FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DETROIT (September 20, 2023) – Rooted in the heart of Detroit with a legacy nearly a century deep, DuMouchelle Art Galleries is not just an auction house, but a trusted advisor in the art market. This September, DuMouchelles continued its tradition of bringing extraordinary artistry and unique histories to the forefront, featuring exclusive works from private collections and esteemed estates, including Fred and Bertha Fisher of the renowned Fisher Body family, and Leon Zielinski, a valued client for over 50 years.
Historic Chinese Jades & Tapestries Offer Intricate Craftsmanship
The jade artifacts from the Fisher estate have showcased the unparalleled skills and intricate designs characteristic of Qing Dynasty artistry. With a beautifully depicted landscape, a Qing-era urn captivated bidders, eventually realizing $18,600. An intricately engraved green jar also drew considerable attention, selling for $12,400. Additionally, an ornate frame from 1920 featuring a portrait of Fred Fisher fetched $8,060, highlighting the enduring allure of Chinese craftsmanship. A Flemish tapestry from the early 17th century, acquired from the renowned Vigo Galleries of London, surpassed expectations by tripling its high estimate, selling for $22,320. The fine details and exceptional weaving demonstrated the pinnacle of textile art of the era.
Lot 1
Edward I. Farmer, Imperial Green Jade Jar
From The Estate Of Fred And Bertha Fisher, Ca. 1900, H 6″ Dia. 5″
Estimated at $1,000-$2,000
Sold for $12,400 to a Midwestern Buyer
Lot 2
Chinese Green Jade Urn, Edward Farmer Mount
From The Estate Of Fred Fisher, H 17″ W 6.25″ L 9″
Estimated at $10,000-$20,000
Sold for $18,600 to a Midwestern Buyer
Lot 3
Chinese Jade Photo Frame, Oil Portrait Of Fred Fisher
From The Estate Of Fred And Bertha Fisher, Ca. 1920, H 17″ W 13″
Estimated at $3,000-$5,000
Sold for $7,060 to a Michigan Buyer
Lot 1000
Flemish Tapestry, Early 17th Century, Orpheus And The Maenades, H 8′ W 9′
Estimated at $7,000-$9,000
Sold for $22,320 to a Virginia Buyer
American Works Capture Mood and Light
American artists Laurence Campbell and Theodore Earl Butler captured the essence of atmospheric mood and light in their respective works, both exceeding their high estimates. Campbell’s portrayal of a snow-covered Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia demonstrated his adept skill in capturing the serenity of a cityscape, selling for an impressive $31,000. Butler’s “The Train,” an atmospheric depiction of a train emerging through mist, fetched $34,100, showcasing the enduring appeal of Impressionism. This piece, with its significant exhibition history, including a stint at the Nassau County Museum of Art, originated from a prominent collector in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, adding to its allure. An original Edward Hopper was also included in the sale, “Wedded” After Lord Frederic Leighton, one of his wife’s favorite paintings. It achieved a cool $13,640 alongside other American artists.
Lot 1001
Laurence Campbell (American, B. 1939) Oil On Canvas, “Snow Storm, Ben Franklin Bridge, Philadelphia”, H 26″ W 22″
Estimated at $8,000-$12,000
Sold for $31,000 to a New York Buyer
Lot 1038
Theodore Earl Butler (American, 1861-1936) Oil On Canvas, 1904, “The Train”, H 22.25″ W 28.25″
Estimated at $12,000-$18,000
Sold for $34,100 to a Virginia Buyer
Lot 1011
Edward Hopper (American, 1882-1967) Brush, Ink Wash And Pencil Ca. 1900-05, “Wedded” After Lord Frederic Leighton, H 12.4″ W 7.3″
Estimated at $12,000-$18,000
Sold for $13,640 to a Michigan Buyer
Remarkable Prints Across Eras
The auction also featured an eclectic mix of prints spanning various eras and styles. A lithograph by Joan Miró, displaying the artist’s signature surreal biomorphic forms, was sold for $5,160. A meticulous etching by the master printmaker Rembrandt van Rijn from 1658 achieved $11,780, underscoring the lasting appreciation for his technique. A vibrant and daring lithograph by Alexander Calder epitomizing his innovative 20th-century style reached $7,440, drawing interest from modern art enthusiasts.
Lot 1028
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Lithograph In Colors On Wove Paper
1970, Red Sphere On Yellow Ground, H 29.75″ W 22.75″
Estimated at $800-$1,200
Sold for $7,440 to a New York Buyer
Lot 1029
Joan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1893) Lithograph In Colors 1969, Fashion Frenzy – Blue, Red, Green, H 47.2″ W 31.5″
Estimated at $4,000-$6,000
Sold for $5,160 to a Hong Kong Buyer
Lot 1048
Rembrandt Van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) Etching On Laid Paper
Without Watermark, 1658, Woman Bathing Her Feet At A Brook, H 6.3″ W 3.1″
Estimated at $5,000-$7,000
Sold for $11,780 to a Michigan Buyer
Diamonds & Gold: Human Hands Craft Timeless Adornments
The auction saw nearly 200 exquisite jewelry pieces, with a standout 6.39 carat diamond ring surpassing its estimates and selling for a dazzling $130,200. A pair of perfectly matched diamond earrings also achieved notable attention, selling for $5,890. The majority of the pieces bore markings, attesting to their handcrafted origins, signifying the timeless allure and value of finely crafted adornments.
Lot 9
6.39ct Brilliant Pear Shaped Diamond & Platinum Ring, GIA Report, VSI, Color H, 13g Size: 7.25
Estimated at $70,000-$90,000
Sold for $130,200 to a Michigan Buyer
Lot 12
1.10ct Diamond Pear Shape & 1.10ct.14kt White Gold Earrings, H 1″ W 0.25″ 6g
Estimated at $3,000-$5,000
Sold for $5,890
“We were honored to offer these unique works carrying fascinating stories and artistic significance”
Robert DuMouchelle, General Manager
“Our September auctions offered a rare convergence of culturally resonant artifacts alongside modernist pioneers. We invite collectors new and old to our monthly auctions to discover unique pieces and make them part of their own narratives.”
Joan DuMouchelle Walker, President
Do you have fine art, jewelry, antiques, or other treasures to part with? With nearly a century of service, the specialists at DuMouchelles offer complimentary evaluations and competitive consignment terms to sellers. Whether you have one cherished item or an entire collection, they can connect your pieces to an engaged global audience. DuMouchelles’ specialists will assist you from start to finish, providing insurance appraisals, fair market estimates, professional photography and cataloging, global marketing exposure, and more. Contact them today to learn more about realizing the best return for your valuables through upcoming auctions.
The next auction takes place October 19 and 20, 2023, featuring highly coveted works by Norman Rockwell, Walasse Ting, Diego Rivera and more.
