On the weekend of May 14, 2016, the Collection of Charles G. Thalhimer, Richmond, Virginia will be sold at Brunk Auctions in Asheville, North Carolina. The Thalhimer family, who for over 150 years sold quality merchandise to the public through their stores, have been custodians of a private art collection that is largely unknown outside of Virginia. Over 150 lots of fine paintings, furniture and silver will be sold.  The accompanying catalog and exhibition will provide a glimpse into the private rooms of this family, known for their cosmopolitan ideas and philanthropy at home.

Two generations of Thalhimer collectors traveled the world and collected.  In Richmond, Virginia they enthusiastically opened their home to friends and philanthropic organizations, sharing the objects and ideas that they had gained abroad. The epitome of 20th century collectors, they worked with the most reputable dealers of early American furniture and decorative arts. They sought out the very best of Fine Art and they knew the intrinsic value of superior objects – whether that was a painting, a tea table or a silver pitcher.

Among the fine art being offered are some of the most sought after names in American painting.  They include oil on canvas by Albert Bierstadt depicting Irvington Woods (Est. $30,000-50,000) and Charles Burchfield’s watercolor over graphite on paper, “Valley Road with House” ($20-30,000).

The collection includes Milton Avery’s watercolor on paper entitled “White Horse” (Est. $30-50,000) that is fresh and lively, an Adolf Dehn watercolor depicting a Central Park pond in winter ($3,000-5,000), an oil on canvas by Will Barnet entitled Circled Triangle ($15,000-25,000),  and a Herman Herzog oil on canvas of a Team Crossing McCall’s Ferry ($15,000-20,000).

Among the lots that will be offered are also a number of examples of American furniture that were purchased from Israel Sack, and then his sons Albert and Harold, the premier dealers and connoisseurs of American Decorative Arts. Forms and regions are all well represented in this collection of American furniture.  Just a few of the highlights include a Newport Queen Ann Mahogany Tray top tea table ($12-18,000) and an American Chippendale carved Boston side chair. The crest rail has a boldly carved shell and it retains the original slip seat. ($20-30,000). Additionally, there is fine example of a Federal inlaid tall case clock with works by Simon Willard ($30,000-40,000). It retains the original pierced fretwork on the arched hood, as well as brass stop-fluted columns.  Fine fan inlay and ogee bracket feet complete the package.

Additional offerings include silver by Tiffany and Gorham, porcelain and carpets.

Brunk Auctions is pleased to be working with the family, who has decided that it is time for their collection of fine and decorative arts to come back into the public realm.