FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Detroit, MI (April 26th, 2024) – DuMouchelles is excited to announce its eagerly awaited May 2024 auctions, set to take place on May 16th and 17th, 2024. The auctions highlight an unparalleled selection of over 900 lots of fine art, contemporary and modern design, antiques, estate jewelry, and other luxury items.
DuMouchelles Unveils Important Artwork from Gertrude Abercrombie
The sale includes a notable work ‘The Truant’ from Gertrude Abercrombie, from the collection of Dr. Lawrence and Helen Breslow, and other prominent collections and estates in Michigan and the Midwest.
“Like the other animals who make frequent appearances in her work–the cat, the giraffe, sometimes a chicken, a snail or even a dinosaur—the owl has personal meaning for Abercrombie. Associated with both wisdom and darkness, the owl serves as a surrogate for the artist. She possessed characteristics of both the dominant owl in the tree and the rebellious truant on the ground. In addition to the independence exercised by the latter, the tiny owl may also convey something of the loneliness and vulnerability Abercrombie experienced despite her ostensible popularity and active social life. The power she exercised in her role as “Queen of Chicago” resonates with the large, wise and commanding owl who sits confidently on the end of the branch. That Abercrombie was able to convey these complex and often contradictory feelings in what looks like a simple image is part of her magic. She was able to transform difficult and conflicting emotions into mesmerizing works of art, which is what makes the viewer want to return to them again and again. And in this case, she includes a bit of wit and humor as well.”
Dr. Susan Weininger, Professor Emerita, Roosevelt University
The upcoming auction also spotlights significant works from a prominent Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan collection, with works by renowned American and European artists, including:
Richardt’s magnificent oil on canvas captures the natural splendor of Niagara Falls played into the broader cultural narrative of the time, which emphasized the sublime beauty of the American wilderness and the national pride associated with such natural wonders. This painting would have resonated with contemporary audiences as a celebration of natural beauty amidst the backdrop of industrial growth and the Civil War, which concluded in the same year the painting was completed.
This evocative landscape painting embodies the Hudson River School’s ideals, which celebrated the picturesque American landscape. This painting, created during a time when America was reflecting on its national identity following the Civil War, would have been seen as part of the cultural effort to unify the country through a shared appreciation of its natural beauty. The Hudson River School artists, including Fairman, often infused their landscapes with themes of discovery, exploration, and settlement, aligning with nationalistic pride and America’s perceived destiny
This vibrant American Impressionist piece highlights the American Impressionist style that Perry embraced after her exposure to Claude Monet and her stays in Giverny.
Victor Dubreuil (American, 1846-1946) intricate trompe-l’oeil paintings | From a prominent Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan collection.
These artworks captivate with their visual illusions, showcasing the fascination with realism and perception in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sottsass, an Italian architect and designer, is known for his contributions to the radical design and Memphis movements. The totem is part of a broader body of work that Sottsass developed in collaboration with Bitossi Ceramiche, a renowned Italian ceramics manufacturer. ‘Menta’, like other works by Sottsass, highlights vibrant sculptural work that redefines modern Italian design, a testament to his innovative and culturally rich approach to art.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) Ceramics and Artwork | From several private collections in Michigan.
Including a Terre De Faïence Pitcher, Painted in Colors and Partially Glazed from 1955. Prints include ‘La Femme Aux Des Jacqueline’ from an edition of 100, ‘Rembrandt Et Tetes De Femme, From La Suite Vollard’ from an edition of 260, and three states of Portrait de Vollard, amongst other works.
The May 2024 Auctions also includes a curated selection of designer furniture, jewelry, and decorative art from other private collections, including:
- Italian award-winning designers Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s Infamous Soriana sofa and chairs, along with their Dialogo dining chairs and Tobio dining table for B&B Italia, amongst other iconic names in Mid-Century and Post-Modern design. From the Estate of Dr. Selma Q. Viella, a prominent Mid Century Design collector, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
- A 3.07ct (K, VS-2) diamond engagement ring from Cartier (1920) and meticulously crafted ecclesiastical stained and leaded glass windows from the early 20th century, depicting Jesus with Mary Magdalene, and separately, Mary, Joseph, and the Divine Infant.
- A 1957 Audemars Piguet Calatrava watch and a Mediterranean Revival style terra cotta medallion from Detroit’s now-demolished Grand Riviera Theater, the first “atmospheric” theater in Detroit, using lighting, special effects, and interior design to make the audience feel like they were in a garden.
The auction also offers luxurious furnishings and decor, French Louis XV and XVI period furniture, 14 lots of furniture from Oscar Bruno Bach, oriental rugs, antique firearms, and 19th Century Meissen porcelain, providing a glimpse into the rich decorative arts traditions of past centuries.
Auction Details at a Glance
- Preview Dates: May 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST at 409 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48226
- Auction Dates: May 16th and May 17th, 2024 at 11AM
- Online Catalog & Registration: Visit live.dumoart.com, with phone bidding available upon request.
About DuMouchelles: As a family company founded in 1927, DuMouchelles has curated premium fine art and antiques from across the country for three generations. The company shares its customers’ fervor for finding just the right piece and applies an experienced eye for rare and important items to offer fresh-to-market quality pieces that complete a collection. DuMouchelles prides itself on its ability to make the process of buying, selling, and appraising easy for its customers. The company seeks top dollar for its consignors and the highest quality exclusive merchandise for its buyers, demonstrating its expertise, capabilities, and passion for its work. DuMouchelles’ in-house experts provide bespoke service to individuals, families, private collectors, institutions, and estate settlement professionals across the country seeking appraisals, valuations, and advising on objects of value. DuMouchelles has been a mainstay in Detroit since the late 1920s and, through tough times and rebirth, has remained committed to the city. Visitors are invited to the showroom across from the landmark Renaissance Center or to browse online to find the next piece for their collection.
For more information about the May 2024 Auctions or to register for online bidding, please visit www.dumoart.com or call 313-963-6255.
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