- AN OMAS IMAGINATION STERLING SILVER
AN OMAS IMAGINATION STERLING SILVER FOUNTAIN PENAn Omas Imagination limited edition sterling silver fountain penWith 18K gold nib. Engraved with the Theory of Relativity, Quantum Theories, and Super String Theories. In fitted wooden box. Limited Ed
- COLLECTION OF FANTASY & UNDERGROUND
COLLECTION OF FANTASY & UNDERGROUND COMICS Including eight (duplicate) Mermaid prints by Bonnie Dalzell (Berkeley: Wuerth Letter Shop, 1968); James "Nybor" Odbert, "Fantasy Folio" (Imagination Unlimited, 1974) water damage at lower left corner; Alicia Austin (Am., b.1942) Woman Riding a Unicorn, signed l.r. and numbered 2/25, hand colored offset; Three items by Frank Brunner: "Cleopatra" print, litho, 1976, #713/1000; "Allice in Wonderland" (1977) a suite of six erotic lithographs, #279/1000, the first signed and numbered by the artist, with cert., the paper cover chewed; "Flesh & Fantasy" (1974) a suite of seven lithographs, #367/1000, the first signed and numbered by the artist, with original folder, envelope, and cert., with foxing; Three items by Lela Dowling: two copies of "Unicorns II," (1982) edition of 2000, each signed and numbered on the first plate, with folders and plastic pockets; and "Dragons II," (1983) ed. of 3000, signed and numbered on first plate, with folder and plastic pocket; Terry Austin, "Heroines," (1979) ed. of 1000, signed and numbered, the wrapper with insect damage; Richard Hescox, "A Fatal Beauty," (1980) ed. of 1000, signed and numbered, wrapper with insect damage; and others by P. Craig Russell, Frank Frazetta, and Ploog.
- PAIR OF 'DREAMSTONE' MARBLE INSET PANELS
LATE
PAIR OF 'DREAMSTONE' MARBLE INSET PANELS
LATE QING DYNASTY TO REPUBLIC PERIOD, 19TH-20TH CENTURY ???? ?????? ?????? ??????comprising eight marble slabs in two wooden panels, each panel with four shaped windows showcasing the black, grey, and russet veining evocative of ethereal landscapes shrouded in swirling mists and clouds, all inscribed with poetic titles, either signed 'Shi Quan' or 'Shi Sheng', similarly sealed (2)84.1cm x 22.2cm eachNote: One of the panels verso with a handwritten note mistakenly attributed these plaques as jade or jadeite. The slabs are transverse slices of Dali marble from Yunnan province in southwestern China. The natural markings of the marble are enhanced by cutting and polishing the surface to reveal mountains and clouds and anything else the imagination can conjure.Little is known about the artists 'Shi Quan' and 'Shi Sheng'. There are speculations that they might be the same person, also using other names like Shi Lin, Shi You, Shi Qiao, which might be Ding Huaijin (1879-1956). Comparable dreamstone inset panels, Qing dynasty 19th century, are in the Metropolitan Museum, accession no. 1995.418a–d; Also compare to a pair of 'dreamstone' marble inset panels, Qing dynasty, sold at Sotheby's London, 09 November 2016, lot 367.
- LIMITED EDITION CLUB SIGNED & ILLUSTRATED
LIMITED EDITION CLUB SIGNED & ILLUSTRATED VOLS., 4 Group of four Limited Edition Club Poe, Apuleius, Voltiare, & Adams volumes, comprising "Tales of Mystery and Imagination'' by Edgar Allan Poe, with 16 aquatints by William Sharp and a preface by Vincent Starrett, Baltimore, 1941, bound in black cloth with silver lettering, numbered 22 / 1500, signed by the artist; "The Golden Ass" by Apuleius, translated by Jack Lindsay, illustrated by Percival Goodman. New York, 1932, leather bound vellum, numbered 905 / 1500, signed by artist; and "The History of Zadig or Destiny" by Voltaire, The Sylvain Sauvage Memorial Edition, decorations and illustrations by Sylvain Sauvage, Paris, 1952, cloth bound with gilt design, numbered 752 / 1500, unsigned; and "The Education of Henry Adams: An Autobiography," illustrated with 12 etchings by Samuel Chamberlain, Boston, Merrymount Press 1942, numbered 975 / 1500, signed by the artist; each in slipcover. Widest: 10.5" H x 7.5" W x 2" D. Poe with tear to binding.
- (30) FRANKLIN LIBRARY MYSTERY LEATHER
(30) FRANKLIN LIBRARY MYSTERY LEATHER BOUND BOOKS(lot of 30) Franklin Library of Mystery Masterpieces and similar style leather bound books, late 20th c., many with gilt embossed spines and covers, some with illustration to cover, comprising: (29) volumes from the Franklin Library of Mystery Masterpieces, including Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allen Poe, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre and Great Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; (1) Walden by Henry David Thoreau; all appear as unread or close to unread, all in excellent condition, largest: approx 9.25"h, 6.25"w, 1.5"d; 48lbs total
- (10) LIKE NEW EASTON PRESS LEATHER BOUND
(10) LIKE NEW EASTON PRESS LEATHER BOUND BOOKS(lot of 10) Books published by The Easton Press, leather bound, gilt page ends, gilt lettering at spines with many having raised spine bands, fabric end sheets many with interior illustrations, all appear as unread or close to unread, all in excellent condition, titles include:
"Rights of Man," "Reading Trout Streams," "The Analects of Confucius," "The Atlantic Salmon," "Poor Richard's Almanacs," "The Flower of Evil," "Livy, History of Early Rome," "The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau," "Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates," "Tales of Mystery and Imagination," largest: approx 11.5"h, 8.75"w, 1.25"d; 26.25lbs total
- GROUP OF LEATHER BOUND EASTON PRESS
GROUP OF LEATHER BOUND EASTON PRESS BOOKS (56) 56 Leather bound Easton Press books, to include: A Passage to India, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia, War & Remembrance (2 vols), The Essays (Bacon), Livy- History of Early Rome, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Vanity Fair, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Ivanhoe, Winds of War (2 vols), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, The Analects of Confucius, Decameron, Anna Karenina, First Circle, Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Short Stories (Wilde), Heart of Darkness, Gulliver's Travels, Short Stories (Dickens), Women in Love, Confessionsof Jea-Jacques Rousseau, Canterbury Tales, Tales of Mystery & Imagination, Journal of the Plague Years, Madame Bovary, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Robinson Crusoe, Poems of Robert Browning, Confessions of Saint Augustine, Flowers of Evil, One Day In The Life, Adventures of Sherlock Holems, Arabian Nights, Return of the Native, The Alhambra, Two Plays for Pilgrims, War & Peace, Poems of Yeats, Plato's Dialogues on Love and Friendship, Odyssey of Homer, Portrait of a Lady, Lord Jim, Moby Dick, Crime and Punishment, Wuthering Heights, Poems of John Donne, Poems of John Keats, Three Plays (Ibsen), Pilgim's Progress, Talisman, Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (2 Vols). Condition: All in excellent / unread condition. All (most) with Easton Bookplates applied.
- JAMES ROSENQUIST, LITHOGRAPH DIPTYCH,
JAMES ROSENQUIST, LITHOGRAPH DIPTYCH, 1975 James Rosenquist (American, 1933-2017), "Echo Pale" (from Mirrors of the Mind), one screenprint in colors, on pulp paper, pencil signed, dated, titled and numbered 100/100 along lower margins, the full sheet, with the Styria Studio blindstamp, New York, and Multiples, Inc. & Castelli Graphics, New York stamp, unframed, 24.5"h x 31.5"w, together with a black text on mirror multiple, lithograph on mirrored acrylic panel, the text reading "At night 1, 2 or 3 people should face the mirror about 30 inches from the surface of the mirror. Turn a single overhead light down slowly until the reflections are barely visible, and wait. Watch the physical energy of the reflection from the mirror start to be replaced by imagination. James Rosenquist 1975", unsigned unframed, 23"h x 29.5"w
- WALTER MATIA (B. 1953)Pine Spirits II
signed
WALTER MATIA (B. 1953)Pine Spirits II
signed "Matia" lower left
bronze, 18 1/4 by 15 3/4 by 6 1/2 in.
edition 5 of 36
As Tom Davis writes in "Sporting Classics," "[Walter Matia] paid his dues, assembled a remarkable body of work, and established himself as a wildlife and sporting sculptor of uncommon perception, imagination and reach."
Two quail in flight with a pine branch behind.
Provenance: Literature: Tom Davis, “Artist’s Hands, Hunter’s Heart," Sporting Classics, March/April 2008, pp. 107-111.
- WALTER MATIA (B. 1953)Covey Rise, Bobwhite
WALTER MATIA (B. 1953)Covey Rise, Bobwhite Quail, 2007
signed, dated, and numbered "Matia 07 25/48" on base
bronze, 20 by 31 1/2 by 10 in.
edition 25 of 48
Walter Matia is known for the remarkable amount of surface detail in his bronzes. He studied both biology and art design, the influence of which is apparent in his balanced and anatomically correct works. His subjects run the gamut of wildlife from eagles, to bulls, to sporting dogs. As Tom Davis writes in "Sporting Classics," "[Walter Matia] paid his dues, assembled a remarkable body of work, and established himself as a wildlife and sporting sculptor of uncommon perception, imagination and reach."
Provenance: Private Collection, Wisconsin
- DISNEY'S PETER PAN (1953) ORIGINAL ONE
DISNEY'S PETER PAN (1953) ORIGINAL ONE SHEET POSTERA scarce original one-sheet movie poster for Peter Pan (RKO, 1953). Based on J.M. Barrie's timeless play of childhood, imagination, and innocence, Peter Pan holds a place as one of Walt Disney's most popular and beloved animated feature films. It holds the distinction of being the last animation worked on by all of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men." The sheet measures 41" x 27".
Condition
Some wear to the folds, including slight crossfold separation. Pin holes in the corners including small chips. The vertical fold is reinforced to the reverse with tape. Mild toning.
- LEROY NEIMAN SIGNED SERIGRAPH, 'THE
LEROY NEIMAN SIGNED SERIGRAPH, 'THE 21 CLUB' (1990)LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921-2012) The 21 Club, 1990 Serigraph on paper 30" x 36 1/2" (image size) The entrance of Manhattan's 21 Club is memorably decorated with jockey statues, and they captured the imagination of long-time patron Neiman. Pencil-signed and numbered (178/500) in the bottom margin. Presented behind glass in an ebonized and gilt frame, measuring 38" x 47 1/2".
Condition
Not removed from the frame, appears to be in very good condition.
- RARE COLLECTION, 34 MURANO FIGURES,
RARE COLLECTION, 34 MURANO FIGURES, CIRCA 1965A very rare and extensive collection of 34 handmade Murano figures representing the best of Disney and Warner Brothers Looney Tunes. The characters make up a 34-piece orchestra, complete with instruments, music stands and sheet music. Created with great care and detail, this colourful ensemble really does capture the imagination of the original creators of these much loved icons. Pink Panther leads the orchestra, conducting the likes of the Seven dwarfs, Popeye and Olive, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat to name just a few. A remarkable collection. Created in Murano Italy, Circa 1965. Artist unknown. Condition: damage to Olive and her harp, minor damage to a couple of other pieces. The collection is fragile. Provenance: The Stewart Foundation for Modern Design, Montreal.
- RENTZ BIG BLUE BIRDAn Ewald Rentz (1908-1995)
RENTZ BIG BLUE BIRDAn Ewald Rentz (1908-1995) large standing blue bird with a long neck and long legs. The body is light blue with black highlights and the beak, legs and feet are painted yellow. Mounted on the original green base. Ewald Rentz from Beardmore collected materials and odd shaped tree limbs for his sculpture -- this is an excellent example of his creative imagination. Ontario, 1975-80. H: 34"; L: 43.5"; D: 9.5". Field Collection.
- LéO FOURNIER FISH FILLETINGA sculpture
LéO FOURNIER FISH FILLETINGA sculpture by Léo Fournier (1924-2007), Laprairie, Québec, of a woman filleting a fish. Great colours and condition. Léo Fournier's works are highly regarded for his sense of humour and imagination and can be found in private and public institutions including the Canadian Museum of History. Signed. Québec, late 1990s. H: 9"; W: 7.5".
- LéO FOURNIER MERMAIDA fine very streamlined
LéO FOURNIER MERMAIDA fine very streamlined mermaid sculpture by Léo Fournier (1924-2007) -- great form and paint, excellent condition, mounted on the original turquoise base. Léo Fournier's works are highly regarded for his sense of humour and imagination and can be found in private and public institutions including the Canadian Museum of History. Signed. Québec, late 20th century. Measuring, 11.5" x 14".
- LéO FOURNIER HUNTER ON BREAKA carving
LéO FOURNIER HUNTER ON BREAKA carving by Léo Fournier, Laprairie, Québec (1924-2007), of a hunter with red cap taking a snooze while a crow sits on his knee. Original paint, great condition, signed. Léo Fournier's works are highly regarded for his sense of humour and imagination, and can be found in private and public institutions including the Canadian Museum of History. Québec, circa 1990. H: 6"; W: 9.5".
- LUIZ FERREIRA (PORTUGUESE, 1909-1994)
LUIZ FERREIRA (PORTUGUESE, 1909-1994) SILVER SWAN PLANT...Luiz Ferreira (Portuguese, 1909-1994) Silver Swan Planter Marked 'LF' and 'David Ferreira, Porto' 24 in. h. x 9 in. w. x 24 in. d. The work of Luiz Ferreira was and continues to be, the testimony of an exquisite treatment of noble metals and stones, in a combination of materials with great decorative effect. All this spirit is in the LF stores, places of good taste par excellence. It is there that each customer looks for the art of Luiz Ferreira expressed in silver, jewels, the famous animals of enormous variety and color richness and many other objects. Luiz Ferreira was in essence a Esteta, revealing great imagination and creative ability. Man of high sensitivity, from the forms that surrounded him, gave life to numerous pieces where it is always possible to find the conjugation of the classic and the modern, in an interconnection ruled by the harmony and dialogue of the forms. Luiz Ferreira entered the universe of artists of great name of the Portuguese silversmiths and his work consecrates in a very special way the supremacy of the decorative before the utility. In his work there is Art, in the full sense of the word. Famous Customers Who Own Parts LUIZ FERREIRA Duchess D'Alba, Queen Elizabeth II, Kings of Spain, Dukes of Windsor, John Paul II to the Vatican, Nixon (United States President), Jaqueline Kenedy, Amália Rodrigues, Vieira da Silva, Americo Tomás, Paul Meurisse Pitanguy, Rute Marinho, Dior House, Chanel House, Tifany's NYC, Hélène Rochas, Helena Rubinstein.
Condition:
Overall condition is good, with a few minor dings. Weighs approximately 6 lbs 8 oz on a postal scale.
- ROBERT WYLAND ENAMELED BRONZE SCULPTURE,
ROBERT WYLAND ENAMELED BRONZE SCULPTURE, DOLPHIN SPEAKLimited edition, signed and numbered by Artist.
Internationally renowned marine life Artist Wyland is one of the most celebrated and recognized Artists of our time. An innovative painter, sculpture, writer, photographer, philanthropist, and filmmaker, he captured the imagination of people everywhere by completing over one hundred monumental marine life murals around the world from 1981-2008. The project, known as the Whaling Walls, remains one of the largest public arts projects in history and continues to be seen by an estimated one billion people each year. An avid SCUBA diver and world traveler, the Detroit-born Artist has been hailed a ?Marine Michelangelo? by USA Today and recognized for his art and conservation efforts by the United Nations and on the floor of Congress.
Artist: Robert Wyland
Issued: 1999
Dimensions: 9.5"L x 9"W x 9.5"H
Edition Number: 261 Edition Size: 350
Country of Origin: United States
- SANTAS SLEIGH HN5689 - ROYAL DOULTON
SANTAS SLEIGH HN5689 - ROYAL DOULTON 2014 FATHER CHRIST...Very detailed figure of a Santa Claus delivering gifts to kids.
Santa's Sleigh HN5689 - 2014 Father Christmas Character Figure of the Yearbr> The annual Christmas figures are not only favorites with collectors worldwide, but with the Royal Doulton designers and modelers as well. They love the chance to give their imaginations freedom to create romantic designs combining elaborate dresses, coordinating coats and luxurious accessories with rich festive colors and seasonal details. For the 2014 annual father Christmas figure, Santas Sleigh, the talented British artists at Royal Doulton draw on fond memories of their own childhood celebrations in England. - Father Christmas
Artist: Neil Faulkner
Issued: 2014
Dimensions: 7.75"H
Manufacturer: Royal Doulton
Country of Origin: England
Condition:
Good.
- 4PC WALT DISNEY FIGURINES, I MADE MYSELF
4PC WALT DISNEY FIGURINES, I MADE MYSELF AT HOMEFigurine set exhibiting the process of creating a classic figurine. Features Jiminy Cricket from Disney's Pinocchio.
Process models include resin master, resin paint master, and whiteware. Includes base modeled to appear as wooden display with banner in front which reads "From Imagination to Reality." From the Classics Collection. Disney Classics Collection backstamp. Box and certificate of authenticity included. Box dimensions: 7.5"H x 11"W x 15"L. #Disney
Artist: Kent Melton
Issued: 21st c.
Dimensions: 15" W x 5.75" H
Manufacturer: Disney
Country of Origin: Thailand
Condition:
Good. Box minor wear. Minor scuffs underneath two figurine bases.
- FANCH (FRENCH, 1949) "LIVING ABOVE MALIBU"
FANCH (FRENCH, 1949) "LIVING ABOVE MALIBU" GICLEEDESCRIPTION: A signed Fanch Ledan (French, 1949) "Living Above Malibu" Screen Print Giclee on canvas depicting a living interior with a central fireplace. This is a signed unstretched giclee numbered 22 from an edition of 195. Includes Certificate of Authenticity. Artist Fanch Ledan focused on lithography, and in 1975 Tallandier in Paris published his first full edition of lithography prints. Fanch Ledan serigraphs are a reflection of his imagination, and his subjects vary from life experiences to the intimate interiors of homes.
CIRCA: 20th Century.
ORIGIN: France.
DIMENSIONS: H: 13 3/4" W: 16 3/4".
Have a similar item to sell? Contact: Info@Akibaantiques.com.
CONDITION: Great condition. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS(305)-332-9274. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission."
- MR. IMAGINATION (1948-1912) SELF PORTRAIT
MR. IMAGINATION (1948-1912) SELF PORTRAIT CANEMr. Imagination (American, 1948-1912) Self Portrait Cane. Mixed media. Provenance: Property of a Roanoke, Virginia Collector. Size: 36'' x 2'' x 7'' (91 x 5 x 18 cm).
- MR. IMAGINATION (1948-2012) SCREEN DRESSMr.
MR. IMAGINATION (1948-2012) SCREEN DRESSMr. Imagination (American, 1948-2012) Screen Dress, 2009. Red wire mesh and buttons. Provenance: Property of a Roanoke, Virginia Collector. Size: 27'' x 16'' x 16'' (69 x 41 x 41 cm).
- BRETT JAMES SMITH W/C PAINTING, LUNCH
BRETT JAMES SMITH W/C PAINTING, LUNCH BY THE RIVERBrett James Smith (Louisiana/Montana, born 1958) watercolor on paper painting titled "Lunch by the River" depicting a man with a fishing pole sitting on a grassy bank by a river and holding an apple, a mountain range visible in the background. Signed "Brett Smith" with a copyright symbol, lower right. Ponderosa Art Gallery, Hamilton, MT gallery label, en verso. Giltwood placard with artist's name and title, affixed lower center of frame. Housed under glass in a giltwood frame with and off-white linen liner and giltwood fillet. Sight: 13 3/4" H x 21 1/4" W. Framed: 22 1/2" H x 29 1/2" W. Biography: "Louisiana sporting artist Brett Smith received his early training from his grandfather, who took him fishing and camping, and his father, an art director. Smith spent time as an illustrator before focusing on fine art and the outdoors. His work, which he says mostly comes from his imagination, tends to be scenes from the 1920's western landscape. He likes to keep his figures somewhat anonymous so that the viewer can imagine himself in the picture." (Adapted from Art of the West, September 2002).
Private Cleveland, Tennessee collection.
Condition:
Overall very good condition.
- 3 J.B. MURRAY OUTSIDER ART WORKS INCL.
3 J.B. MURRAY OUTSIDER ART WORKS INCL. FRAMED SPIRIT WR...Three (3) John Bunion (J.B.) Murray (Murry) (American, Georgia, 1908-1988) folk art works. 1st item: Abstract painting on masonry or concrete board rendered in soft colors of white, yellow and blue/green in a vertical orientation, resembling figures. Red illegible inscriptions en verso, possibly a date and last name. Unframed. 12" H x 26" W. 2nd item: Framed "spirit script" writing on paper. Sheet: 9" H x 6 1/8" W. Framed: 15" H x 12" W. 3rd item: John Bunion (J.B.) Murray (Murry) (American, Georgia, 1908-1988) folk art "spirit writing" painting on paper towel, water color and marker. 35" W x 11 1/8" H (total surface with writing). Biography: John Bunion Murray was an African American artist who grew up in rural Glascock County, GA where he worked as a tenant farmer. At the age of 50, his wife left him, and his eleven grown children had moved from home, leaving Murray in isolation, where he turned to art. He began creating "yard shows" displaying his works on his front porch and into his home. Using predominately primary colors, he expressed his beliefs and emotions through abstract works, each color having consistent meaning. Though he could not read or write, he created his own cursive writing inscribed in many of his works called "spirit writing" which he was able to read through a glass bottle he called "holy water" while praying. His body of work reveals his experience as an African American in the rural south with a unique faith and a surreal imagination.
The Collection of Dr. Joe Newsom Rawlings, Davisboro, Georgia; acquired directly from the artist.
Condition:
1st item: Flaking to paint on back of board, front with light wear and some grime, slight scratching along the lower edge, possibly in the medium. 2nd item: Overall toning, fold line to center, and tape burns. 3rd item: As found condition. One end of paper towel roll not used and is crumpled.
- JIMMY LEE SUDDUTH FOLK ART PAINTINGJimmie
JIMMY LEE SUDDUTH FOLK ART PAINTINGJimmie Lee Sudduth (Alabama, 1910-2007) mixed media including paint and mud on compressed wood board, likely a furniture fragment, painting depicting a figure with one arm raised into the air with a group of smaller figures standing on a stepped platform below. Signed "Jim" lower center. Biography: "Jimmy Lee Sudduth's fertile imagination led him to paint self-portraits, dogs, television personalities, and the architecture and landscape near his home in Fayette, Alabama, as well as views of New York and other cities. Sudduth's materials - mud mixed with sugar water and color extracted from weeds and vegetables - are no less inventive than his themes. He rarely uses canvases or brushes, preferring to use his fingers to paint with clay, mud, sand, and soot on plywood." Source: Lynda Hartigan, Contemporary Folk Art: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Exhibition Text, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1999.
Condition:
Very good condition. Abrasions and holes to upper left and right and en verso occurred in or prior to the making.
- ROLAND (EDUARD KRAUSE). ROLAND’S ORIGINAL
ROLAND (EDUARD KRAUSE). ROLAND’S ORIGINAL NOVELTY. THE ...Leeds: John Waddington, ca. 1908. Imposing and handsome poster shows three scenes from Roland’s illusion in which the bachelor – presumably Roland himself – produces a comely woman inside a curtained cabinet standing on short legs. But, as quickly as the lady appears, so does she disappear, as if a figment of his imagination. 39 ½ x 90". Scattered restoration throughout image, especially at extremities; B-. Uncommon.
- HOUDINI, HARRY (EHRICH WEISS). HOUDINI
HOUDINI, HARRY (EHRICH WEISS). HOUDINI PRESENTS HIS OWN...London: Dangerfield, 1912. Houdini’s most famous invention, the fabled Water Torture Cell, fills the center of the poster, the “master mystifier” himself locked inside upside down, a look of terror across his face. 40 x 88". Old folds and chips restored, scattered minor restoration to abrasions and chips in image, wear at intersection of sheets; B+. One of three examples known. Houdini commonly referred to the Water Torture Cell as the “Upside Down.” The wooden, metal, and glass structure was, in contrast to the striking image depicted on this and other posters advertising it, surprisingly compact. After all, Houdini was short of stature, standing some 5'2" high. Even so, the drama of the escape was never lost on his audiences, and the danger of drowning was never too far from the mind of anyone witnessing the stunt. The only known recording of Houdini’s voice, made on an Edison wax cylinder on October 29, 1914, documented his introductory patter for the famous water tank escape. Houdini’s dramatic preamble played upon the fears of the audience and the danger involved in making his escape: “Ladies and gentlemen! Introducing my original invention, the Water Torture Cell. Although there is nothing supernatural about it, I am willing to forfeit the sum of one thousand dollars to anyone who can prove that it is possible to obtain air inside of the torture cell when I am locked up in it in the regulation manner after it has been filled with water. Should anything go wrong when I am locked up, one of my assistants watches through the curtain ready to rush in, demolishing the glass, allowing the water to flow out in order to save my life.” Despite Hollywood’s best efforts to muddy the story in the 1953 biopic of Houdini starring Tony Curtis, no heroic measures were required to save Houdini from the Torture Cell, nor did he perish inside it. It was a feature of his show for years, and remains one of the enduring symbols of his fame, inventiveness, and knack for capturing the public’s imagination and attention with spectacular and daring escapes.
- THEATRE ROBERT-HOUDIN.Méliès, Georges.
THEATRE ROBERT-HOUDIN.Méliès, Georges. Theatre Robert-Houdin. Soriées Fantastiques Program. Paris, ca. 1897. Pictorial program advertising the show produced by this film pioneer at his own theater on the Boulevard des Italiens in Paris. The three-part show featured the Cinematogaphe Artistique of Méliès, the magic tricks of M. Legris, and a demonstration of spiritualistic phenomena. Four pages in pale blue wraps, bearing Méliès' and Legris' portraits on the front. The body of the program includes a biography of Méliès, and the internal rear wrapper advertises his film laboratory, as well as his magic shows. Chip at top of spine affecting pages inside, else very good. A rare and important program for this seminal figure in the history of filmmaking. Though he started his career in entertainment as a magician, following in the steps of the great Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Georges Méliès became one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. Drawing on his experience as a conjuror, Méliès invented - seemingly from thin air - many special effects and techniques that became standard in the industry. His fruitful and wild imagination manifested itself in hundreds of classic films, most of them now lost to history. Even so, pictures including A Terrible Night, the Vanishing Lady, and his seminal Trip to the Moon, remain timeless classics, the latter hailed as one of the most significant and iconic silent movies of all time.
- FRANCES PAUL GAUGUIN "FRUTERO CON MANGOS"Frances
FRANCES PAUL GAUGUIN "FRUTERO CON MANGOS"Frances Paul Gauguin (France, 1848 -1903) framed colorful mixed media on paper depicting a still life of fruit entitled "Frutero con Mangos", signed to lower right and measuring in frame 20-1/2" in height with width of 24-1/2". Has a sight image height of 15-1/2" with width of 19-1/2", and comes complete with a letter of provenance, see photographs. In overall good condition, all measurements are approximate. Paul Gaugauin was born in 1848 in Paris of a Breton father (clovis Gauguin) and a Peruvian Creole mother (Aline Chazel). Paul had no formal education of any kind beyond high school, joined the French Navy at the age of 14, and later distinguished himself in a banking house & brokerage firm. He became a professional painter in 1883 through his interest in the Impressionists, especially Pisarro. His friendship with Van Gogh was disastrous and inspirational concurrently, and ultimately led to his exit to Tahiti, where he felt he could better set his imagination free. He died in 1908, famous for his breadth of Post-Impressionistic paintings.
Condition:
It is our recommendation that all pieces be examined in person by perspective clients or a dealer they have asked to give them a condition report. This is consistent with our terms of sale that all goods are sold as is and all sales are final.
- WILLIAM HENRY DETHLEF KOERNER (AMERICAN
WILLIAM HENRY DETHLEF KOERNER (AMERICAN 1878-1938) A DR...WILLIAM HENRY DETHLEF KOERNER (American 1878-1938) A DRAWING, "Riding Herd," EARLY 20TH CENTURY, charcoal and graphite on paper, signed L/L, "W.H.D. Koerner;" 8 1/2'' x 11 1/2''. Note: Also known as Wilhelm Heinrich Detlev Körner, and sometimes just as "Big Bill," Koerner was born in Prussia, but his family immigrated to Iowa when he was three years old. He started out doing illustration work for newspapers and in 1902 he created the short-lived Hugo Hercules comic which is considered to be the first superhero comic. In 1919 he was commissioned by the Saturday Evening Post to illustrate two articles with Western themes. This captured his imagination and the West became the principal source of his inspiration for the rest of his career. More recently, his painting A Charge to Keep was used as the cover illustration for the biography by the same name by former President George W. Bush and hung in the Oval Office during his presidency.
Condition:
There is some light stain and fading throughout but the paper was originally toned. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."
- FRANK C. MCCARTHY (AMERICAN 1924-2002)
FRANK C. MCCARTHY (AMERICAN 1924-2002) A PAINTING, "THE...FRANK C. MCCARTHY (American 1924-2002) A PAINTING, "The Sioux Buffalo Run," 1973, oil on panel, signed and copyright dated L/R "McCarthy / © 73;" 23 1/4" x 35 1/4", framed with engraved brass plaque 34 3/4" x 47". Provenance: Cover image for "Western Paintings of Frank C. Mccarthy" by Frank Mccarthy and Frank Storz, released February 1974. Note: Thundering hooves kick up dust as fierce indigenous Plains hunters ride domesticated mustangs alongside wild, stampeding buffalo. A drama unfolds at right as a buffalo brutally retaliates. Known for his western fantasy art; Frank McCarthy is a celebrated American illustrator. Eventually moving to Sedona, Arizona, "...the Dean of Western Action Painters..." was invited to join the Cowboy Artists of America in 1975; a member for twenty-three years of his fifty year career as a commercial illustrator and artist of the Old West, and also an inductee of the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1997. Frank McCarthy, in the present painting, once again, captures our imagination and fascination with an absolutely wild, wild west in this 1973 early western theme oil on panel painting. (Courtesy and Special Thanks to: The Greenwich Workshop)
Condition:
There is a short diagonal red line at center/left in the sky about four inches from the left edge. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."
- JOE G. RUSSELL (AMERICAN/TEXAS 1926-2008)
JOE G. RUSSELL (AMERICAN/TEXAS 1926-2008) A PAINTING, "...JOE G. RUSSELL (American/Texas 1926-2008) A PAINTING, "Summer Day," 20TH CENTURY, oil on canvas, signed L/L, "Joe g. Russell," verso inscribed, "To Fifi Skidmore/ Best Wishes/ Joe N. Russell;" 11'' x 14'', 17 1/4'' x 20 1/2''. Note: Joe G. Russell was born and raised in Austin and trained and gained experience at The University of Texas, the Graphics Studio in Austin and the Texas A&M Press in College Station. He had further studies at Cloudcroft in New Mexico and the Banff School of Fine Art in Alberta, Canada, but it was the landscape of the Texas Hill Country that most captured his imagination. He had a hilltop studio just south of Kerrville from which he produced paintings of the land and the people that he loved. He became a member of the Texas Cowboy Artists Association in 1981.
Condition:
There are no visible signs of damage or alteration. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."
- JULIJA MOSTYKANOVA OIL ON CANVAS “FRONT
JULIJA MOSTYKANOVA OIL ON CANVAS “FRONT STREET”Julija Mostykanova Oil on Canvas “Front Street” , initialed lower right
20 in. x 16 in.
Julija first came to Nantucket in 2001; with its natural beauty, the island became her inspiration. Julia uses color, form, and imagination to transform the literal representation of the world.
Condition:
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please contact the gallery for further details prior to bidding. Any condition statement given as a courtesy should not be treated as fact.
- JAMES ROSENQUIST MIRRORJames Rosenquist
JAMES ROSENQUIST MIRRORJames Rosenquist (1933-2017). Rectangular mirror with the following written along the lower margin: "At night 1, 2 or 3 people should face the mirror about 30 inches from the surface of the mirror. Turn a single overhead light down slowly until the reflections are barely visible, and wait. Watch the physical energy of the reflection from the mirror start to be replaced by imagination. James Rosenquist 1975."
Height: 23 in x width: 29 1/2 in.
Condition:
The item is in great condition with no visible cracks, losses, or restoration under UV light. Throughout the front and the back, there are light surface scratches as expected.