Sotheby’s autumn auction in Sydney on 9 April presents 81 lots of outstanding Australian art. This includes two oils by Russell Drysdale, a true rarity by this master of the Australian country town and outback landscape.
Another eye catcher will be lot 27 John Olsen’s “Seafood Paella” – however, a very big wall (and pocket) is required, as this late masterpiece from 2007 comes in five panels measuring 244 x 612 cm overall, with estimates of $700,000-900,000. In his “Faves” below, David has included two equally appealing, but smaller and perhaps more manageable offerings by the artist.
And of course the cover lot number 24: Charles Blackman’s “Dreaming Alice” from 1956 is a magical masterpiece in blue hues to make you swoon … as may do the estimates of $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.
Lot 62 is the international stand-out in the sale, and rare too: “Congo Landscape” 1945 (with the original frame from Zanzibar) is by revered South African artist Irma Stern, so we may well see some fierce phone bidding battles on the night.
This is a beautiful selection of fine art well worth viewing in person:
In Melbourne from 27 to 31 March, at 14-16 Collins Street
In Sydney from 4 April to 9 April at 30 Queen Street, Woollahra.
The auction is held on 9 April, 6.30 pm, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney.
For advice and pre-purchase due diligence on any of the Sotheby’s lots, don’t hesitate to contact us on phone 02 9977 7764 and email info@bhfineart.com
Having followed the Australian art auction market very closely for over 15 years, we can assist you with expert advice in all aspects of purchasing quality art at auction.
And here are the gems David has picked for his Dave’s Faves:
Lot 2 – Brett Whiteley, Untitled, 1960, 53 x 72.7 cm, est. $35,000-45,000. Be Green not MeanLot 6 – Elioth Gruner, Mosman Bay 1919, 20.3 x 25.3 cm, est. $40,000-50,000. You will enjoy to pay for Mosman BayLot 7 – Russell Drysdale, Landscape of Rocks, 1949, 30.7 x 46 cm, est. $180,000-220,000. On the Rocks, PleaseLot 8 – William Dobell, Woman in Restaurant, 1934, 22.3 x 19.7 cm, est. $80,000-120,000. Smoke doesn’t get in your EyesLot 9 – William Dobell, Spring at Wangi, 1959, 30.4 x 44.3 cm, est. $60,000-80,000. Life before LycraLot 11 – Margaret Olley, Ipswich Hotel 1948, 76 x 102 cm, est. $55,000-75,000. I love to have a Beer with DuncanLot 17 – Cressida Campbell, Interior with Sunflowers and Figs, 1998, est. $80,000-120,000. Honey I’m Home!Lot 18 – Arthur Boyd, Diamond Bay, 1957, 52.5 x 71 cm, est. $100,000-150,000. Simple Stunner with SeagullsLot 21 – John Olsen, Emus Watching, 1981, 137 x 152 cm, est. $70,000-90,000. Watch ThisLot 24 – Charles Blackman, Dreaming Alice, 1956, 97.2 x 136.2 cm, est. $1,000,000-1,200,000. Everyone is waking up to the Magic of CharlesLot 25 – Fred Williams, Australian Landscape, 1969, 91.2 x 86.6 cm, est. $180,000-220,000. Time to Chill with WillLot 30 – John Perceval, White Angel (Kathie), 1964-66, 74 x 81 cm, est. $25,000-35,000. This should flyLot 36 – Clement Meadmore, Fidgety Feet, 1978, 18 x 18 x 7 cm, est. $15,000-20,000. Time to get foot looseLot 41 – John Olsen, Frog Drawing 2001, 29.7 x 42.3 cm, est. $15,000-25,000. Your New Froggy FriendLot 43 – Sidney Nolan, Ned Kelly, 1966, 30.5 x 25.5 cm, est. $15,000-25,000. Stop horsin’ aroundLot 44 – Albert Namatjira, Ghost Gum, Central Australia, 35.5 x 53 cm, est. $55,000-65,000. Ghost Gum GoldLot 47 – Brett Whiteley, Winter Willows, 1979, 47.5 x 41.5 cm, est. $60,000-80,000. The Hills are AliveLot 50 – Nora Heysen, Camellias, 1949, 37 x 44.5 cm, est. $25,000-35,000. Both Superb and SublimeLot 71 – Guy Grey-Smith, Salt Lake 1966, 61 x 96.3 cm, est. $20,000-30,000. Salt Lake for City SlickersLot 76 – William Robinson, Nimbin Rocks in Fog, 1996, 137.5 x 183 cm, est. $150,000-200,000. Sure it’s Fog, in Nimbin
