Notable works in fine art auction
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 11th September, 2015
Many of the works in Leonard Joel’s forthcoming Fine Art auction are an affordable start to those buyers seriously considering a first time entrée into the art market.
However, some of the works are worth a careful look from discerning collectors and investors wishing to acquire some of the finer and more unusual works by iconic Australian artists from different eras.
The auction, from 6.30pm Tuesday September 15 at 333 Malvern Road South Yarra, is notable for two very early commissioned Eugene von Guerard drawings (lots 31 and 32) Lake Purrumbete, Station of Messrs Manifold 1857 and Near Timboon 1857 – offered at auction for the first time.
Both works demonstrate his equal confidence with a pencil as a brush (despite the fact that many of his sketches were the basis for oil paintings) – and the art of drawing remained central to his oeuvre.
The catalogue cover Coral Gum Blossom 1989 (lot 43) by Chris Canning is another interesting work while Emanuel Phillips Fox Moonrise, Stawell Park NSW c1914 (lot 35) gives collectors the chance to acquire a good example of his romantic and deft handling of the delicate early night sky.
Among the Aboriginal works on offer is Wanjina c1970 by early Kimberley painter Charlie Numbulmoore – while from the Distinguished Collection section of the auction comes Donald Laycock’s Sonic Flight 1964 (lot 92) and Alan Oldfield’s Colourfully Constructed 1970 (lot 88).
Several works by the “lost Modernist” Michael O’Connell, whose career was established in Australia during the late 1920s despite spending his formative years in England, are on offer including a linocut and block print on hessian entitled Darts (lot 139).
Other works of interest include Percy Lindsay’s Picking Flowers 1895 and The Creek, Creswick 1899 (lots 1 and 2) S.T. Gill (1819-1880) and A Friendly Encounter.
There also are three works by John Coburn (lots 40-42), foil block print on Arches paper by British artist Damien Hirst (lot 47) and John Gould’s (1804-1881) Synopsis of the Birds of Australia (lot 224).
