Quality consignments are currently being accepted for an auction slated for Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Milford, Conn.

            Offered will be works from the Hudson River School, the Cape Ann School, American Impressionists, European and American Modern and Abstract artists, 19th century European artists, Orientalist artists and more. Already consigned are notable works by artists such as Franz R. Unterberger, Arthur Wesley Dow, Dale Nichols and David Johnson.

            “The fine art market is is still very strong for works of high quality, and this sale will offer an array of high quality works by both European and American artists,” said Gene Shannon of Shannon's Fine Art Auctioneers. "If the quality is there, people aren't going to hesitate to buy. We expect it to be a great auction with a strong turnout.”

            Mr. Shannon said the firm’s last auction, in April, had a sell-through rate of 82 percent. “That’s very high,” he commented, “especially in this economy."

"The sale attracted bidders from 18 countries and 42 states. We’re hitting all the marks we’ve aimed for,” he remarked.

            The expected top lot of the October sale, as of this writing, is an original oil on canvas by Austrian painter Franz Richard Unterberger (1838-1902), titled Canal in Venice. A masterpiece measuring 31 ¼ inches by 47 inches, the painting is estimated at $150,000-$250,000. Unterberger is best known for his scenic paintings of Italy, both intimate views and large vistas.

            A painting by Arthur Wesley Dow (Am., 1857-1922), titled The Glory of Shiva, Shiva Temple, Grand Canyon, carries a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-$75,000. The oil on canvas, which is 24inches by 18 inches, is signed, titled and dated (1912). This extremely rare painting is one of only a few known works by Dow of the Grand Canyon.

            A very rare view of Lake Champlain, which is bordered by Vermont and New York, by the classical Hudson River School artist David Johnson (Am., 1827-1908), titled Split Rock, Lake Champlain, is estimated at $25,000-$35,000. The 12 inch by 20 inch oil on canvas is monogrammed lower left, signed and dated (1871).

            A panting by Dale Nichols (Am., 1904-1995), titled Farm in Winter and measuring 20 inches by 25 inches, carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$30,000. The work is signed, dated (March 9, 1948) and inscribed “For Sarah Day.” Renowned for his Midwestern scenes and depictions of American life, Dale Nichols is often viewed as the “Fourth Regionalist” after Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton and John Steuart Curry.

            An oil on canvas by Luigi Lucioni (Am., 1900-1988), titled The Leaning Silo, signed and dated 1939, is estimated at $15,000-$25,000, The 17 inch by 24 inch work is a masterful work of compelling light, symmetry and composition. Lucioni became one of America’s premier landscape painters in the 1930s and '40s, known for his heightened realism and attention to detail.

            American artist Alex Katz (b. 1927) is represented by Tiger Lilies, estimated at $10,000-$15,000. The 16 inch by 15 ½ inch painting is signed lower left and dated 1965. This painting is a study for a painting of the same name and date, which sold for $106,000 in 2008.

            Four works by American artist Thomas Michael (T.M.) Nicholas (b. 1963) will cross the block. One is an original oil on canvas titled Three Masted Schooner, Sunset (est. $12,000-$18,000). The 30 inch by 40 inch view, possibly of Rockport Harbor, is signed lower left. Nicholas, an artist from the Cape Ann School, captures New England by using magnificent colors and rich textures.

            Sculpture will include a bronze titled Navajo Code Talker, by R.C. Gorman (Am., 1932-2005). The 16-inch tall rendering, one of only ten made, is of the artist’s father, Carl N. Gorman, a Navajo Code Talker and one of a group of revered Native Americans who served in World War II. A monumental casting of this sculpture is located in Flagstaff, Ariz.

            Previews will be held daily starting Monday, Oct. 15, and running through auction day, Oct. 24 (except Sundays). Preview hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Oct. 24, when the preview will end at 5 p.m., an hour before the first gavel comes down. Online bidding will be facilitated by Artfact.com. Phone and absentee bidding is also available.

            Historically, Shannon’s has specialized in American and European art executed between 1840 and 1940. In recent years the firm has expanded more into post-war Modern and Pop art. Shannon’s produces an extensive 132-page, color catalog, which is also available on  their website (shannons.com). An 8-page, oversize color brochure will also be mailed to 18,000 clients.

            Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single piece of artwork, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (203) 877-1711; or, you can e-mail them at info@shannons.com. To learn more about Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers and the Oct. 24 auction, please log on to www.shannons.com.