Beachwood, OH, USA, December 15, 2023 — An oil on canvas painting by Roger Brown (American, 1941-1997) blew past its $1,000-$2,000 estimate to finish at $49,200, and an oil painting by the French artist Felix Ziem (1821-1911) also shattered expectations in Neue Auctions’ online-only Fine Estates & Collections auction held December 2nd. They were the top two earners of the 417-lot auction.
The Roger Brown painting, titled Red Hills, was unframed and unsigned but titled in pencil on verso. It had a canvas size of 22 ½ inches by 36 inches. The lot was accompanied by a copy of the book Roger Brown, by Sidney Lawrence (1987). Brown was often associated with the Chicago Imagist groups. He was known worldwide for his distinctive painting style and shrewd social commentaries on politics, religion, and art. Brown’s life was shortened by the AIDS virus.
The oil on cradled mahogany panel by Felix Ziem, titled Sultan’s Caique at Constantinople, was expected to sell for $5,000-$8,000, but ended up realizing $39,975. The work had a panel size (less frame) of 20 inches by 32 ¼ inches and was artist signed lower right. Ziem was a French painter in the style of the Barbizon School who also produced Orientalist works. In 1857, France recognized his contributions to the art world by making him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
The rest of the auction featured original artwork, bronzes, miniature paintings, European collections of antiques and antiquities, carpets and furniture, all from fine local estates and collections. Following are additional highlights from the sale. All prices include a 23 percent buyer’s premium. Online bidding via LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.
To learn more about Neue Auctions and the firm’s calendar of upcoming auctions, please visit www.neueauctions.com. Cynthia Maciejewksi and Bridget McWilliams can be reached by phone: 216-245-6707; or via email: [email protected], [email protected].
