GENESEO, N.Y. – Cottone’s March 27th sale with just over 200 lots brought in 1.6 million.

The fresh to the market collections of modern art from the estates of both Dr. Seymour Ira Schwartz, of Rochester New York and Dr. Eugene L. Gaier, of Buffalo, New York soared past their high estimates with women artists stealing the spotlight.

Standout women included British artists Elisabeth Frink’s (1930-1993), bronze sculpture Birdman I, selling for $53,750, an auction record and Bridget Riley’s (b. 1931) screenprint on plexiglass, Untitled [Fragment 4/6] selling over the phones for $32,400 to a collector in the United Kingdom. Other notable works from the Gaier collection include a collage titled Fire Engine by Grace Hartigan (American, 1922- 2008) bringing $24,800, an oil on paper by Michael Goldberg (American, 1924-2007) which hammered down at $23,700, and a lithograph titled Composition #3 by Pierre Soulages (French, b. 1919) sold for $22,800. Additional prints by post war and contemporary artists Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, John Baldessari, Antoni Tàpies, Alberto Giacometti, Frank Stella, Richard Diebenkorn, Sam Francis, Nathan Oliveira also brought top prices. Martha Jackson Gallery provenanced pieces which were sold to benefit the David K. Anderson grandchildren’s trust also were of much interest.

Modern prints by Joan Miro and several works by surrealist artist Rene Magritte met intense competition abroad. The collection came from the estate of Dr. Seymour Ira Schwartz, a distinguished alumni professor for the Department of Surgery at the University of Rochester, renowned author and cartographic historian. Schwartz’s large folio etching L’Adorateur du soleil (Sun Worshipper) by Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983), sold for $11,100, and an etching by René Magritte (Belgian, 1898-1967) titled Paysage de Baucis, which sold for $25,500 were among the highlights of his collection.  

“We are always grateful to the families and estates that have confidence in us and entrust us with their merchandise” said Matt Cottone.

Other standouts in 20th century included a Peacock Chair, by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, made for the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, and once owned by his pupil, Edgar Tafel. The chair was ultimately acquired by a private institution for $21,600 and will likely return to public view. An oil on canvas painting by Edmondo Bacci (Italian, 1913-1989) who was represented by the legendary gallerist Peggy Guggenhiem, entitled Avvenimento 7R sold to an Italian bidder overseas for $37,200. Lastly, a watercolor and gouache by Charles Ephraim Burchfield (American, 1893-1967) titled Oat Field from the Campbell estate, Buffalo, NY which had descended in the family of the original owners since the early 20th century, sold for $42,000.

The many outstanding lamps offered in this sale were led by a breathtaking rare Tiffany Studios, New York Pond Lily lamp, from a Winter Park, FL collection which was the sales top lot, selling for $143,750 via absentee bid. Other notable lamps offered included a Daffodil Table Lamp, bringing $66,000; a rare Tiffany Studios, Tulip Table Lamp, $42,000 and a rare Tiffany Studios, Daffodil Table Lamp with an oil lamp base, 14 inch shade diameter selling to a Midwest buyer for $26,400. Also a fine example Handel Parrot lamp, on an oriental base, sold for $18,600.

In the estate jewelry and decorative arts category was a rare 6.69 ct Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal, which sold for $23,000; a fine & rare 3-piece garniture gilt bronze Japonisme clock, retailed by Theodore B. Starr, from a private estate collection, sold for $13,200. A Russian Imperial, hand painted porcelain plate, made during the reign of Nicolai II, from the estate of Elizabeth M. Yates, Buffalo, NY and originally purchased from Hammer Galleries, sold for $13,200. A monumental bronze by Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912) titled Les Armes D'Achille sold for $24,000.

Finishing up the sale in Americana, a rare 18th century Queen Anne mahogany highboy, Boston, circa 1735-1750 with rare double fan carvings and shell knees, sold for $24,600. Selling from the same private collection was a rare Chippendale cherry chest on chest, Attr. to Eliphalet Chapin, $28,000 & a Pennsylvania Hepplewhite cherry scroll top corner cupboard, that brought $9,120.

Cottone Auctions is always seeking quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate, or a collection, call (585) 243-1000 or email info@cottoneauctions.com.