MILFORD, Conn. – Quality consignments are currently being accepted for a fine art auction slated for Thursday, April 23rd, at Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers, in the firm’s gallery located at 354 Woodmont Road in Milford. Around 250 works of fine art, spanning many genres, will come up for bid.

Offered will be works from the Hudson River School, American Impressionists, American Modernists, French Impressionists, Abstract artists, Old Masters and more. Already consigned are works by such noted, listed artists as Thomas Hill, Hans Hoffmann, Daniel Ridgway Knight, Samuel Paxson, Edward James Buttersworth, John Folinsbee, Birger Sandzen, Walter Launt Palmer, Lawton Parker, Francis Coates Jones and Everett Warner.

The list grows almost daily, with the arrival of new paintings. “We already have many wonderful pieces secured, but we are still seeking high-quality, fresh-to-the-market examples,” said Gene Shannon of Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers. “Consignments are accepted through March 12th.”

A special group of more than 40 works from a Southern collection promises to be a highlight of the auction. Two paintings in particular will draw keen bidder interest. One is a museum-quality large view of Yosemite by Thomas Hill (Calif./Mass., 1829-1908). It is estimated to hammer for $200,000-$300,000. Hill, who emigrated from England in 1844, became one of America’s most famous 19th century landscape artists, especially of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The other work is a figural rendering of a peasant woman with a bundle of flowers in a bucolic setting by Daniel Ridgway Knight (1839-1924). The painting should bring $150,000-$250,000. Ridgway was born in Philadelphia and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1858-1861. He then studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he shared classes with Renoir and Sisley. In 1863, he returned to the U.S. and enlisted in the army during the Civil War.

Modernist works will be highlighted by a newly rediscovered painting from 1949 by the Abstract Expressionist master Hans Hoffmann (1880-1966). It is estimated to garner $80,000-$120,000. Hans Hoffmann was the only artist of the New York school to participate directly in European Modernism. He became known as the major exponent of Abstract Expressionism, with works that were known for their manic, exuberant energy. Hoffmann was also an influential teacher.

French artists will be represented with works by Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955) and Albert Marquet (1875-1947). Utrillo (birth name Maurice Valadon) specialized in painting city scenes, especially in his beloved Paris, where he was born. Albert Marquet studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he met Henri Matisse in 1890. The two became lifelong friends and in 1900 they worked together on the decoration of the Grand Palais of the Paris World Exhibition.

Nineteenth-century European works will include paintings by Jean George Vibert, Henri E. Rousseau, James Webb and B. C. Koekkoek, plus a large Oriental work by Eugene Baugnies.

Old Masters will again be represented at Shannon’s and will be led by a painting from the workshop of Joos van Cleve (Belg., circa 1485-1540), direct from a private New England collection. Van Cleve’s workshop was known for combining traditional Netherlands painting techniques with influences of contemporary Renaissance painting styles.

Previews will be held daily, starting on Monday, April 13th, and running through auction day, April 23rd (closed Sundays). Preview hours are 11-6, except April 23rd, when the preview will end at 5 p.m. Online bidding will be provided by Invaluable.com. Phone and absentee bids will be accepted.

Historically, Shannon’s has specialized in American and European art executed between 1840 and 1940. In recent years the firm has expanded more into post-war Modern and Pop Art and Old Masters. Shannon’s produces an extensive, 180-page color catalog, which is available for sale on their website (www.shannons.com). A large, 8-page color brochure will also be mailed to 18,000 clients.

Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single piece of artwork, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them at (203) 877-1711; or, you can e-mail them at info@shannons.com. To learn more about Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers and the April 23 auction, visit www.shannons.com. Updates are posted often.

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