News
News and Current Auction Items
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Friday February 7th 2019
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date of Release: Feb. 4, 2019
Myers Fine Art to host Feb. 17 auction of 20th century decorative arts led by important Mikula Medek mid-century painting, 1936 Julia Thecla Magical Realism work
Featured: Finest mid-century European & American furniture, silver, pottery, glass and artworks, including Leon Polk Smith estate pieces, Jean Prouve prototype table
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – For more than 30 years, Myers Fine Art has welcomed its loyal clientele to white-glove specialty auctions of art and antiques in a landmark Art Deco building in St. Petersburg’s arts district. One of Myers’ most popular events is its annual 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, which draws design aficionados and private collectors from all over the world. Co-owners Mike Myers and Mary Dowd have just announced details of the 2019 edition of their 20th Century sale, which will take place on Sunday, February 17, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the Internet.
The 600-lot auction showcases a number of important artworks, led by a premier 1956 oil painting by Mikulas Medek (Czech Republic, 1926-1974). Medek’s thought-provoking surrealistic works were banned by the Communist regime, which considered them too radical, but through non-public exhibitions, they served to inspire the generation of European modern artists that followed. “Today Medek paintings are regarded as being among the most influential and important artworks of their time and place, and are exhibited in museums and private collections all over the world,” said Mary Dowd.
The 51 by 63.3-inch Medek oil-on-canvas that headlines Myers’ sale is a quintessential expression of the artist’s imagination, sensibility and intellect. Signed Brezen (March) 1956 Medekat upper right, the painting is expected to attract global attention and a winning bid in the $100,000-$200,000 range.
Another outstanding entry is Julia Thecla’s (American, 1896-1973) The Last Lover, a casein, gouache, opaque watercolor painting on panel created in 1936. The 13-inch-square artwork is an example of Thecla’s innovative Magical Realism style. Thecla has been described as a fascinating eccentric and an early performance artist, owing to her penchant for dressing in Victorian style and speaking in a childlike voice. She came to the attention of no less a visionary than Peggy Guggenheim, who included Thecla in a 1947 show titled “Women.” Her work “has yet to be fully discovered,” Dowd said. The Last Lovermeasures 13 by 13 inches (sight) and is signed Julia Thecla1936. Its pre-sale estimate is $15,000-$25,000.
The auction boasts more than 100 fine art selections ranging from abstract and contemporary works to impressionist paintings by Guy Wiggins and Johann Berthelsen, and illustration art by Dean Cornwell, also including pin-ups by Earl Moran and Lucian Bernhard. Also to be auctioned is a signed 1961 oil-on-canvas, Phenomena Anemos, painted by Paul Jenkins (1923-2012) and estimated at $10,000-$15,000; and a most unusual abstract trapezium painting by Swiss-born Sonia Sekula (1918-1963).
A large collection of fresh-to-the-market Leon Polk Smith (1906-1996) paintings from the estate of Polk’s lifelong partner Robert Jamieson is complemented by a selection of the artist’s one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture designs. Each piece of furniture comes with unique provenance: original slides and photographs of Smith with his creations.
Also waiting to cross the auction block are photographs – one by Irving Penn – and fine prints by such artists as Joan Miro, Helen Frankenthaler and Larry Rivers. Among the sculptures offered are a large painted-wood assemblage by avant-garde artist and gallerist Betty Parsons, a large bronze by Francisco Zuniga, and works by Raymond Rivoire, Emory P. Seidel, Anthony Benjamin, and Norman Mercer. Also, a collection of nine exquisite mid-century pietra-dura inlaid-stone plaques by artist Richard Blow will be offered. Artist-signed books by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Ed Ruscha complete the art section.
More than 200 pieces of mid-century modern Danish and American furniture have been cataloged. They include tables and chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, a Laverne “Eternal Forest” table, Hans Wegner chairs including a Papa Bear chair and set of dining chairs; a Fornasetti “Uccelli” room-divider screen, and from a French collection, a rare pair of Finn Juhl NV 53 lounge chairs with desirable original upholstery.
Art pottery includes studio pieces by Picasso – a tall pitcher is estimated at $8,000-$10,000 – Newcomb and Rookwood; while the art glass category features designs by Lalique Lalique, Steuben, Moser, Loetz and other fine glassmakers. Art Deco lighting by Galle, Handel, Muller Freres crowns the grouping of more than 50 period lamps.
A superb selection of sterling silver and other jewelry from the 1920s to 1960s features pieces by Georg Jensen, Tiffany, Cartier and Ortega. Together with a stylish Arne Jacobsen stainless flatware set, they add shine and tasteful elegance to the sale.
Renowned for their art scholarship, Mike Myers and Mary Dowd are scrupulous when it comes to researching and confirming provenance. Each of their sales is a beautifully curated production, with catalogs that are rich sources of information. “We make every effort to provide as much background and previous-owner history as possible,” said Dowd. “Most of what we sell comes from estates in Florida, New York and New England, and often the pieces come with a story. We like to convey those stories to the next owners so the history is not lost. We look forward to discussing the very special art in this sale with our gallery guests on auction day.”
Myers Fine Art’s Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 auction of 20th century decorative arts will commence at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Preview 10-6 on Saturday, Feb. 16, and 9-11 a.m. on auction day. The gallery is located at 1600 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. All forms of remote bidding are available, including absentee, phone, and live online through LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable. For additional information on any item in the sale, call 727-823-3249 or e-mail auctions@myersfineart.com. Online: www.myersfineart.com.
CAPTIONS:
Lot 0055
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68862898_rare-1920s-lalique-perfume-bottle-raquel-meller
Rare circa-1926 Lalique perfume bottle for Raquel Meller, French, includes original box in matching motif. Estimate $6,000-$9,000
Lot 109
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863003_leon-polk-smith-1909-1996-constructivist-chair
Leon Polk Smith (American, 1909-1996), handcrafted Constructivist blue wood chair. Smith is shown at left. Estate of Robert Jamieson. Estimate $1,000-$2,000
Lot 142
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863069_paul-jenkins-1923-2012-phenomena-1961-painting
Paul Jenkins (American, 1923-2012), Phenomena Anemos, oil-on-canvas painting, 69.5 x 51 inches, Martha Jackson Gallery (NYC) label on verso. Estimate $10,000-$15,000
Lot 174
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863132_pablo-picasso-1887-1973-madoura-femme-pitcher
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1887-1973), Femme (Woman), Madoura pottery works (France), glazed earthenware pitcher, edition of 100, France, 1955. Estimate $8,000-$10,000
Lot 200
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863184_julia-thecla-american-1896-1973-painting-1936
Julia Thecla (American, 1896-1973), The Last Lover, casein, gouache, opaque watercolor painting on panel, 13 x 13 inches (sight). Signed Julia Thecla1936. Estimate $15,000-$25,000
Lot 238
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863257_dean-cornwell-american-1892-1960-oil-painting
Dean Cornwell (American, 1892-1960), oil-on-canvas painting possibly used as a magazine illustration, 42 x 30 inches, signed DC 33. Estimate $10,000-$15,000
Lot 272
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863323_jean-prouve-granito-flavigny-prototype-table
Jean Prouve (French, 1901-1984), Granito for Flavigny hand-built Vitra Workshop prototype table, composite stone and enameled steel. Estimate $3,000-$5,000
Lot 290
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863357_pair-of-finn-juhl-teak-nv-53-danish-lounge-chairs
Pair of Finn Juhl NV 53 teak lounge chairs, original wool upholstery and horsehair stuffing, signed and branded with manufacturer’s mark to underside of each chair. Estimate $8,000-$12,000 the pair
Lot 300
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863377_francisco-zuniga-1912-1988-bronze-sculpture
Francisco Zuniga (Mexican, 1912-1988), Woman with Child, bronze, 1977, 18 x 13.8 x 12.5 inches, signed Zuniga, numbered II/VI. Estimate $8,000-$12,000
Lot 314
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/68863405_mikulas-medek-czech-rep-1926-1974-oil-painting
Mikulas Medek (Czech Republic, 1926-1974), important surrealistic oil-on-canvas, 1956, 51 x 63.3 inches. Estimate $100,000-$200,000
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Friday February 7th 2019
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New focus on forgotten American artists Julia Thecla and Sonia Sekula
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Julia Thecla and Sonja Sekula are two American artists of the early to mid-20th century who deserve the attention they’re attracting as a result of artworks entered in Myers Fine Art’s February 17 auction. Thecla’s ethereal “The Last Lover” and Sekula’s abstract “Les Dernier Chateau,” or “The Last Castle,” are examples of the extraordinary talent these women possessed.
Thecla’s painting of a young woman hails from the estate of gallery owner and artist David Porter, who was a lifelong friend of Thecla’s. Sekula’s abstract trapezium work originates from a Southold, Long Island, N.Y., estate. Southold, N.Y., is also the home of renowned artist and gallerist Betty Parsons, who exhibited Sekula’s work in the 1940s. [Parson’s sculpture “Sea Horse is also among the artworks being offered in the auction].
Perhaps not regarded as contemporaries in the traditional sense, these two fascinating artists have several things in common. Both exhibited with notable collectors in the year 1948 – Sekula with Betty Parsons and Thecla with Peggy Guggenheim. Both were explorative in their artistic techniques. And sadly, both met tragic ends. Thecla passed away at a charity home outside of Chicago, destitute and forgotten. Sekula took her own life after decades of battling mental illness. Neither of these great women was deserving of their ends, and one glance at their work would confirm that assessment.
Julia Thecla’s early life remains a mystery. Born Julia Thecla Connell in a small Illinois town in 1896, she began using her middle name as a surname for unknown reasons when she estranged herself from her family and moved to Chicago in the 1920s. She studied for two years at the Art Institute of Chicago, occasionally working intermittently as an art restorer to support herself. Her work can best be described as magical realism, or even surrealism, a style that spilled over into her daily life. Thecla was known for her childlike persona and costumes, which became an early type of performance art.
David Porter recalls, “She wore tiny vests, quilted skirts with tight waistbands and flaring hems, and high-button shoes. She carried the most peculiar kind of little purses, complete with tiny lipsticks and make-up. Her odd flat-brim straw hat frequently had a hatpin flaring out at a raking angle.” This surrealist-inspired femme-enfant can be seen as the precursor to modern day Harajuku and Lolita fashions, with emphasis on Victoriana and miniature details.
Thecla also caused a bit of a sensation when, dressed in her eccentric style, she would walk her pet chicken on a leash through the Chicago suburbs. She kept many pets in her studio, among them chickens, rabbits, cats, and a pigeon she dyed pink. While some have dismissed these acts as indicators of insanity, Thecla created spectacles of these types as means of concealing her true shyness.
While intentionally immature in her dress and persona, Thecla was nonetheless a woman capable of great passions. She considered David Porter to be the love of her life, and her letters to him are evocative of the ethereal ambience captured in her art. Thecla used diminutive envelopes and cards, on which she wrote in flowing calligraphy. In one letter, she describes a dream to Porter:
“It was a wonderful journey through the still air—through cold trackless blue, past flaming suns and tender stars, among countless meteors that changed dark to day, among the illimitable midnights of the universe, and away from the far-off Earth, where men and women love and suffer, and the best can only pray. But I saw no star-fields like those eyes of yours, my Heart, and I followed untiringly the grey, shadowy mist that enveloped you, until we reached an endless plain of night.”
Thecla acknowledged that Porter did not return her affections, and wrote, “Fate may deny me love, but not loving. The honor of it is not yours, but mine—I am proud that I am enough to love you.” Instead of the then-requisite path of marriage and family dictated by society, Thecla used her energies to work prolifically. She was a set designer for theaters and ballets. She also produced and exhibited her own work. Her career culminated in her participation in Peggy Guggenheim’s “Women” show in 1948.
Having lost touch with Porter and many of her colleagues, Thecla’s vision began to deteriorate during the 1960s and she ended up in a Catholic charity institution for homeless women in Chicago. Porter discovered her there and was shocked at her diminished state. He sent her art supplies, but never made contact again until her death in 1973.
The painting being offered in Myers Fine Art’s February 17 auction of 20th Century Decorative Arts that includes paintings, prints, sculpture, mid-century modern furniture, glass, pottery, silver and jewelry, is one of Thecla’s quintessential works of art, and it retains the original Museum of Modern Art loan label on verso. It hauntingly depicts a young woman being handed a bouquet of flowers from a mysterious hand. The detailing and rich colors are exquisite, and the overall effect is true to Thecla’s magical realist style. The spectral painting is estimated at $15,000-$25,000.
In contrast to Thecla’s upbringing, Sonia (also spelled Sonja) Sekula began life in a distinctly more charmed manner. Born in Switzerland in 1918, Sekula and her family moved to New York in 1936, where she was surrounded by exiled European artists and writers. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and eventually became well known within the Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist movements of the 1940s. She was acquainted with such notable figures as Jackson Pollock, Andre Beton, Max Ernst and Robert Motherwell. In 1948 Sekula exhibited with Betty Parsons and, later that year, with Peggy Guggenheim.
Although she became an enigmatic figure and was praised for her talent, Sekula was nonetheless plagued by chronic self-doubt of her artistic capabilities. Unfortunately, these mental barriers prevented her from producing work for long periods of time when she sought treatment. Her family was forced to relocate back to Europe, where, isolated from the art world, Sekula succumbed to her inner demons and committed suicide in her Zurich studio in 1963, at the age of 45.
Grace Glueck of The New York Times reviewed an exhibition of Sekula’s work at the Swiss Institute New York in 1996. Glueck wrote: “Sekula relied heavily on automatic writing, a kind of doodling in which the pen or brush, guided by the subconscious, is allowed to roam freely over the surface, making marks theoretically liberated from prevailing modes.” The effect is “distinguished by overall calligraphic markings and incidents on painted grounds.”
Sekula’s painting entered in the Myers Fine Art auction is a fine example of the style described by Glueck. Titled “Les Dernier Chateau,” or “The Last Castle,” the oil painting is trapezoidal in shape, signed and dated “1947” at lower right. It is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
Although both of these artists have been tragically forgotten and misunderstood, if remembered at all, their obvious talent is seen in the work they produced throughout their lifetimes. Both Thecla and Sekula embodied their respective particular styles of painting. They excelled at visually stimulating all who observed their work, and it is Myers Fine Art’s hope that these works will be appreciated by all who view them.
View the fully illustrated catalog for Myers Fine Art’s February 17 auction and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/135594_20th-century-decorative-arts-feb-17-2019/
Collection of ephemera related to Julia Thecla (American, 1896-1973) and the object of her affections, gallery owner and artist Edwin Porter. Myers Fine Art image
Sonia Sekula’s (Swiss-born American, 1918-1963) painting “Les Dernier Chateau,” or “The Last Castle” on display at Myers Fine Art’s pre-auction preview. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000. Myers Fine Art image
Wednesday March 2nd 2016
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Myers Fine Art is excited to announce an extended preview to our March 13th Fine Art: Paintings, Prints & Sculpture auction. Our doors will be open for preview on Friday and Saturday, March 11th and 12th, from 10am to 6pm and on March 13th at 10am, with the auction beginning at Noon sharp. This extended preview allows interested bidders to come and view our collection in person and ask any questions they may have regarding the works or artists. Myers Fine Art is proud to feature a diverse selection of artworks in our fine art auction, from established and well-known listed names to more obscure or undiscovered artists. There is certainly a piece that will suit every collector’s tastes and needs.
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Tuesday March 3rd 2015
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French 19th Century Portrait of Jacques Darnaud Military Officer Painting. Oil on canvas painting depicting General Jacques Darnaud with a pegleg after he sustained battle injuries. In good condition. Unsigned. Darnaud was an officer in the French military who did service in Naples, Italy. He lived from 1758-1830. Writing on back of frame, possibly artist name and the name of the subject. There is an inscription on the stretcher in pencil and a partial date of 1758-1830, the artists’ born and died dates. There is a scroll in the lower right corner that has a partial name which appears to be Darnaud. Painting measures 16 inches high by 13 inches wide. The period French frame measures 20.75 inches high by 17.75 inches wide.
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Borghese Library Book
http://clicks.e.liveauctioneers.com/preview/?c=20342&g=5105&p=a8322824ec95011ef9021ff62a29faac
Tuesday March 3rd 2015
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ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.- Myers Auction Gallery presents European and Asian Antiques and Fine Art auction on Sunday, March 8th 2015. The auction features rare Chinese porcelains from the collection of Dr. James Ward Hall (1849-1908), dentist to the Chinese Imperial Emperor Guangxu who reigned from 1875 to 1908. Among the highlights from the collection are an 18th century Kangxi period porcelain Yen Yen vase, a Chinese Qing dynasty Imperial silk embroidered rank badge, and a 19th century Hawthorne ginger jar that is actually pictured in an 1880’s photograph of the interior of Dr. James Ward Hall’s residence in Shanghai.
In a May 16, 1907 letter Thomas Barbour of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University recounts being introduced to the American dentist Dr. Ward Hall in his 1913 book “Letters Written While On A Collecting Trip in the East Indies. He describes Dr. Ward Hall as…… “a collector of old Chinese things and I never saw or imagined anything so filled to overflowing with attractive things as his house is. He has in one room a screen over fifteen feet high of dark wood heavily and magnificently carved with dragons, birds, clouds, bats, flowers, etc. and panels of mosaic silk, which looked like the finest embroidery. This came from an old emperor’s palace.” Barbour goes on to describe the collection….. “of old China and porcelain, bronze incense burners and oil vessels…..He has been years and years collecting them.” Tragically, Dr. Hall took his own life by shooting himself with his revolver on September 28th, 1908. It was reported that his rash act was the result of temporary insanity. “He had been bitten by a dog, and fearing hydrophobia, was driven to self-destruction,” as reported in The Straits Times, October 7 1908. After his death in 1908, Dr. Hall’s sister Mrs. Clifford Hall Jordan of Chicago inherited much of the collection. She and her husband Scott Jordan, president of C. H. Jordan & Co., Funeral Directors, (a firm established in 1854 that handled arrangements when Abraham Lincoln’s body was brought to Chicago in 1865), displayed the collection of fine Chinese antiquities in their gilded age stone mansion in the Edgewater District on Lake Michigan in Chicago. The collection was passed down to their only child, W. Beaumont Jordan (1898-1973) and then on to his family descendants. Included with all items from the collection will be copies of photographs from the late 1880’s showing the interior of Dr. J. Ward Hall’s Shanghai home and part of his vast collection. Also included will be original circa 1920’s stationary cards from the Jordan estate bearing the Jordan family Scottish heraldic coat of arms and family crest embossed in rich color. Hall and Jordan family members emigrated from England to Massachusetts in the 1600’s, eventually settling in Piqua, Ohio.
