Featuring Works by Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Carder Steuben, Pablo Picasso, Ruskin Spear, Karl Begas and Frank Sinatra.

On Saturday, September 17th, Weschler’s 2011-2012 auction season will begin with a stunning selection of jewelry, American & European fine art and 20th century decorative arts. The exhibition will run from Saturday, September 10th through September 15th in Weschler’s Washington, D.C. gallery.

Highlights of the fine Jewelry, Coins & Watches auction will include a beautiful 18-karat yellow-gold, emerald and diamond floral-form three piece ensemble by Van Cleef & Arpels.  The stunning ensemble carries a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-$15,000.  Other standouts include a 29 carat princess length platinum and diamond necklace expected to fetch $$20,000-$25,000; an Etruscan Revival tested 14-karat yellow-gold, emerald, ruby, turquoise and pearl three-piece ensemble, last quarter 19th century ($1,500-$2,000); a Tiffany & Co. platinum, aquamarine and diamond dinner ring ($1,500-$2,000); and a Patek Philippe gentleman’s 18-karat yellow-gold 18-jewel manual-wind wristwatch, Calatrava, Geneve, which is estimated to bring $3,000-$4,000.

The 20th Century Decorative Arts auction will feature two earthenware painted plates by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Visage No. 0 and Visage No. 197, with each carrying pre-sale estimates of $5,000-$7,000; a selection of Carder Steuben blue aurene table articles, which hold estimates ranging from $300-$2,500; an International Silver Co. sterling four-piece coffee and tea service with tray designed by Alphonse La Paglia, circa 1950 ($5,000-$7,000); and a Piero Fornasetti ‘Pompeian’ enameled metal umbrella stand, circa 1950s, is expected to bring $600-$800.

Furniture standouts will include an array of seating featuring a Hans Wegner ‘Papa Bear’ armchair and ottoman, model PP-19, design introduced 1951 ($5,000-$7,000); a set of eight Edward Wormley mahogany dining chairs by Dunbar, circa 1950s ($2,000-$4,000); and a Charles and Ray Eames ‘670’ lounge chair and ‘671’ ottoman by Herman Miller, design introduced 1956, is estimated to fetch $1,200-$1,800.

Leading the American & European Fine Art sale are two noteworthy works by British artist Ruskin Spear (1911-1990).  At the Dressing Table, an oil on panel, embodies the narrative spirit and quality that Spear is so often associated with.  The second, an oil on canvas titled Public Bar (Study for Mr. Hollingberry’s Canary), is said to be a study for the remarkable Mr. Hollingberry’s Canary; the painting captures the surroundings of a local bar, Hampshire Hog, King Street in Hammersmith.  This work was featured in the exhibition Carel Wright and Ruskin Spear at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth.  The expressive works are expected to realize $15,000-$25,000 and $10,000-$15,000 respectively.

Another leading highlight of the auction is Fanny Elssler as ‘La Sylphide’ by German artist Karl Joseph Begas (1794-1854).  This breathtaking oil on canvas ($10,000-$20,000) features the renowned Viennese ballerina, Fanny Elssler (1810-1884).  Commissioned in 1832 by King Frederick Wilhelm III of Prussia, the work was purchased for William Wilson Corcoran’s private collection in 1869 before being gifted to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. in 1873.   The painting was acquired by the Dance for Washington, a local D.C. dance school, at the Sotheby Parke Bernet’s 19th Century Paintings from the Collection of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1979.  It has recently been housed in a local private collection.

Other European highlights include the vibrant oil on canvas Still Life of Flowers on a Marble Ledge by British artist James Sillet (1764-1840).  The work, estimated to bring $8,000-$12,000, is a reminiscent of a magnificent Dutch still life.  A vivid oil on canvas of Théâtre du Gymnase ($15,000-$20,000) by French artist Edouard Léon Cortès (1882-1969) and a serene View of Loch Fyne ($5,000-$7,000) by prolific landscape artist George Houston (Scottish 1869-1947) will also be auctioned.

Leading the American works is a painting attributed to Jane Stuart, the youngest daughter of the famous portraitist Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828).  Stuart is known for copying her father’s renowned portraits of George Washington as a way to support her family after her father’s death left the family in debt.  This particular painting is after the 1806 oil of George Washington at Dorchester Heights; the original is now housed in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  The oil on canvas is expected to bring $5,000-$10,000.

Additional American highlights include a charming oil on board of two young sisters, titled A Moment in Time ($4,000-$6,000) by American artist George Henry Story (1835-1923). An awe-inspiring work by Francis Daniel Devlan (1835-1870) of horses and cows in a vivacious landscape, titled After the Storm, is estimated to bring $5,000-$10,000. Also on the auction block is a graphite on paper by modernist Alexander Archipenko (American/Ukrainian 1887-1964), Nude, Series B. ($3,000-$5,000).

Rounding out the sale is a work by American legend Frank Sinatra (1915-1998).  Sinatra, who is best known for his music and acting, painted as a hobby throughout this career.  Painted in 1985, Rancho Mirage is anticipated to bring $6,000-$8,000.

For more information on Weschler’s September 17th auctions of Jewelry, Fine Art & 20th Century Decorative Arts, contact Weschler’s at (202) 628-1281. The items may be viewed online at www.weschlers.com or at www.artfact.com.