2013 Press Releases

Rarely does one get to witness the events that unfolded at Julia’s recent antiques, Asian & fine art auction. A definite buzz was felt the weeks leading up to the auction and through the crowd on the day of the sale when a certain Korean folding screen hit the block. The energy was almost palpable with attendees craning their necks for a better view and the rising din as they leaned into their neighbors with anticipatory chatter. Nearly every phone in the place was in use, whether it was the 24 house phones for bidders who arranged to participate remotely or the camera phones of those in attendance raised to capture the moment for posterity. One of over 800 lots of Asian antiques that comprised the third day of this huge 3-day event that also included over 400 paintings, and over 600 pieces of antique furniture and objects d’art, the piece was an amazing 10-panel folding longevity screen that was considered by many to be one of the finest examples known. Chock full of Asian symbolism for life and endurance including cranes and tortoises among gardens, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, its equal simply does not exist. At least three or four major museums from all over the world were represented on the phones. One sent their own agent from Korea to represent them in person. The bids came fast and furious and one couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement. Jim Julia’s cadence grew to a fever pitch as the bids continued from a mere $10,000 starting bid to climb past $300,000, then $400,000, then $500,000. When it finally landed at a staggering $603,750, the winning bidder in attendance and the capacity crowd who witnessed it erupted in a cacophony of applause. The winner was a Korean art consultant who flew in from South Korea to examine and bid for a major Korean collector. This rare and important treasure was taken on consignment by Jim Callahan from Julia’s Woburn office. After meeting with the consignor, he assured them that the screen would bring a matter of thousands of dollars. But after receiving the piece and doing extensive research, he realized that this was an important Korean screen, perhaps one of the finest, and would fare even better than anticipated, which it clearly did.

The historic auction had several such moments throughout its three days that contributed to a near $4 Million gross against a low estimate of only $2 Million. The 800+ lot session of Asian antiques contained many special offerings, a goodly portion of which well exceeded their pre-auction expectations. Included was a large selection of scrolls. These traditional Chinese art forms on vertical stretches of silk or rice paper were sometimes elaborate depictions of garden scenes and/or Chinese verse. One such hanging example from the late 18th or early 19th century depicting a recluse appreciating a plum branch in his garden saw active bidding to finish up at $16,100, far exceeding its $1,500-2,000 estimate. Performing even more admirably was a framed hand scroll from the Ming Dynasty of roughly the same period after an example executed in the 16th century depicting The Banquet of the Night of the Lantern Festival, which was attended by several notable personages of the time. It exceeded expectations of $6,000-8,000 to sell for $23,000.

A fine Chinese polychrome three-panel ivory table screen with a relief scene of a baboon sitting on a rocky shore beneath a fruit tree appealed to several bidders, finally selling for $29,900 above an estimate of $2,000-3,000. Other highlights included an 18th century Chinese bronze incense burner in the form of a footed cask with upswept handles, relief floral carvings, and pierced top surmounted by a detailed Foo dog finial. This exquisite piece did not go quietly into the long goodnight, but was vehemently fought for beyond its $5,000-7,000 estimate to a final selling price of $35,650. Other vessels included a marvelous porcelain shouldered vase finely painted with a scene of five scholars receiving an unexpected visit from Shao Lao on a crane. Estimated for $700-900, it went out at $26,450. An outstanding pair of 18th century cinnabar bottle vases with decoration of red poppies on a yellow background and inlaid with jade birds and mother of pearl butterflies were exquisite works of antique Chinese art. Bidding was ferocious well beyond the pair’s $800-1,200 estimate to change hands at $9,200. A diminutive carved tortoise shell seal paste box with a fitted interior containing an emerald green jade ring also saw a lot of action. It ignored its $500-700 estimate to finish up at $21,850. A set of twelve month cups from the last century each decorated with a flowering tree went out at $23,000, well exceeding expectations of $2,800-3,500. And a large porcelain vase from the early 20th century with a garlic shaped mouth top with chrysanthemum petals and crackle finish easily surpassed its $400-600 estimate to sell for $12,075.

Miscellaneous pieces included items like a carved wooden scepter that was deeply carved with a scene of the eight immortals in a pine grove that sold for $17,250 against expectations of $800-1,200. From the renowned P.Y. Wang collection, a lot of two soapstone seals topped with traditional Foo dog finials brought $10,350 against a $400-600 estimate. Other items including textiles also performed admirably. A 19th century embroidered silk robe awash in dragon and cloud band decoration and other Asian imagery went out at $12,650 against a $3,000-5,000 estimate.

The auction kicked off two days prior with an offering of over 400 works of art, centered on a collection of approximately 120 New England paintings from the collection of the late John Gale of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gale grew up and lived in rural Vermont where he had a great appreciation for its natural beauty and culture. Over the years he collected paintings that reminded him of his New England childhood. He also gravitated towards the Rockport/Gloucester artists of Cape Ann who often worked in Massachusetts and Vermont capturing autumn and winter landscapes.

Julia’s promised the Gale heirs a world class marketing event and that is exactly what they delivered. The collection was marketed widely including massive internet exposure coupled with Youtube releases. Julia’s also made arrangements with the Rockport Art Association to invite all their members to a special reception showing the entire collection at the Rockport Art Association’s Hibbard Gallery a few weeks prior to the Julia Auction. Well known art consultant, Colleene Fesko, was enlisted to give an informative presentation during the showing. The event was an overwhelming success. When the doors opened, there was a line backed into the street waiting to view the collection. And right up until the final moment, the Hibbard Gallery was packed with viewers. Many of the attendees later participated in the auction held at Julia’s facilities in Fairfield, Maine.

Highlights from the collection included five works by the renowned Frederick Mulhaupt. One coveted lot was a large and beautiful oil on canvas harbor scene entitled “Gloucester Gill Netters” depicting several fisherman in the misty morning preparing their nets for a day on the water. With exhibition labels for the National Arts Club and the Cape Ann Arts Festival, this great work went out at $57,500 within its $50,000-80,000 presale estimate. This was followed by several smaller works by the artist such as one entitled “The Ice-Breaker’s Path” showing several small boats moored at dock in the semi-frozen canal. It sold above its $20,000-30,000 estimate for $37,375. Carrying the same estimate was his summer oil on board depiction of the Guinea Wharf in which fishermen prepare their nets for a day on the water. It sold for $34,500.

Understandably, one of Gale’s favorite artists was Vermont’s own Aldro Hibbard. His collection included a remarkable offering of over 25 of Hibbard’s works, highlighted in part by a monumental oil on canvas winter scene of the West River Valley. It sold within its $30,000-40,000 estimate for $33,925. His oil on canvas village scene showing quaint buildings blanketed in snow while a man leads a skidder of logs across a stone bridge accurately captured the essence of early 20th Century Yankee America. This large piece brought $25,300, just inside its estimate of $25,000-35,000. His smaller works included an oil on board harbor scene showing various boats amid hints of a thaw. Exceeding a presale estimate of $4,000-6,000, it sold for $31,050.

Gale continued to show his ability to acquire exquisite pieces with approximately 35 works by William Lester Stevens. Included were two separate works depicting the same old mill in Vermont. The ramshackle building rests beside a waterfall that leads to a rock lined brook that is shown both reflecting the brilliant colors of autumn and again partially frozen and lined with snow. The pieces sold for $16,100 and $31,050, respectively, each bringing above their pre-auction estimates.

Gale’s estate collection continued with various other fine paintings including a winter scene by John Frederick Carlson of a frozen stream lined with buildings that went out at $21,850 against expectations of $7,000-11,000. And John Whorf’s panoramic view of coastal fishing shacks surpassed its $1,500-2,500 estimate to bring $9,430.

This session continued with over 250 other paintings and prints from other collections and estates. One item in particular was an excellent oil on canvas winter scene by Emile Gruppe entitled “Evening Light, Vermont” that glows with the colors of sunset. Estimated for $7,000-9,000, it went out at $19,550. French artist Victor Gabriel Gilbert’s outstanding Parisian street scene showing a stocked flower cart as the stationary focal point among bustling pedestrians and horse drawn vehicles blossomed well above its $8,000-12,000 to sell for $34,500. Several bidders thought they were the only ones to recognize the value of a lot of two unsigned Old Master works that included one simply identified on the back “Daphne-Guereino” and a FAR Gallery, New York label. After a lengthy bidding battle, the pair far surpassed its $500-1,000 estimate to finally sell for $31,050.

The auction continued with approximately 200 18th and 19th century prints, many of which came from the Robert Nugent Estate of Montclair, New Jersey. Of particular note were 12 Audubon prints including a rare hand colored lithographed plate from the double elephant folio edition depicting the meadowlark in a natural grassy setting. Estimated for $2,000-3,000, it flew to $13,225. From the same series, an example of the broad-winged hawk brought within its $5,000-10,000 estimate to land at $5,750.

The day was rounded out by a generous selection of bronzes including a coarse yet captivating and highly expressive bust of a woman known as Barbara by Jacob Epstein, a student of the famed Rodin. Once part of the personal collection of award winning American actress, singer, and author Polly Bergen, the piece brought $16,100 against an estimate of $15,000-20,000. A most charming bronze head of a mandrill by H.R. Anez went out at $4,600 (est. $3,200-3,600) while a bronze and ivory sculpture by Celeste Calmels of a scantily clad dancer sold for $3,737 (est. $500-800).

Day II of the auction featured a vast array of antiques and folk art including over 10 weathervanes, including a rare and important Nancy Hanks horse drawn sulky with pneumatic tires. Attributed to the famed J.W. Fiske Company of New York, the detail and quality are unmatched. In verdigris surfaces, it sold above its $15,000-20,000 estimate for $23,000. Also featured was an oversized and exceptional Cushing & White full bodied copper steer with well-defined head and horns and with its great original verdigris surfaces. It came fresh to the market and sold at the upper end of its $15,000-20,000 estimate for $19,550. A Harris & Co. example with nice intact gilding and verdigris patina sold for $11,500 against a $10,000-15,000 estimate. A rare copper steeplechase horse and jockey weathervane jumping over a double gate bested its $8,000-10,000 estimate to bring $13,225. And a full bodied copper stag weathervane attributed to J.W. Fiske sold for $10,925, just above its $8,000-10,000 estimate.

Martin Willis from Julia’s Woburn office discovered an important pair of spectacular red painted and eagle decorated Portsmouth, New Hampshire presentation fire buckets. Each was decorated with a dramatic shielded eagle surrounded by banners inscribed “William Gookin—Mechanic Fire Society”, Gookin was a member of the Mechanic Fire Society admitted in 1839. The pair sold within its $35,000-45,000 estimate for $36,800.

Folk art of a nautical variety included ship portraits such as a beautiful work by Antonio Jacobsen. An exemplary example, this piece depicts a fully rigged double masted pilot boat “Fannie” in New York Harbor. Exhibiting some of the finest work Jacobsen had ever done, it more than tripled the low end of its $15,000-20,000 estimate to sell for $52,900.

The day continued with a selection of early American and high art Victorian furniture as well as Federal & Sheraton furniture. Included were American Aesthetic Revival pieces such as an 8-piece Herter Brothers inlaid walnut parlor suite. Comprised of a triple back settee, a pair of gentleman's armchairs, three smaller lady's armchairs and pair of side chairs, the set featured elaborate carvings and friezes set with marquetry vinery. Coming to the block with a $15,000-20,000 estimate, it found a buyer at $34,500. A fine Rococo Revival carved walnut breakfront bookcase with exquisite carvings including a cornice carved with a bust of the bard William Shakespeare found favor with bidders. It sold for $6,900 against an estimate of $3,000-5,000. And a fine Wooton desk with three-quarter burl walnut gallery and double pivoting doors that open to reveal an interior fitted with bird’s-eye maple writing surface and loads of drawers and cubbies likewise exceeded its $3,000-5,000 estimate to bring $8,625.

An outstanding diminutive gold and jeweled moss agate oval covered portrait box featured a hinged lid set with a cameo of a black woman’s profile. It displayed the craftsmanship and quality of a true artist and saw much action beyond its $1,500-2,500 estimate, ultimately selling for $31,050. On the other side of the size scale were two gorgeous Steinway pianos including a Model A II square-tail baby grand in mahogany case that sold for $8,050 against an estimate of $4,000-6,000. The day was finished out by a select grouping of Indian artifacts including an outstanding lot of over 300 Native American photographs from the early 20th century by Harmon Marble ranging from the traditional period with native dress and domestic activities to their assimilation into white culture. A captivating photographic history of the transition period, the grouping sold toward the upper end of its $5,000-10,000 estimate for $9,200. And a rare Sioux beaded doctor’s bag with exquisite beadwork and stylized Native American imagery went out at $4,600 within its $3,000-5,000 estimate.

Julia's upcoming auctions include a phenomenal firearms and military auction taking place March 11 & 12. Following will be Julia’s toy & doll auction as well as their rare lamp & glass auction in June. Their next antiques, fine art, and Asian artifact auction will take place in August 2013. Julia’s is currently accepting consignments for these and other upcoming auctions. Call immediately for inclusion in these exciting sales. For more information, contact their offices at 207-453-7125. James D. Julia, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Dept. PR, Fairfield, ME 04937. E-mail: info@jamesdjulia.com.

	Gale's collection included approximately 35 works by William Lester Stevens such as this old Vermont mill. The depiction of the ramshackle building resting beside a waterfall lined with snow sold for $31,050, exceeding its pre-auction estimate.
	From the Gale collection, one coveted lot was a large and beautiful oil on canvas harbor scene by Frederick Mulhaupt entitled “Gloucester Gill Netters” depicting several fisherman in the misty morning preparing their nets for a day on the water. With exhibition labels for the National Arts Club and the Cape Ann Arts Festival, this great work went out at $57,500 within its $50,000-80,000 presale estimate
	This rare and important Nancy Hanks horse drawn sulky weathervane attributed to the famed J.W. Fiske Company of New York sold above its $15,000-20,000 estimate for $23,000.
	Folk art of a nautical variety included ship portraits such as a beautiful work by Antonio Jacobsen. An exemplary example, this piece depicts a fully rigged double masted pilot boat “Fannie” in New York Harbor. Exhibiting some of the finest work Jacobsen had ever done, it more than tripled the low end of its $15,000-20,000 estimate to sell for $52,900
	Victorian furniture included American Aesthetic Revival pieces such as an 8-piece Herter Brothers inlaid walnut parlor suite. Comprised of a triple back settee, a pair of gentleman's armchairs, three smaller lady's armchairs and pair of side chairs, the set featured elaborate carvings and friezes set with marquetry vinery. Coming to the block with a $15,000-20,000 estimate, it found a buyer at $34,500.
	This important pair of spectacular red painted and eagle decorated Portsmouth, New Hampshire presentation fire buckets sold within its $35,000-45,000 estimate for $36,800.
	One of over 800 lots of Asian antiques that comprised the third day of this huge 3-day event, this amazing 10-panel folding longevity screen was considered by many to be one of the finest examples known. Chock full of Asian symbolism for life and endurance including cranes and tortoises among gardens, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, it surpassed all expectaions finally landing at a staggering $603,750.
	One of Gale’s favorite artists was Vermont’s own Aldro Hibbard. His collection included a remarkable offering of over 25 of Hibbard’s works, highlighted in part by a monumental oil on canvas winter scene of the West River Valley. It sold within its $30,000-40,000 estimate for $33,925.
	French artist Victor Gabriel Gilbert’s outstanding Parisian street scene showing a stocked flower cart as the stationary focal point among bustling pedestrians and horse drawn vehicles blossomed well above its $8,000-12,000 to sell for $34,500.
	A fine Chinese polychrome three-panel ivory table screen with a relief scene of a baboon sitting on a rocky shore beneath a fruit tree appealed to several bidders, finally selling for $29,900 above an estimate of $2,000-3,000.
	A framed hand scroll from the Ming Dynasty after an example executed in the 16th century depicting The Banquet of the Night of the Lantern Festival exceeded expectations of $6,000-8,000 to sell for $23,000.
	An outstanding diminutive gold and jeweled moss agate oval covered portrait box featured a hinged lid set with a cameo of a black woman’s profile. It displayed the craftsmanship and quality of a true artist and saw much action beyond its $1,500-2,500 estimate, ultimately selling for $31,050
	An 18th century Chinese bronze incense burner in the form of a footed cask with upswept handles, relief floral carvings, and pierced top surmounted by a detailed Foo dog finial was vehemently fought for beyond its $5,000-7,000 estimate to a final selling price of $35,650

The January 12, 2013 exhibit featured over 120 paintings and a talk by "Antiques Roadshow" regular and fine art and antiques appraiser Colleene Fesko.

The event, held at the Rockport, Massachusetts Art Association, was an overwhelming success as well as a day of firsts. It was the first time that Julia's held a full offsite collection preview. It was also the first time ever that the Rockport Art Association's well lit display spaces were used for an independent auction preview. 500 guests - some travelling up to three hours by car to attend - packed the Association's Hibbard Gallery to view Mr. Gale's collection, considered the finest and largest offering of Cape Ann School paintings to come to auction in many years.

Julia's could not be more pleased with the event, which exceeded all expectations. Guests lined up at the Association an hour before the event was scheduled to begin at 2:00pm. The gates opened at 1:45pm - 15 minutes early - in order to capture the enthusiasm of the building crowd. With 500 attendees, the original attendance goal, set at around 250, was met, and met again! Attendees included guests from as far away as southern Connecticut, many people from the Cape Ann area, and VIPs Kyle Gale, Mr. Gale's nephew, and Colleene Fesko, "Antiques Roadshow" regular. And through the registration process, Julia's was able to introduce itself to over 200 new auction prospects, most who were unaware of the company and it's connection to the area vis-a-vis the company's full service Woburn office.

The stars really aligned to make the Gale exhibit a once in a lifetime event for art enthusiasts here in New England. On relatively short notice, both the Association and Julia's were able to coordinate significant logistics to bring the event from concept to reality. The Hibbard Gallery, with its skylights and wonderful lighting, was the ideal place and size for such an exhibit. And the guests all seemed genuinely excited in the collection and learning more from Colleene Fesko.

According to Bill Gage, Julia's Department Head, Antiques & Fine Art Division, "This event in many ways was like being at one of our Fairfield auctions - just without the bidding. It had the energy, interest, excitement, and intensity of a live event. There was palpable crowd energy throughout the afternoon; many of the guests stayed the entire course of the afternoon." And Martin Willis, Julia's Director of Decorative Arts for the Boston Area adds, "I've been doing previews for over three decades, and this was my all time favorite of all. Everything was just perfect: lots of new faces; the ideal venue; and guests interested in buying not just browsing. I spoke with as many guests as I could about our new Woburn facility, just 35 minutes from Rockport. This office was recently opened to deliver a full spectrum of auction services to customers in the Boston and southern New England areas. I look forward in working with many of them in the future on their auction and appraisal needs."

The Rockport Art association was equally as pleased with the event and outcomes. According to Linda Cote, Assistant Director, the event was a perfect "match made in heaven" between her organization and James D. Julia. She welcomed the energy, work ethic, and enthusiasm of the Julia crew. She states, "In the five years of working for the Association, I have never seen anything like the positive response to the Gale event - before, during, and after! It created enormous buzz across Rockport. Several days after the show, we are still getting calls thanking us for our help in bringing this marvelous collection "home" for a public viewing. I understand the event was the topic of choice at our local diner as well."

The John F. Gale collection, featuring works by William Lester Stevens, Aldro Hibbard, Frederick Mulhaupt, T.M. Nicholas, Emile Gruppé, among others, will be sold off as part of James D. Julia's Annual Winter Antique, Asian & Fine Art Auction which will be held January 30th through February 1st.

PODCASTS


Martin Willis speaks with John Gale's nephew, Kyle Gale, about his uncle and the event held at the Rockport Art Association celebrating his collection.	Martin Willis speaks with Colleen Fesko, "Antiques Roadshow" regular, about the John F. Gale collection and the history and appeal of the Cape Ann art movement.

Martin Willis speaks with well known entertainer Polly Bergen about items she consigned to our Annual Winter Antique, Asian & Fine Art Auction as well as her collecting interests.

VIDEOS


Winter Preview Part 1	Winter Preview Part 2

Winter Preview Part 3	James D. Julia Auctions: John F. Gale presents John F. Gale

IMAGES

	Standing room only at the James D. Julia John F. Gale event at the Rockport Art Association.
	Colleene Fesko speaking at the James D. Julia John F. Gale event at the Rockport Art Association.
	Bill Gage, Department Head at James D. Julia, with Linda Cote, Assistant Director of the Rockport Art Association.

Exhibit on January 12, 2013 to feature over 120 paintings and a talk by "Antiques Roadshow" appraiser and fine art expert Colleene Fesko

The exhibit, to be held on Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at the Rockport (Massachusetts) Art Association, will include a special showing of the John F. Gale collection and other fine paintings. These works will be subsequently sold at our Annual Winter Antique, Asian & Fine Art Auction which will be held January 30th through February 1st. Mr. Gale is credited with assembling one of the largest and finest private collections of twentieth century Cape Ann School paintings to be sold in many years. Included are 35 works by William Lester Stevens, 26 by Aldro Hibbard, 5 by Frederick Mulhaupt, 3 by T.M. Nicholas, and one by Emile Gruppé, among others. The collection speaks in terms of subject, palette, and style to the quintessential New England aesthetic. The event will also feature a presentation by Colleene Fesko, noted art expert and consultant, on the history and context of the Cape Ann School movement.

Three outstanding works that truly exemplify John Gale's discerning eye are certain to be of great interest to global fine arts enthusiast, including Lot 1010, painted by Frederick John Mulhaupt. Entitled "Gloucester Gill Netters," it features a peaceful, dockside view of traditional New England fishing boats. It is estimated at $50,000-80,000. The second, lot 1028, by Aldro Thompson Hibbard, is called "West River Valley VT." It presents an idyllic panorama of a sleepy riverside town in winter and is estimated at $30,000-40,000. And the third, lot 1022, was created by artist William Lester Stevens. "Mill Dam" pictures an aging yet still proud mill building on the snowy banks of a rocky, winding river. It is estimated at $15,000-20,000.

The Gale Collection comes from Cambridge, Massachusetts and is a great example of the recent efforts by Julia's to better serve the Boston market. Earlier in 2012, Julia's opened their satellite office in Woburn, Massachusetts to deliver first-rate identification, valuation, and auction services to customers in the Boston and southern New England areas. According to Jim Julia, company President and national auction authority, "We are delighted to be able to present this world-class body of work to our clients and collectors. The Gale Collection is without question the finest and largest offering of Cape Ann School paintings to come to auction in many years. Gale was a very discerning buyer; he was very careful about what he bought and put a lot of effort and thought into the pieces he added to his collection. Any collection that included a Frederick Mulhaupt is fortunate and Mr. Gale’s collection includes five."

The public is invited to attend the Gale Collection exhibit event. It will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 2pm to 6pm in the Rockport Art Association's Hibbard Gallery. The Association is located at 12 Main Street, Rockport, Massachusetts, 01966. There is no admission charge and metered street parking is available. Space is limited; please reserve your place by RSVP’ing to us at 207-453-7125 or antiques@jamesdjulia.com by Friday, January 11, 2013.

For more information on James D. Julia, Inc. and the company's Annual Winter Antique, Asian & Fine Art Auction, please visit http://www.jamesdjulia.com.

Contact:

William Gage

Department Head, Antiques & Fine Art Division

James D. Julia, Inc.

207-453-7125

Bill.Gage@JamesDJulia.com

	Lot 1022, was created by artist William Lester Stevens. "Mill Dam" pictures an aging yet still proud mill building on the snowy banks of a rocky, winding river. It is estimated at $15,000-20,000.
	Lot 1010, painted by Frederick John Mulhaupt. Entitled "Gloucester Gill Netters," it features a peaceful, dockside view of traditional New England fishing boats. It is estimated at $50,000-80,000.
	Lot 1028, by Aldro Thompson Hibbard, is called "West River Valley VT. " It presents an idyllic panorama of a sleepy riverside town in winter and is estimated at $30,000-40,000.