Gruppe paintings top $10,000 at Schwenke’s Woodbury Auction

Included were the estates of Julian Bach of New York City, Georgiana Ducas of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and numerous other estates and consignors. A standing room only crowd was present in the saleroom to compete for the fine art work, jewelry and decorative arts items. According to Schwenke, owner/auctioneer, the sale had more than 800 bidders competing online during the sale.

The highlight of the auction was the sale of two Emile Gruppe oil on canvas artworks. The paintings –Gloucester Winter and Afternoon Light Vermont – were both accompanied by the original invoices from Gruppe directly to the consignor’s family. They sold for $10,800 and $10,200, respectively.

An Italian pietra dura plaque of butterflies hammered for $2,829 after competition from multiple bidders in the room and online. A vintage, small Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with an original label sparked interest and ultimately went to a UK bidder for $7,380. Two lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton, In the Ozarks and The Music Lesson, were claimed by a phone bidder for $960 and $1,560.

Three Walter Matia bronze sculptures, all from the Ducas estate, were featured items in the sale. The sculpture of the eagle soared to $9,300. The red fox scampered away with $4,500, and the turkey trotted to a winning bidder for $1,501. A Venetian carved stylized monkey figure sold for $2,583 to an online bidder.

Consignments for the firm’s important spring Americana sale are being accepted through March 13. Phone inquiries should be directed to 203-266-0323 or email cathy musich This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

View the fully illustrated catalog, complete with prices realized, at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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