BOSTON, MA: Grogan & Company’s annual March Auction promises to bring diverse and quality offerings to Beacon Hill. Featuring approximately 350 lots of Fine Art, Jewelry, Silver, and Decorative Arts, the auction will be held on Sunday, March 22nd at Grogan & Company’s Boston gallery.

The 20th century American paintings portion of the sale is particularly strong. Highlights include a John Marin (American, 1870-1953) watercolor from the collection of 20th century American philanthropist John Nicholas Brown II. The 11 ¾ x 9 ¼ inch watercolor, titled Lower New York and dated 1921, has a well-traveled exhibition history, bearing labels from The Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the RISD Museum in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Society of Liberal Arts in Omaha, Nebraska. While the title places the subject in New York City, it is believed the scene was actually painted on Deer Isle, Maine, where Marin was active in 1921. The estimate for the Marin is $5,000-10,000.

Two important John Whorf (American, 1903-1959) watercolors are also expected to draw interest from collectors. The first is a New York City harbor scene titled Winter Waterfront, New York. The 20 x 29 3/4 in. watercolor is estimated at $10,000-15,000. The second is a sporty scene depicting two men fishing in a canoe. The 21 ½ x 28 in. watercolor is titled Salmon Fishing and bears a $7,000-10,000 pre-sale estimate.

Additional American 20th century highlights include Emile Albert Gruppe’s (American, 1896-1978) 30 x 36 in. oil depicting the iconic red boathouse in Rockport harbor. Titled Motif #1 (Rockport), the painting hung for years at the Peg Leg Inn in Rockport. William Lester Stevens’ (American, 1888-1969) Vermont Farmhouse will likely garner interest for its bucolic and snowy landscape. The 24 x 30 inch oil is estimated at $5,000-7,000. Keith Haring’s (American, 1958-1990) 1987 screenprint Lucky Strike rarely comes up on the open market. Number 2 from the edition of 80, the print is estimated at $5,000-8,000.

The Madonna and Child, by Italian Renaissance master Francesco Raibolini, called Francia (Italian, 1447-1517), will lead off the sale, with a pre-sale estimate of $25,000-50,000. The charming oil on panel sits within a sizeable and elaborately carved gilt frame. The painting is from the collection of Louis R. Ehrich (1849-1911), a prominent art connoisseur and dealer in the late 19th century in New York. Ehrich attended Yale University and, following his studies, traveled in Europe from 1878 to 1885, developing his taste for and knowledge of European art along the way. The work is accompanied by a framed letter of authenticity handwritten by Bernard Berenson.

Fine art offerings by French artists also highlight the sale. Two Marc Chagall (French, 1887-1985) lithographs will likely catch collector’s eyes. One, titled Bouquet with Rainbow, is #28/50 and bears a $6,000-8,000 pre-sale estimate. The other, titled Les Amoureux en Gris, is #25/90 and bears a $4,000-6,000 pre-sale estimate. A small bust by Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917) is likely to bring in much interest because of the sitter. Titled Petite Tete de Danseuse, the bronze depicts the Japanese actress, Hanako, whom Rodin sculpted and drew many times during his career. The 2 ½ inch bronze is estimated at $4,000-6,000.
Other fine art offerings include works by Chauncey F. Ryder, John James Audubon, Thomas Sully, Larry Rivers, Walter Farndon, H. Claude Pissarro, Ralph Albert Blakelock, Henri Matisse, Yvonne Caru, Walt Kuhn, Andy Warhol, and Robert Douglas Hunter.

The auction features approximately 100 lots of fine jewelry. The impressive grouping is highlighted by a Platinum, 18K Yellow Gold, Colored Diamond, and Diamond Ring. The Fancy Brown-Yellow emerald-cut diamond is accompanied by a GIA Report and weighs 8.34 carats. The striking diamond ring is estimated at $30,000-50,000. Another jewelry highlight is an 18K White Gold, Jadeite, and Diamond Necklace. The necklace features 103 round jadeite beads which are natural in color with no indications of impregnation. The necklace is also accompanied by a GIA Report and is estimated at $4,000-6,000. The auction features other items by makers such as Cartier, Tiffany & Company, Bulgari, Hammerman Brothers, Marsh & Co., and Elizabeth Gage.

The March Auction presents a varied group of silver and decorative art offerings to the market. Two large American Flatware Services by Tiffany & Company are estimated at $5,000-7,000 and $3,000-5,000. Four large framed Chinese Ink Wash Paintings from the 20th century, with estimates ranging from $2,000-5,000, are likely to draw much interest. A large Louis Vuitton trunk, one of three offered in the sale, bears the original Louis Vuitton France label, as well are the label for retailer Savoy Luggage Shop in New York City. It is estimated at $2,000-3,000. An appealing Berlin KPM Porcelain Plaque, depicting an allegorical figure seated in a crescent moon, is estimated at $1,500-2,000. The auction also features a large selection of Charles Schneider glass, a highlight of which is a rare Charles Schneider Art Deco Pink Cameo Glass Mushroom Top Lap. The lamp base bears Schneider’s iconic “candy cane” mark and is estimated at $1,000-1,500.

The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday, March 19th at 12 noon at Grogan & Company’s Beacon Hill gallery. More information, as well as a fully illustrated online catalogue, is available at www.groganco.com.