Weschler’s next Capital Collections Estate Auction, to be held at 10am on March 22nd, will feature an ethereal nude drawing by Russian artist Vasily Sitnikov. Entitled Nude of Martha Wayman, this double-sided work is expected to fetch between $30,000 and $50,000. The piece was a gift to the subject, whose husband, Life photographer Stan Wayman, befriended Sitnikov during his tenure as the magazine’s Moscow bureau chief. The drawing reveals Sitnikov’s ability to transcend traditional academic models by imbuing them with a surreal eroticism.

In addition to the Sitnikov, the auction’s fine art selection boasts more than 100 paintings, drawings, and prints. Jasper Francis Cropsey’s Sunrise River Landscape leads the lot with an estimate of $75,000-$125,000. Other highlights include a landscape by Asher Brown Durand (American 1796-1886), estimated between $10,000 and $15,000; a still life by Adelheid Dietrich (German 1827-1891), estimated between $8,000 and $12,000; and paintings by Edward Dufner (American 1872-1957) and Sam Gilliam (American b. 1933).

A sizable collection of 19th and 20th century bronzes, from a Maryland estate, present a cast of both historical and mythical figures. Standout sculptures include David Avant Le Combat by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercie (French 1845-1916); Edmund Burke by John Henry Foley RA RHA (British 1818-1874); Aida by Gaston Veuvenot Leroux (French 1854-1942); and Joan of Arc by Emmanuel Frémiet (French 1824-1910).

Other Highlights:

Italian Neoclassical Kingwood and Tulipwood Marquetry Kingwood Secrétaire à Abattant, Circa 1800

Estimate: $3,000-$5,000

Chinese Nephrite Jade Hilted Replica of Emperor Qianlong's Sword (Kouming), 19th-20th Century

Estimate: $10,000-$20,000

Tiffany & Co. Parcel Gilt Sterling Bowl, etched with gilt lotus flowers and leaves, Circa 1902

Estimate: $6,000-$8,000

Art Deco Platinum, Emerald and Twin Diamond Ring, Circa 1930

Total weight of diamonds: 2.30 carats 

Estimate: $3,000-$5,000

Pair of Herend 'Miniatures Persanes' Cups and Saucers Designed by József Csiszár, Circa 1980

Estimate: $2,000-$4,000

A Collection of Gold Coins from Hungary, Austria, Australia, North America, and South Africa

Each Capital Collections Estate auction features a wide selection of furnishings, decorations, jewelry, and fine art from various local estates and private collections. Exhibition for the March 22nd sale begins Saturday, March 16th at Weschler’s downtown DC gallery. Exhibit hours and catalogue are available at www.weschlers.com.