might be substantial, the valuable knowledge and insights gained could potentially lead to future investment opportunities or personal satisfaction from owning a piece of art history.
2. Limited Information: While the catalog provides substantial information, it does not offer the same level of detail as a physical examination of the artwork or direct interaction with the specialists. Collectors should consider the limitations of the catalog as a primary source of information and use it as a starting point for further research.
3. Date and Time-limited: The catalog provides a snapshot of the art market at a specific point in time. Similarly, art trends and values can change over time, so considering the catalog's historical relevance and how it relates to the current market is essential.
Conclusion:A Sotheby's catalog from the 1981Important Art sale can serve as a valuable research tool and offer insights into the art market's history. It provides information on authenticity, provenance, and market values of specific artworks. While there are some drawbacks, such as cost and limited information, the catalog can also offer a starting point for further research and discovery.
Recommendation:If you are an art collector, enthusiast, or researcher, the Sotheby's catalog from the 1981Important Art sale could be a worthwhile investment. It offers a wealth of knowledge about the art market, artistic trends, and the provenance and values of significant works. We recommend considering the catalog as a starting point for further research and thoroughly evaluating the potential benefits against the cost before making a purchase.
This catalog is in excellent condition. The binding is tight and secure.