May 2016 Important Australian and International Fine Art Auction Exceptional Results
In total Deutscher and Hackett’s May 2016 auction realised $5,654,578 with the high clearance rates of 91% by value and 82% by volume.
Following on from a highly successful December 2015 auction in Sydney, our first sale for 2016, held in Melbourne, produced some outstanding results across the entire auction. Overall this particular auction offered a point of difference with a broad range in value and a diverse high quality representation from all periods, Colonial to Contemporary. Again the auction presented a generous selection of international works sourced from Australian owners. Another ‘capsule’ consignment of modern and contemporary classics from Gene and Brian Sherman provided an exciting opening to the auction. The auction featured a number of discoveries with many highlights as well as new auction records (all prices include Buyer’s Premium).
Lot 8
ARTHUR BOYD
Protection, 1957–58
sold for $256,200
(EST: $120,000 – 160,000)
This was the only ceramic tile included in Boyd’s landmark ‘Bride’ exhibition in 1958.
Lot 10
JOHN PERCEVAL
The Pottery, 1948
sold for $427,000
(EST: $350,000 – 450,000)
The Pottery was exhibited in the artist’s first exhibition held in 1948 alongside other early ‘classics’ and had not been offered for sale for 40 years.
Lot 23
JOHN WILLIAM LEWIN
Five Botanical Studies, c.1805
sold for $244,000
(EST: $10,000 – 15,000)
Reflecting the early date, rarity of subject, and prestigious Governor King provenance, these elegant early botanical studies fetched a staggering amount. “We occasionally get terrific surprises in our business and clearly this was one of them.” (Henry Mulholland, who consigned the watercolours)
Lot 24
AUGUSTUS EARLE
Sketch of Mr Prout at Sydney,
N. S. Wales, c.1828
sold for $176,900
(EST: $75,000 – 95,000)
A work of exceptional quality, this is the only Australian single portrait subject by Earle ever to appear at auction and deservedly set a new auction record for the artist.
Lot 45
CLEMENT MEADMORE
Whirly Bird, 1997
sold for $112,240
(EST: $60,000 – 80,000)
This work set new Australian auction record for an important sculpture by this artist.
FURTHER AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: