“Old Hamlet of Toledo” by Diego Rivera from the artist’s Cubist period, is estimated to sell for between $800,000 and $1.2 million in a sale of Latin American art at Sotheby’s on May 25. This sale will be followed by two auctions of Latin American Art at Christie’s on May 26 and 27.

NEW YORK – Fans and collectors of Latin American art are looking forward to three days celebrating the diverse styles and cultural origins of the genre here, as Sotheby’s will present a sale of a single-owner collection on May 25, while Christie’s will present evening and day sales of Latin American art on May 26 and 27. Among the artists to be featured in the three sales include Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, Miguel Covarrubias, Matta, Frida Kahlo, Claudio Bravo and Jorge de la Vega.

Sotheby’s “Latin American Masterpieces from A Private Collection” and “Fernando Botero: A Celebration and Latin American Art” sales will both be held on May 25. Leading the events is “Old Hamlet of Toledo” by Diego Rivera from the artist’s Cubist period, which is estimated to sell for between $800,000 and $1.2 million. Rivera, known as a brilliant landscape painter from the beginning of his career, traveled to Paris from Spain in 1911, where he became an integral part of the Cubist movement together with Braque and Picasso. This Spanish landscape is one of the more figurative works from his Cubist period.

Frida Kahlo’s self portrait “Autorretrato en Miniatura” is just two inches in height, making it the smallest self portrait ever made by the Mexican painter and perhaps her most coquettish. Kahlo painted the portrait for her lover, the artist José Bartoli, who kept the small treasure in his possession for more than 50 years. The dedication “Para Bartoli con amor, Mara,” is on the reverse of its small oval panel. Kahlo styled the portrait on her painting, “Arbol de la Esperanza,” in which she appears in Tehuana costume, her hair braided and crowned by a red ribbon or flowers. In 2005, it was featured in the critically acclaimed exhibition Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern. It also holds a presale estimate of $800,000-$1.2 million.

Frida Kahlo’s diminutive self portrait, “Autorretrato en Miniatura,” has a presale estimate of $800,000 to $1.2 million.

The Sotheby’s sale also includes three paintings by Tamayo, representing his greatest periods. “Woman Playing With Her Child” shows how the artist incorporates both Mexican and Cubist themes into his work (est. $1 to $1.5 million). The work was painted in 1946 and shows a child being entertained by a ball of yarn, perhaps alluding to family ties. “Sandías (Watermelons),” from 1941, reflects the quality of light and Tamayo’s childhood trips to the local market in the southeastern region of Mexico where he grew up (est. $500,000-$700,000). The overflowing fruit bowl offers an optimistic vision of bounty and abundance which is complimented by the cloudless sky that can be seen through the window behind. The group is completed by the sensitive and monumental “Mujer en Extasis” from 1973.

Surrealism is represented in the sale by the early Matta work “Morphology of Desire” (est. $700,000-$900,000). In 1938, at the suggestion of George Onslow-Ford, Matta started to experiment with automatism—the technique whereby the artists brush moves faster than the mind can think. The results, as seen in works such as this, made significant contribution to the development of Action Painting and Abstract Expressionism. The work was originally in the collection of Onslow-Ford, his friend and fellow painter.

The Cuban avant guarde of the 1940s is represented by Rene Portocarrero’s “Mujer,” an arrestingly vibrant work where the boldly patterned background contrasts to the sweeping long strokes of the figure (est. $200,000-$300,000). The work is one of the greatest paintings of Portocarrero’s early career and was included in his 1942 exhibition at the Lyceum. Mario Carreno’s well known masterpiece “The Drumbeater” offers a visual synthesis of geometry and afro-Cuban music (est. $300,000-$500,000) and “Balconies” by Amelia Peláez from 1963 completes the group (est. $20,000-$25,000).

“Offering of Fruits for the Temple,” by Miguel Covarrubias (1932), is a highlight of the two Latin American art sales at Christie’s on May 26-27. It has a presale estimate of $ 200,000-$300,000.

The Christie’s sales, comprised of nearly 350 works by more than 145 artists from 16 countries spanning across Latin America (including Argentina, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Chile, Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Nicaragua), span the late-18th to the 21st century. Prime examples from Colonial, Modernism, Kinetic Abstraction and Pop and Op Art has Christie’s predicting a sale realizing upwards of $20 million overall.

“We secured a small but special collection of rarely seen Spanish Colonial works from the Cuzco and Mexican schools, as well as Latin American Modernist Masterpieces works by Torres-Garcia, Matta, Tamayo and Lam,” said Virgilio Garza, Head of Latin American Paintings at Christie’s.

The cover lot is a remarkable rediscovered painting by Miguel Covarrubias, the Mexican artist whose extended trips to Bali in the 1930s forever inspired his work. Transfixed by the island’s rich culture, artistic and religious traditions, Covarrubias, a successful illustrator, whose work was often featured in Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines, wrote “The Island of Bali.” “Offering of Fruits for the Temple,” from 1932, is Covarrubias’ pictorial ode to the idyllic beauty of the Balinese women, as a group of beautiful women elegantly balance baskets of fruit on their heads, swathed in brightly colored sarongs. The rare work has been in a private collection until now and is considered one of the artist’s great masterpieces.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

First off, know why you are getting an item appraised. Perhaps you need written documentation for insurance, estate, or tax purposes. You might be interested in selling a piece. Or maybe, you just are curious about its value and origin. In each of these cases, an appraisal of your items will differ, so know the following:

Written Appraisals

If you do need a written appraisal for insurance, estate or tax purposes, then seek out a reputable source. The Appraisers Association of America (AAA), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) can provide you with a list of preferred auction houses and independent appraisers that offer this service. A formal appraisal will cost you from a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand, depending on the number of items you’re having appraised. The fee is dependent on the time spent by the appraiser, and is typically based on a flat rate or hourly rate. It’s important to know that the fee for an appraisal should never be based on the value of the item—that’s a clear conflict of interest.

Selling An Object

If you want to sell your item, you don’t actually need a written appraisal and you shouldn’t pay for one; all that’s needed in this case is a verbal estimate of what an item might be worth. Here’s where you’d want to use an a full-service auction house, as most provide auction estimates free of charge for items you are considering selling. Often e-mailing photographs and a brief description can start the process, but your best course of action is an appointment with an appraisal expert who can examine your items in person. This is especially true for items of significant worth. The appraiser will offer his or her opinion on whether a piece would potentially sell at auction and also provide an estimated range of value it might be expected to achieve. You can then decide whether you’d like to consign that item for auction. I strongly advise against selling something outright to an auction house or appraiser—again, it’s a conflict of interest. After all, how can you be sure you are getting full value for your item? An independent appraiser is just that—he or she should have no vested interest in purchasing the item they are appraising.

Curious About Value

If you want to keep your treasure, but are curious as to its origin and value, sources are plentiful: online price databases that feature pictures and prices (some charge a fee to access price information); pictorial antique price guides like Miller’s Price Guides, which can be found in the antiques section of most bookstores; and even auction house catalogs and websites, which give pre-sale estimates on items coming up for auction and also post price lists of what these items actually sold for at auction. Prices at auction are an excellent guide as they indicate the most current value for property on the open market. Keep in mind that comparing pictures of similar items online doesn’t take into account the authenticity of an item, its quality, its condition and whether it has been restored. If you don’t know where to start, you might seek out a research librarian at your local library or attend a local antiques appraisal day in your area. Many non-profit institutions team with auction houses and conduct these events around the country—they’re a fun and informative way to learn about the value of your objects and they typically raise money for a good cause.

The Last Word Of Advice

Lastly, I always like to caution folks that not everything old is valuable—age, rarity, quality of construction, condition, provenance and market trends all play a factor in determining an item’s value. The monetary value of art and antiques can rise and fall depending on the taste of the times and general economic conditions. Lastly, know that while a piece may have historic interest and significance, it may not have any marketable value. A great example of this is a 19th-century family bible; it’s certainly a wonderful family treasure, but so many of these were produced in the 19th century that they are literally a dime a dozen. That’s not to say such an item doesn’t have value to you! The best appraisers will ask a client, “Do you love it? Would you ever part with it?” If your answer is yes, and then no, then forget about its so-called “value”—keep it, enjoy it, and pass it on.

Karen Keane is CEO of Skinner, Inc., one of the world’s premier auction houses. Under her direction, Skinner has grown from a New England specialty auction house to a viable player in the international art and antiques marketplace with specialty areas including fine musical instruments, science & technology, rare books & manuscripts, and Judaica.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Join WorthPoint on Twitter and Facebook.

This Sterling silver cigar holder, made by Tiffany & Co., New York, NY, in the mid-19th century, will be auctioned off April 19 at Freeman’s Auction House in Philadelphia, Pa. The piece is owned by a WorthPoint member who used the Ask a Worthologist feature to get an estimated value. He later used WorthPoint’s brokerage service to find the appropriate auction house.

Dr. Joseph McEllistrem, a WorthPoint member, will have a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cigar holder up for bid at Freeman’s Auction Gallery in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 19, 2009, at noon. The cigar holder is lot number 229, and is estimated to sell between $2,000 and 4,000.

Made by Tiffany & Co., New York, NY, in the mid-19th century, the holder features a putto—a small, cherub-like figure—with a scale and a halo that holds 18 cigars. The item is 7 ½” tall and weighs 19 ounces.

Dr. McEllistrem bought the cigar holder a number of years ago from an on-line auction. As a cigar enthusiast, he enjoyed the holder for years before deciding to have it appraised through WorthPoint’s Ask a Worthologist service. After the evaluation, he was pleased with the estimated value and then decided to use the WorthPoint Consignment and Brokering service to help place his cigar holder at auction.

Since 1805, Samuel T. Freeman & Co. has upheld an exemplary role as Philadelphia’s leading appraisers and auctioneers. Freeman’s has a unique history, preserving its family business and traditions for over 200 years, and is changing with the times to maintain its position in today’s thriving art market.

Freeman’s offers more than 30 in-house auctions a year in sale categories including: American furniture, decorative & folk art, English & continental furniture & decorative arts, Asian arts, fine American & European paintings, modern and contemporary art, rare books, fine prints, Oriental rugs, fine jewelry & silver, and 20th / 21st century design.

To make a bid on this item, click here.

 
Audra Blevins is a Worthologist who specializes in French Limoges china and early American pattern glass.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Join WorthPoint on Twitter and Facebook.

Ask a Worthologist

Reston, VA (PRWEB) March 22, 2008 — WorthPoint Corporation, the premier website for art, antiques, and collectibles, announced today that Neal Auction Company has selected WorthPoint as a data publishing partner. Under the new agreement, Neal Auction Co. will provide WorthPoint with upcoming and historical auction data to be published on the WorthPoint web site. With information provided by Neal Auction Co., WorthPoint is now able to provide more comprehensive data than ever.

“We are thrilled to partner with Neal Auction Company,” said Will Seippel, CEO and Chairman of WorthPoint. “With this new relationship, we add the sales of American furnishings and fine art of the South from an auction house with over twenty years of experience. No one is more knowledgeable on the subject of Southern paintings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries than they are, and WorthPoint is proud to include Neal Auction Company’s records in its data collection.”

WorthPoint is a collector’s social network and search engine rolled into one. The website is changing the process of assessing worth for collectibles by providing a vast database of sales records wherein an individual can assess the worth of their own collection. Through WorthPoint, collectors connect with experts to learn more about authenticity and value in art, antiques, and vintage items. Through the WorthPoint online community, members can contact other collectors interested in buying, selling, or swapping stories, and they can share their insight and knowledge through the forums and wikis.

http://www.worthpoint.com

Neal Auction Company has achieved international recognition as the South’s pre-eminent antique auction gallery. Record setting sales attract hundreds of buyers to the spacious gallery located in the heart of New Orleans. Neal Auction Company has a twenty year history of record prices for American furniture, paintings, Newcomb College pottery, silver and decorative arts. The gallery is the premier auction venue for the sale of 18th through 20th century Southern paintings.

http://www.nealauction.com

Contact:
Eve Hyman
WorthPoint
T 404 477 3250
F 404 477 3251
eve [dot] hyman [at] worthpoint [dot] com

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Reston, VA (PRWEB) April 3, 2008 — WorthPoint Corporation, the premier website for art, antiques, and collectibles, announced today that Stout Auctions has selected WorthPoint as a data publishing partner. Under the new agreement, Stout Auctions will provide WorthPoint with upcoming and historical auction data to be published on the WorthPoint web site. With information provided by Stout, WorthPoint is now able to provide more comprehensive data than ever.

“We are very pleased about our partnership with Stout Auctions,” said Will Seippel, CEO and Chairman of WorthPoint. “With this new relationship, we add the sales of railroadiana to our database, from the toy train experts at Stout. No one is more knowledgeable on the subject of historic train collectibles than they are, and WorthPoint is proud to include Stout’s records in its data collection.”

WorthPoint is a collector’s social network and search engine rolled into one. The website is changing the process of assessing worth for collectibles by providing a vast database of sales records wherein an individual can assess the worth of their own collection. Through WorthPoint, collectors connect with experts to learn more about authenticity and value in art, antiques, and vintage items. Through the WorthPoint online community, members can contact other collectors interested in buying, selling, or swapping stories, and they can share their insight and knowledge through the forums and wikis.

http://www.worthpoint.com

Stout Auctions is the leading U.S. auction house dealing with Lionel toy trains, American Flyer, Marx, Ives, as well as other scale and toy trains. They sell toys, railroadiana, guns and sportsman items. From classic postwar Lionel to the colorful tinplate toys of the 1930s, Stout events encompass a wide range of collectibles for train set connoisseurs and novices alike. Stout Auctions is a family-run company of train and toy enthusiasts with a proven track record for high sales and premier customer service.

http://www.stoutauctions.com

Contact:
Eve Hyman
WorthPoint
404-477-3250
404-477-3251
eve [dot] hyman [at] worthpoint [dot] com

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Reston, VA (PRWEB) April 5, 2008 — WorthPoint Corporation, the premier website for art, antiques, and collectibles, announced today that Dallas Auction Gallery has selected WorthPoint as a data publishing partner. Under the new agreement, Dallas Auction Gallery will provide WorthPoint with upcoming and historical auction data to be published on the WorthPoint web site. With information provided by Dallas Auction Gallery, WorthPoint is now able to provide more comprehensive data than ever.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with Dallas Auction Gallery,” said Will Seippel, CEO and Chairman of WorthPoint. “With this new relationship, we add the sales of American antique furniture and antique silver to our database, from the premier auction house in the Southwest. No one is more knowledgeable on the subject of antique furniture and decorative arts than they are, and WorthPoint is proud to include Dallas Auction Gallery’s records in its data collection.”

WorthPoint is a collector’s social network and search engine rolled into one. The website is changing the process of assessing worth for collectibles by providing a vast database of sales records wherein an individual can assess the worth of their own collection. Through WorthPoint, collectors connect with experts to learn more about authenticity and value in art, antiques, and vintage items. Through the WorthPoint online community, members can contact other collectors interested in buying, selling, or swapping stories, and they can share their insight and knowledge through the forums and wikis.

http://www.worthpoint.com

Dallas Auction Gallery is the premier full service antique and fine art auction house in the Southwest. With over thirty years of experience, Dallas Auction Gallery offers regular antique auctions and estate auctions, providing well-researched valuations and aggressive marketing to attract appropriate buyers. Auctions are held every six to eight weeks and feature local and regional consignments in the areas of antique furniture and accessories, art glass, antique oil paintings, contemporary fine art, Asian art, and antique silver.
www.dallasauctiongallery.com

Contact:
Eve Hyman
WorthPoint
404-477-3250
404-477-3251
eve [dot] hyman [at] worthpoint [dot] com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/04/prweb832484.htm

Roldán is a fine arts and antiques auction house located in the most exclusive art gallery district of Buenos Aires. Once a month, in the luxurious arts section of the Retiro neighborhood, Roldán auctions off several hundred paintings, sculptures and other art objects, furniture, and antique collectibles such as china tea services, vases, lamps, and decorative items, all of international origin.

Recent past auctions have ministered the sales of such pieces as the 1933 oil painting “Día de Fiesta” by Argentine painter Carlos Pablo Ripamonte, which garnered a price of $25,783, and a stunning collection of 24 porcelain plates by Piero Fornasetti with Renaissance-style murals of Adam and Eve tiling the set, dating from 1954. The set went for $5,269. Chinese jade, French bronze, and Italian marble all appear in abundance, in the form of statues, fountains, sinks, candlesticks, and sculptures.

Some choice contemporary pieces are put on the stand each month, as well. Most notably, a few León Ferrari engravings fetched a few thousand dollars each in November 2007, when they were sold alongside other more recent pieces such as Benito Laren’s 2005 enamel and paper “Modelo Gastronomico” and drawings by Adolfo Nigro from 2003.

Along with the monthly auctions, Roldán has a permanent sale hall where guests are invited to browse the collection of European and Argentine paintings, art objects, and furniture ranging from the 18th to the 20th century. Helpful guides are on hand to steer guests in the direction of their interests as well as to provide information about the pieces and their origins and periods. The hall is open during the week from 10a-7p.

Other services provided by the auction house include appraisals, cell phone auction purchases, and guidance about insurance of work and international shipping.

In the area surrounding Roldán are several lovely places to sit down and enjoy something to eat or drink. Sample the Indian flavors of Bengal, located at Arenales 837, or for a more local cuisine, try Da Mingo, at Juncal 887.

Name: Roldán Subastas de Arte
Address: Juncal 743, Buenos Aires
Phone number: (5411) 4393 5441 or (5411) 4394 0830
URL: http://www.subastasroldan.com
Email address: subastasroldan [at] fibertel [dot] com [dot] ar

Hours: The salon is open from Monday through Friday, 10a-7p. Auctions are held once a month, except for during the summer months of January and February. The next auction is scheduled for the end of March 2008.
Admission: free

Reston, VA (PRWEB) February 23, 2008 — WorthPoint Corporation, the premier website for art, antiques, and collectibles, announced today that Thomaston Place Auction Gallery has selected WorthPoint as a data publishing partner. Under the new agreement, Thomaston’s will provide WorthPoint with upcoming and historical auction data to be published on the WorthPoint web site. With information provided by Tomaston’s, WorthPoint is now able to provide more comprehensive data than ever.

“We are excited about our partnership with Thomaston’s,” said Will Seippel, CEO and Chairman of WorthPoint. “With this new relationship, we add the sales of rare books and ephemera and rare coins to our database, from the 19th and 20th centuries. No one is more knowledgeable on the subject of 19th and 20th century rare books and rare coins than they are, and WorthPoint is proud to include Thomaston’s records in its data collection.”

WorthPoint is a collector’s social network and search engine rolled into one. The website is changing the process of assessing worth for collectibles by providing a vast database of sales records wherein an individual can assess the worth of their own collection. Through WorthPoint, collectors connect with experts to learn more about authenticity and value in art, antiques, and vintage items. Through the WorthPoint online community, members can contact other collectors interested in buying, selling, or swapping stories, and they can share their insight and knowledge through the forums and wikis.

http://www.worthpoint.com

Thomaston Place Auction Gallery, in the heart of Maine’s gold coast of antiques, is one of New England’s premier auction facilities. Company president, Kaja Veilleux, is extraordinarily knowledgeable in the field of antiques and fine art. Coupled with a dedicated staff and progressive computer technology, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries offers a wide range of services to local and international customers alike. Thomaston’s is proud of its entertaining and innovative auction fundraising program which have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Maine nonprofit organizations including schools, libraries, museums, and the Rockland branch of the American Red Cross.

http://www.thomastonauction.com

Contact:
Eve Hyman
WorthPoint
770-777-8221
770 777-8228
eve [dot] hyman [at] worthpoint [dot] com

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Reston, VA (PRWEB) February 13, 2008 — WorthPoint Corporation, the premier website for art, antiques, and collectibles, announced today that Rago Arts and Auction Center has selected WorthPoint as a data publishing partner. Under the new agreement, Rago will provide WorthPoint with upcoming and historical auction data to be published on the WorthPoint web site. With information provided by Rago, WorthPoint is now able to provide more comprehensive data than ever.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Rago,” said Will Seippel, CEO and Chairman of WorthPoint. “With this new relationship, we add the sales of fine glass and 20th century decorative arts and furnishings to our database, from one of the nation’s leading auction facilities. No one is more knowledgeable on the subject of contemporary decorative arts and furnishings than they are, and WorthPoint is proud to include Rago’s records in its data collection.”

WorthPoint is a collector’s social network and search engine rolled into one. The website is changing the process of assessing worth for collectibles by providing a vast database of sales records wherein an individual can assess the worth of their own collection. Through WorthPoint, collectors connect with experts to learn more about authenticity and value in art, antiques, and vintage items. Through the WorthPoint online community, members can contact other collectors interested in buying, selling, or swapping stories, and they can share their insight and knowledge through the forums and wikis.

http://www.worthpoint.com

Rago Arts and Auction Center is one of the country’s leading auction houses, specializing in decorative arts and furnishings, fine art, art glass, jewelry, and estate property. Rago is best known for record-breaking multi-million dollar sales of 20th century decorative arts and furnishings. Personal service and enthusiasm are the hallmarks of Rago auctions. David Rago sums up his company’s commitment: “This is a home for buyers and sellers who seek excellence without attitude. We all know how to wear our suits, but we prefer to show clients how we roll up our sleeves. We handle some of the finest property in today’s markets – not just with expertise, but with genuine enthusiasm.”
www.ragoarts.com

Contact:
Eve Hyman
WorthPoint
770-777-8221
770 777-8228
eve [dot] hyman [at] worthpoint [dot] com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/02/prweb693763.htm

From time to time everyone has thought or asked why do Auction Houses charge what they do just to sell an item and make all the money? Here are the basic answers.

The Overhead

A. Mortgage or lease payments for the building
B. Heat, air-conditioning and utilities
C. Insurance both for your items and liability
D. Payroll
E. Equipment
F. Advertising
G. Website cost
H. Photography
I. Catalogue and Ad copy layout
J. Transportation
K. Taxes (these don’t even go away when you die)
L. They need to make money to stay in business
M. The list goes on and on!

Now what do you get for paying commission to the Auction House and why do they charge a buyers premium?

A. Proper advertising, professional design and layout
B. Proper evaluations (appraisers charge $150.00 and up and hour)
C. You don’t have to deal with the buyer someone else has all the headaches
D. A focused sale to the proper market and all the contacts the Auction House has developed over years of selling. This includes direct mailing to clients you can’t reach.
E. The Auction Houses make money based on a commission, so the more it brings for you the more they make. With this incentive they strive to get the highest price possible
F. Access to the Auction Houses facility to sell the item in an atmosphere that is conducive for selling the item
G. Auction Houses are in competition with each other. The more valuable your item the lower the commission charged to you. This is how buyer’s premiums came about; with the buyers paying a commission your commission is reduced.
H. As in any business everything in the Auction business cost money. The Auction company generally knows what it cost them to sell an item or have an item go threw the auction. The cost vary but in most cases for upscale Auction Companies it runs between $100 and $200 per item. So when you hear of an auction with 1000 items grossing $1,000,000.00 it has cost the company a minimum of $10,000.00 just to pay for the labor to move the items in general and does not include advertising and other expenses. This money is gone before one item is sold.
I. The Major Houses can charge a low as 0% for selling an item; of course the value of the item is mind boggling too.