"Treasures from the Past" Australian auction pieces are truly wonderful
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 22nd May, 2023
Right from the start of Melbourne-based Christian McCann’s forthcoming “Treasures from the Past” auction from 12pm Sunday May 28 at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford, auction goers will be impressed with the value and versatility of the items on offer.
A 19th century French three-piece marble clock set (lot 6) is typical of the quality – with a catalogue estimate of $12,000-$18,000 – and a rare 18th century French green lacquered serpentine shaped bracket timepiece (lot 26) signed by famed Parisian clockmaker Alexandre Le Faucheur is listed at $15,000-$22,500.
The furniture at this auction is exquisite with an outstanding 18th century mahogany three drawer serpentine shaped commode (lot 8) and a large 19th century French boulle salon cabinet with brass and pewter inlay (lot 52) typical of the attractions.
Of particular note is the exhibition quality 19th century French four-door breakfront credenza (lot 80) complete with floral pewter and brass inlay on the front and sides with a catalogue estimate of $35,000-$52,500.
Lots 19 and 20 are fine examples of porcelain in the auction – the former a Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese Satsuma vase with gilt highlights and hand painted panels, and the latter a pair of 18th century French lidded vases with maiden handles and hand painted central panels.
The auction contains a variety of sculptures including an outstanding 19th century French bronze atop a green marble and gilt salon timepiece (lot 10) and an 19th century bronze figure group depicting the half-human, half-goat mythical Greek and Roman creature Faun with mother and child by French sculptor Clodion (lot 97).
Clodion was the professional name used by Claude Michel (1738-1814), a Rococo style French sculptor particularly noted for his works in marble, bronze and terracotta whose works are on show at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
There also is plenty of art from which to choose including David Boyd’s (1924-2011) Figures in Landscape (lot 150), Paul Heymann’s The Recital (lot 137) and Pro Hart’s (1928-2006) Still Life (lot 10).
