Gray’s January 27th auction features works of art by many notable artists including Thomas Hart Benton, Kieff Grediaga, and Richard Lindner.  The auction also features an eclectic collection of 18th – 20th century decorative art and furniture.

Lot 1, “Winter Scene” by Emile A. Gruppe (1896 – 1978), is a charming northern winter landscape. Born in Rochester NY, Gruppe was highly influential regionalist, opening a studio in Gloucester MA, and playing an active role in the Cape Ann School of artists. Lot 16, Laurent Vialet’s (b. 1967) evocative oil “Concarneau” depicts the medieval Ville Close in this bustling Brittany town.

Louis Bardi, a well-known 19th century copyist and portrait artist studied the works of old masters, including Rembrandt’s Self Portrait displayed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. His “Portrait of Rembrandt,” lot 6, is an exceptional example of his skill, framed in an elaborate Venetian gilt frame.

Antonio Berni (1905 -1981) and Thomas Hart Benton (1889 – 1975), were highly influential both socially and politically in their respective countries. Berni’s embossed woodblock, lot 79, depicts Juanito Laguna, a recurring character used to illustrate the poverty he observed in everyday life Argentina. Thomas Hart Benton was at the forefront of the Regionalist art movement depicting everyday Americans at work and play. His lithograph, “Arkansas Evening” lot 100, portrays a farmer and his mules under a glowing sunset.

The auction features several compelling works of modern art, including lot 51 by Richard Lindner (1901 – 1978), lot 76 by Robert Natkin (1930 – 2010), lot 52 by Malcom Morley (b. 1931, and lot 42 by John Pearson (b. 1940). Pearson, born in Yorkshire, won the 1975 Cleveland Arts Prize. His piece, “Cruciform Fragment,” lot 42 is a thrilling example Pearson’s first investigations into his mathematical color selecting system. Pearson believed in creating beautiful images using this systemic mathematical approach.

A bronze female form by the great Mexican sculptor, Felipe Castaneda (b. 1933), “Standing Female Figure” is lot 141.  Spanish artist Kieff Grediaga (b. 1936) is best known for his table top bronzes and monumental public space sculptures. Lot 142 is an elegant 12 ½ inch high bronze, whimsically entitled, “Picassean”.

Highlights of the decorative art lots on offer include lot 204, a grand, federal style chandelier with a brass eagle and acanthus leaf motif. Lot 206 is a graceful pair of wrought metal, marble top consoles together with elegant, matching, scalloped top mirrors.

20th Century furniture includes lot 265, a handsome maple drop-leaf table by Russel Wright for Conant Ball with clean, angular lines. Lots 253 - 258, comprise a collection of A. Brandt Ranch Oak furniture in terrific condition.

The auction concludes with an eclectic selection of rugs, runners and textiles including lot 299, a Pre-Columbian, Chancay painted textile panel (ca 1100 – 1400 A.D.), appraised and authenticated by Harmer Johnson AAA, RICS (author of Guide to the Arts of the Americas pub. Rizzoli 1992). Finally lots 315 – 322 are eight magnificent Ethiopian Coptic prayer scrolls.

Live Preview for the auction is from January 21 – 22, 10am – 5pm, Saturday January 23 from 12noon – 4pm, the auction house will be closed January 24th and reopen January 25 – 26 from 10am – 5pm, at Gray’s auction showrooms in Cleveland. The live auction will be held on January 27th at 11am; telephone, absentee and live online bidding are available.

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A boutique company with auctioneers licensed by the State of Ohio, Gray's holds live auctions every month which reach the world through our global online partnerships. We accept consignments and offer complimentary auction valuations every day. We also provide USPAP compliant appraisals for insurance, donation or estate tax purposes. For more information please contact Serena Harragin at 216.226.3300