Weschler’s December 5th Capital Collections Auction arrives just in time for the holidays with over 130 lots of fine art as well as a large assortment of furniture, rugs, silver, porcelain, jewelry, and Asian art.

Highlighting the sale is a whimsical painting by Ludwig Bemelmans (American 1898-1962), Madeline and Her Class Visiting the Monuments ($40,000-$60,000), a richly colored depiction of Madeline and her class walking along the Tidal Basin under the cherry blossoms at sunset with the Washington Monument and Capitol in the horizon. Ludwig Bemelmans, famous for his iconic Madeline picture books, took on various artistic projects during his lifetime including a series of oils of Madeline and her adventures, which were sold at Hammer Galleries in New York. Madeline and Her Class Visiting the Monuments, perhaps inspired by his correspondence with Jaqueline Kennedy, is a glimmer of insight into Bemelmans’ intended expanse of Madeline’s world while at the same time showcasing his artistic skills of working with a variety of different media. Another work by Bemelmans and an illustration by Maurice Sendak will also be featured.

The graphite and ink wash on paper, Elias in the Chariot of Fire ($10,000-$15,000), by Johann Friedrich Overbeck (German 1789-1869) is another standout of the sale. Elias in the Chariot of Fire is an inspired expression of precision, which brings to life the divine story of the prophet Elias. Overbeck, part of the Nazarene movement, was a deeply religious artist, who thought of art as a didactic medium to promote his religious convictions. The work was a gift from the first director of the Museum of Modern Art, Alfred Barr.

Two notable bronzes will see the auction block on December 5. The Lovers ($20,000-$30,000), by the prominent African American Harlem Renaissance artist, Richmond Barthé (1901-1989), hails originally from the collection of Mrs. Robert Lehman, wife of the former New York governor and Barthé’s benefactor during his residence in Jamaica. This piece, one of the few sculptures Barthé modeled with two figures, is a striking example of his study of form mixed with expressionism. Galloping Cherkessians ($10,000-$15,000), an intricate bronze by Vassili Yacolevich Grachev (Russian 1831-1905), is an energetic portrayal of two horsemen in a realistic moment of action.

A large collection of equine and canine portraits, such as the lovely oil, The Oakley Dandy ($7,000-$9,000), by Thomas Blinks (British 1860-1912), known for his commissions for King George V, as well as a fine selection of Dutch paintings, will round out the fine art offerings.

Other lots of note include a repoussé silver six-piece coffee and tea service by S. Kirk & Son Circa 1880-1890 in its original wood case ($6,000-$8,000), and an American oak congressional desk and armchair (desk $4,000-$6,000; armchair $5,000-$7,000) designed by Thomas Ustick Walter, Circa 1857. The desk’s last occupant was the representative Robert Porter Caldwell of Tennessee, who served from 1871-1873.

Weschler’s December sale will also feature an array of sparkly stunners to make the perfect holiday gift. Two dazzling art deco pieces: an exquisite platinum, diamond, emerald and black onyx cocktail bracelet ($8,000-$12,000) and a platinum and diamond brooch totaling 4.90 carats ($3,000-$5,000) will please any lady. Additionally, three rings with high quality diamonds will be featured: an 18-karat white-gold and fancy light yellow diamond ring with a 2.04 carat fancy light yellow VS1 diamond ($8,000-$12,000), a platinum and three-diamond ring with a 2.11 carat G-VS1 diamond ($12,000-$15,000), and a Tiffany & Co. platinum solitaire diamond ‘Lucida’ ring with an E-IF diamond ($12,000-$15,000).

A collection of nine Japanese swords and weapons, ranging from the 15th-19th century, will be among Asian art lots. Swordsmiths included are Bizen Osafune Katsumitsu, Mino no Kami Fujiwara Jumyo, Bishu Osafune Norimitsu, Bishu Osafune Sukesada, Katsu-i-e, and Yoshida Kaneyoshi.

Exhibition for the sale will be held November 29—December 4 at Weschler’s second floor gallery, located at 909 E Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Exhibition hours, a complete illustrated catalogue, and online bidding options are available online at www.weschlers.com.