Clarke’s April 22nd auction is highlighted by a single owner collection of contemporary prints and paintings by such renowned artists as Jim Dine, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Chuck Close and Robert Vickery. Works by distinguished 19th and early 20th century American and European artists round out the sale.

Of note is David Hockney’s Celia Observing, a rare 1976 color etching and aquatint ($6,000/$9,000), depicting the fabric designer Celia Birtwell with an intense gaze, seated before a large portrait. Celia, Hockney’s long-time muse, is perhaps most famously portrayed in the large-scale double portrait, Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, 1971 (Tate, London) a feature of the recent David Hockey Retrospective at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The Hockney will be followed by three Alex Katz prints: two lithographs: Ann I (Est. $1,000/$1,500) and Caroline ($700/$1,000), as well as an unusual color spit bite and aquatint titled Beach Sandals, 1987 ($2,000/$3,000) from an edition of 60. Tying the print selection together is an iconic Chuck Close color woodcut portrait of, none other than the artist, Alex Katz ($7,000/$10,000).

From the same collection, Clarke will offer three stunning paintings by prominent magic realist, Robert Vickrey. The largest of the group, Eight Balloons ($8,000/$12,000) is an egg tempera on board of woman on a bicycle, flanked by abandoned bikes and surrounded by brilliant balloons and long late afternoon shadows. While technically skillful, the painting also exemplifies Vickrey’s ability to twist an otherwise ordinary scene into a captivating yet unnerving composition through perspective, color, shadow, and light. Reflections ($4,000/$6,000), an oil on board worthy of its title, shows a young woman gazing into a window, refracted surroundings echoing back to the viewer. Equally eerie and enchanting in its monochromatic chiaroscuro, Basement Study ($3,000/$5,000), is an intimate portrait of Vickery’s son with their cat.

Early 20th century paintings pave the way for contemporary works in the late April auction. An oversized estate fresh oil on canvas by the turn-of-the-century Northern California artist, Astley Cooper is a monumental and impressive depiction of a buffalo herd venerating a fallen Native American man in the snow ($1,000/$1,500).

Works by short-lived New York based artist, Glenn O. Coleman are infrequently available to the market, so the painterly 1926 oil of a man, pipe in mouth, contemplating his next drink will be a treat for collectors (1,000/$1,500). Two watercolors by William Henry Gasser and oils by William Lester, Max Kuehne, and Philip Evergood will also appeal to buyers of early 20th century American art.

For photography enthusiasts, Clarke will offer an Alfred Eisenstaedt gelatin silver print, First Lesson at Truempy Ballet School, originally published in 1930 and reprinted by LIFE magazine in 1992 (Est. $3,000/$5,000). Also of interest are two limited edition prints, Castaway and Winter Tower, by Australian landscape photographer, Peter Lik that capture nature in its raw and brilliant beauty.

Over 100 fine art lots will be on the auction block starting at 11 am on Sunday, April 22nd. In-house previews will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 20th and 21st from 12 pm to 6 pm; doors will open on Sunday the 22nd at 10 am.

To view the full online catalog and to register to bid please visit ClarkeNY.com, email bid@clarkeny.com or call the gallery at (914) 833-8336. Online bidding is also available through Bidsquare.com, Liveauctioneers.com, or Invaluable.com.