On Friday, March 30, Weschler's Capital Collections Estate Auction will feature an impressive selection of American and European fine art from the private collection of the late Dr. Louis Wener of Washington, D.C. including many notable artists such as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Robert Gwathmey, John French Sloan, Reginald Marsh, Edward Dugmore and Eugène Leroy.  The sale is also comprised of an exquisite selection of fine jewelry, silver, Asian works of art, 20th Century decorative arts and American & European furniture & decorations.  Exhibition will begin on March 24 and run through March 29 in Weschler's downtown gallery.

From the private collection of Dr. Louis Wener, comes a monumental oil painting entitled, Silver-Grey & Black, 1958, by the abstract expressionist Edward Dugmore (American 1915-1996).  As the top lot in the sale and expected to bring $50,000-$100,000, Dugmore's paintings have been exhibited in important museums, institutions and art galleries including the Guggenheim, Whitney Museum of American Art and the San Francisco Museum of Art.

Social realism of the early 20th century also figures prominently in Dr. Wener's collection. Bringing the urban experience to life is a work by one of the leaders of the Ashcan school, John French Sloan's (1871-1951) The Making of an Actress, circa 1908 ($10,000-$15,000), while Sloan's student, Reginald Marsh (1898-1954), explores the gritty underbelly of New York in Burlesque Dancer, 1954, which is expected to fetch $30,000-$50,000. In a work by another student of the Ashcan school, Stuart Davis' poignant Pot Belly Stove is slated to bring $8,000-$12,000.

Other stellar American highlights from Dr. Wener's eclectic collection include the vibrant Vendor, by Robert Gwathmey (1903-1988), estimated at $30,000-$50,000, which depicts life in the rural South using flat areas of color, geometric forms and bold coloration; the charming oil on canvas, Morning Light, by John Koch (1909-1978), estimated for $20,000-$30,000; and a vibrant watercolor on paper, Gloucester, anticipated to make $5,000-$7,000, by respected female impressionist, Martha Walter (1875-1976). Consigned by a New York collector and celebrating the White Mountains is David Johnson's (1827-1908), Study of a Birch, Lancaster, New Hampshire ($10,000-$15,000), also to be offered at the sale.

Leading the European highlights from Dr. Wener's collection is a graphite on paper once owned by renowned art historian Sir Kenneth Clark, titled Cupid and Psyche. The work by French neoclassical artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), carries a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-$70,000.  In addition, two works will be offered by French neo-expressionist Eugène Leroy (1910-2000), Homme and Portrait, both carrying estimates ranging from $20,000-$40,000.  From another local consignor comes a breathtaking oil on panel, Winter Estuary Scene, Sunset ($8,000-$12,000) by Dutch artist Andreas Schelfhout (1787-1870), also to be auctioned.

The jewelry session will feature stunning pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Modern eras. Standouts are an exquisite Art Deco choker length, tested platinum, diamond and synthetic green spinel pendant necklace ($10,000-$15,000); a three-piece Art Deco, tested platinum, emerald and diamond ensemble ($10,000-$15,000); a matinee length 18-karat white-gold and diamond Latin cross necklace ($6,000-$8,000); and a Van Cleef & Arpels 14-karat white-gold and diamond 'bow knot' en tremblant brooch, circa 1915, weighing approximately 1.50 carats ($3,000-$5,000). Among watches, a Vacheron and Constantin 14-karat rose-gold gentleman's hunting case pocket watch, circa 1904, is anticipated to bring $1,000-$2,500.

Highlights in silver include a cased set of twelve late 19th-early 20th century, Shreve, Crump & Low Co. sterling dessert plates having a pierced 'Rococo' style rim enclosing an engraved script monogram, estimated for $5,000-$7,000; having the same estimate is a mid-20th century, Mexican sterling four-piece coffee and tea service with tray.

Leading the Asian works of art offerings is a selection of property from a prominent Washington, D.C. estate including a pair of 18th century Chinese yellow cameo glass vases, each carved with a phoenix and birds flying amidst flowering peony and prunus branches, estimated at $1,000-$2,000 and a late 19th century Ming style Chinese blue and white 'Pilgrim Flask' form covered urn ($2,000-$3,000).

Showcasing European decorative arts is a Gorham sterling mounted, carved ivory humidor, early 20th century. The cylindrical humidor carved with a continuous scene depicting Native Americans introducing tobacco to Sir Walter Raleigh is estimated to bring $12,000-$18,000. Also of note, are a pair of late 16th-17th century South German polychrome and giltwood figures of Saint Hedwig and Sainte Agathe in Adoration ($8,000-$12,000) and a 19th century bronze sculpture by Jean Bulio (French 1827-1911) depicting a mother protecting her child from a ferocious lion, which is expected to fetch $2,000-$4,000.

For the George Nakashima enthusiasts, a trestle-base drop-leaf dining table, purchased directly from the artist in 1955, will be up for auction and is estimated to bring $6,000-$8,000.

You can find a complete illustrated catalogue for this auction and details on exhibition hours at www.weschlers.com. For live online bidding, Weschler's is in partnership with Artfact, AuctionZip and Invaluable.