High end auction items follow business relocation
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 16th March, 2017
A 1.52-metre high Carrara marble figure is a major highlight of a forthcoming sale by Christian McCann Auctions, which has been asked by the home-based Alphacon Group to auction on site its collection of antique furniture, art and collectables.
The auction, from noon Sunday March 19 at 12-14 Caserta Drive Berwick, follows relocation of the business and sale of the property.
Another strong attraction is a pair of 18th century portrait paintings – one by Enoch Seeman featuring Member of British Parliament William Shippen Esquire, and the other depicting a nobleman with his wig.
The paintings were purchased from Antique Roadshow British portraiture expert Philip Mould, who also co-presents Fake or Fortune – the most watched arts program on English television.
Nineteenth century English painter John Frederick Herring Jr (1820-1907) work Animals in the Farmyard also is worthy of consideration.
With two of his brothers, the artist followed in the footsteps of his highly successful and prolific father John Frederick Herring Sr (1795-1865) who, with Sir Edward Landseer, ranks as one of the more eminent animal painters of mid-19th century Europe.
Herring Jr continued to paint sporting and animal pictures in the tradition of his father. However, as his artistic prowess improved his style changed and he loosened his brushwork and widened his landscape views.
Characteristic of his work were the placement of farm animals along the banks of a stream or within a farmyard.
The Alphacon collection, which also features antique French furniture and bronze statues, has been built up over 20 years, with many of the pieces sourced from high-end auction houses (including Christian McCann Auctions) and quality antique dealers.
Another major drawcard is a private collection of 16 important jade pieces, each with a catalogue estimate of $20,000-$40,000.
The auction also contains outstanding 19th century porcelain including French ormolu mounted Sevres vases, Dresden, Royal Vienna and a Royal Worcester collection that features several items by artist George Owen.
Australian art works are another strong attraction including paintings by Pro Hart, David Boyd, Darcy Doyle, J.H. Scheltema, Hugh Sawrey and Norman Lindsay.
