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The upcoming annual Library Collection Sale boasts Lots steeped in history and treasures for collectors and buyers alike. A particularly interesting historical piece is an early 19th century carved wood figure of Admiral Lord Nelson. Widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest naval commanders, he fought several minor battles before commanding the British fleet attack during the Napoleonic Wars against the French and Spanish, successfully securing victory with his divisive and unconventional tactics. On closer inspection of the figure, the absence of his right arm is observed. Along with losing partial sight in one eye early in his career, he lost his right arm during a failed attack in Santa Cruz. Following his injury, the Admiral wrote letters in scrawling script with his left hand to many, including his mistress, and such letters have recently emerged at auction with revelations of their secret love child.
Another fascinating lot is a large Swiss 'black forest' carved linden wood bear hallstand. A whimsical and rustic wood carving which originates from the town of Brienz, Switzerland despite ‘black forest’ suggesting German origins. Beginning as a hobby for the Swiss Trauffer family, the value of the pieces was soon realised and during the Victorian period, they became emblematic of wealth and worldliness for who could afford to travel to Switzerland and return with unique and collectable pieces depicting Swiss countryside. To this day, it remains an industry which continues to be a driving force for the Swiss economy as tourists flock each year to collect souvenirs synonymous with their surroundings from their travels. The carvings were and still are crafted from maple, walnut, or linden often because such trees grow in the shade, and thus provide a denser wood that can be felled in the winter and proves more suitable for carving. Although Bears are ubiquitous with the style, other carvings include game birds, stags, owls, dogs, boars, and eagles. Often the designs are fanciful and humorous, with animals imitating human pursuits such as skiing, reading and even smoking. Allegedly, the Brienz School of Wood Carving was known to run a private zoo so as to provide students with animals for anatomical study.
Another collection to capture our attention with its amusing and playful depiction of animals is a large Meissen porcelain monkey orchestra by Johann Joachim Kandler. Known for his particular expertise in figural modelling, he produced works that reflected the natural world, often incorporating animals into his designs. The original Monkey Band was produced in mid-18th century, with records showing it was available for sale in 1753. These figures remain his creation that most captured the public imagination, by rendering the monkey musicians imitating human-like gestures and expressing emotion. Society of the period were fascinated by primates and their clear kinship with humankind.
Moreover, the figures are based on the popular genre in France of 'singerie', in which monkey figures are dressed in fashionable clothing of period, taking on comical and satirical poses.
Lots 13, 16 and 108 respectively, are available in the upcoming “Library Collection” Auction which will take place on 26th April at 2pm.
Written by Emily Kenny
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Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
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Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Publications, Lizzie Gore-Grimes, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction on September 13th features a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpel's renowned 'Mystery Setting'
Our June auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the great masterpieces of Irish art and icons of Dublin’s history.
Georgia Chiesa selects some of her favourite lots in the upcoming Vintage Wine & Spirits Auction
"Beating the bounds is a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval period. At this time, land was divided into parishes and the clergy and church wardens held the responsibility for its upkeep and management. It was up to the Church to ensure that its parishioners knew the local boundary lines and, before maps became commonplace, this had to be kept as a mental record."
Adam’s in conjunction with Suzanne MacDougald are proud to host an online timed auction of artworks to aid the Irish Red Cross’s humanitarian work in delivering vital services to millions of people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. With no buyers premium 100% of the hammer price will go directly to the Irish Red Cross.
Ros Drinkwater writes of Jack B Yeats' 'The Boat' in the Business Post:
With a consolidated result of €320,000,the At Home sale in Stephan’s Green, was a great success.
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
