This sale, which has 400 lots of assorted estate fresh merchandise, is highlighted by some of the best European paintings offered this year by Clarke. 

Among the many great French works is a wonderful and recently authenticated post-impressionist Parisian oil on canvas, Ponte Marie, by famed Dada artist, Francis Picabia. The painting, executed in 1904, was originally purchased by the local consignor's parents in London in 1957 and has remained in the family until now. Post-impressionist paintings by Picabia are rare and have increased in importance and value as recent market examples show. 

Clarke will also offer a screenprint by Marcel Duchamp, another renowned French Dadaist, friend, and contemporary of Picabia. The graphic op-art work, entitled Coeurs Volants (Fluttering Hearts) is ink signed and dated Stockholm 1961. This rare example is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. 

As value drives the art market and is often measured by square inch, it must be mentioned that Clarke is offering a very large and impressive French oil on canvas by Adrien Demont, completed in 1885. The former Sedelmeyer Collection work bears a Paris wax seal and hangs at a notable 36 in. high x 64 in. wide. The painting, depicting a lavish and expansive garden evokes a sense of time and a moment captured as figures work under blue skies and warm daylight in the picturesque landscape. At a $3,000 - $5, 0000 estimate, it is a hot outsider sure to surprise auction goers.

Other French works include Jules Pages, Yolande Ardissone, Philippe Noyer, Louis Tesson, and an assortment of vintage posters by the likes of Cheret, Gesmar, and Loupot.

Italian art is also well represented in this sale. A particularly nice oil painting by Giuseppe Barison entitled Grande Menagerie, Venezia is being offered. The bright, beautiful and superbly executed work shows spectators gathered around a large exotic elephant, foot raised in the air, guided by the seemingly small trainer to the left. A young girl cowers at the sight while other viewers observe the performance, surrounded by lions, giraffes, colorful birds, and other animals at the menagerie. Perhaps one of the best paintings by Barison to come to market, this work will is sure to be in the winning enclosure at Clarke on the 16th. 

The Italian selections continue with other bright, colorful and significant pieces. An important 1954 oil of a woman with a pipe by Antonio Bueno comes from a New York City collection. The brilliant red backdrop beautifully offsets the soft, elongated features of the figure repeated again in the form of the solitary pipe. From the same New York collection are two works by Nicola Simbari. Both works are rather atypical of the artist's usual style. A small and early oil on board demonstrates a muted palette and linear composition of street signs and structures along a simple road. The other larger work, a vivid acrylic on paper, depicts Marlene Dietrich as "Frenchy" in the 1939 western Destry Rides Again.

The works mentioned here are merely a small sampling of the extraordinary collection of art in Clarke's June 16th sale. Sculpture, including antique to modern bronzes and well as significant American works of art, will be discussed in future releases and can be viewed at online at www.ClarkeNY.com. The catalog will be updated daily. For appointments to consign or sell, please contact the gallery directly at 914-833-8336 or email sell@clarkeny.com.