Auction Videos
Michaan's Video Archive contains hundreds of videos of items from past auctions. Use our Video Search form to search for items of interest, such as 'clock', 'emerald', 'Dali', etc. If a search returns more than ten (10) items a link will be provided to 'Show More Items...'
Wm. Herbert "Buck" Dunton (American 1878 - 1936) "The Trail Boss (Settlers & Seeds, Civilization's Forerunner)"
An important and desirable work of art is found in a rare piece by William Herbert "Buck" Dunton. The oil painting titled "The Trail Boss (Settlers & Seeds, Civilization's Forerunners)" is estimated at $200,000-300,000 in Michaan's Auctions June Fine Sale. "The Trail Boss" was commissioned by the D.M. Ferry Seed Company in 1910. Dunton was hired to create an iconic image that encapsulated the totality of what it meant to migrate to the west. The painting depicts the Trail Boss, or wagon train foreman, traveling on horseback through a western plain with covered wagons in tow. Dunton's unique style of painting in bold, patterned brushstrokes of rich color is as distinctive as his themes of the Old West.
Graduated Opal Bead, Diamond, Platinum, Silver Necklace
A rare find is held in this opal, diamond and platinum necklace with an estimate of $9,000-15,000. The graduated opal beads are of the highest quality with an intense, fiery spark and are matched with the utmost precision. The beads range in size from approximately 8.50 to 2.00 mm, forming a 27 inch necklace. The piece is beautifully completed by a platinum filigreed fish hook clasp accented by 0.06 carats of full-cut diamonds with a sterling silver safety chain.
Gilbert Gaul (American 1855-1919) "Unexpected Encounter"
Gilbert Gaul's "Unexpected Encounter" depicts a dramatic winter scene of a High Sierra cowboy upon horseback unknowingly coming across three wolves. The tension in the painting is palpable, as it appears that only a short distance separates the young man and the feral wolves. Gaul's "Unexpected Encounter" is being offered at an estimate of $20,000-30,000 in the June Fine Sale. Gaul received many prestigious recognitions over the span of his career. Achievements include medals awarded by the American Art Association, the Paris Exposition, the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the Buffalo Exposition. Gaul was also the youngest person to ever be elected a full academician at the National Academy.
Frederick Ferdinand Schafer (American 1839-1927) "Morning on Feather River, California"
Frederick Ferdinand Schafer's popularity has sky rocketed in recent years and collector interest continues to grow for the quintessential California nature artist. As a result, his pieces are known to easily bring $125,000 at auction. Collector interest should be strong for Schafer's landscape painting "Morning on Feather River, California." A local artist, Schafer had studios in San Francisco and homes in Alameda and Oakland, where he died in 1927. Schafer is well-known by collectors and dealers of western art, especially in California and the Pacific Northwest. "Morning on Feather River, California" will be offered in the June Fine Sale with an estimate of $6,000-9,000.
Enamel, Silver Bat Brooch
The Jewelry Department features this one-of-a-kind, Art Nouveau plique-à-jour, silver bat brooch amongst its lots of fine, period and vintage costume jewelry in the Michaan's July estate auction. The piece was made in Europe for export and is fashioned with enamel wings accented by four white sapphires. The plique-à-jour displays beautiful, varying shades of blue throughout the length of the piece. The brooch measures 4 1/2 inches in length by 1 inch in height. The bat brooch will be auctioned as lot 183 with an estimate of $800-1,200.
Henri Joseph Harpignies (French 1819 -1916) "Washing the Laundry, 1875"
Parisian artist Henri Joseph Harpignies' "Washing the Laundry, 1875" is offered in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $6,000-9,000. The realist painting depicts hand maidens washing laundry in a bucolic lake setting. The sprawling country scene is beautifully portrayed with its reflection mirrored in the calm, still waters. The piece measures 13.25 by 16.25 inches and is signed in the lower left hand corner "Harpingnies 1875." Harpignies experienced some of his greatest successes at the Salon in Paris as a regular exhibitor and award winner. He also completed the decorative panel the Vallée d'Egérie for the Paris Opéra, shown at the Salon of 1870.
An Exceptional and Rare Gilt-Bronze Archaistic Ritual Bell
Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970s by a private Los Angeles collector, this exceptional gilt-bronze archaistic ritual bell displays a rare decorative scheme making it quite an unusual find. These bells were essential in conducting Confucian ritual ceremonies at Imperial altars, at formal banquets and during military processions. It appears that only two other comparable examples are known to have been offered and sold at auction; one was sold at Christie's, London and the other at Sotheby's, Paris. The bell will be offered in the June Fine Asian Works of Art Auction as lot 8136 with an estimate of $20,000 to 30,000.
George Frederick Bensell (American 1837-1879) "Watering Hole"
A wonderfully understated oil lies in George Frederick Bensell's "The Watering Hole." The landscape scene is painted in shades of sepia and centers naturally formed rocks scattered amongst a declining forest. A misty mountain surrounded by billowing clouds complete the background of the painting, offered at an estimate of $3,000-5,000 in the June Fine sale. Bensell was well-known for commissioning portraits, landscapes, historical and "poetical genre" subjects for his wealthy clientele. He is also recognized as a cofounder of the Philadelphia Sketch Club. The club was founded in 1860 and is America's oldest continuously operating club for professional artists.
Frans Masereel (Belgian 1889-1972) "Night Rider, 1938"
The offering from Frans Masereel beautifully shows the signs of life of a city after dusk. Shadowed buildings illuminated by street light posts are seen in the background. A group of horses lead by men cut through the scene as miscellaneous townspeople roam about. The depiction of nightfall is illuminated by a warm, rosy glow, bringing life and energy to the painting. Masereel has been honored in numerous exhibitions and is the member of several academies. Most notable is the "Frans Masereel Centre," dedicated to the artist in Belgium. "Night Rider, 1938" will be auctioned in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $10,000-15,000.
Emilio Grau Sala (Spanish 1911-1975) "Paddock en Normandie, 1961"
From Spanish painter Emilio Grau Sala is the lively "Paddock en Normandie." The late 1950s, early 1960s modernism race horse scene is in absolutely pristine condition. The painting was originally bought from a gallery and then it remained in a private family estate for two generations. The vibrant oil depicts horse race revelers consorting with a jockey as additional jockeys and patrons mill about the scene. The vivacious brush strokes and vibrant colors bring a palpable energy to the painting; a piece sure to draw strong collector interest. Sala's "Paddock en Normandie" will be offered in the June Fine Sale at an estimate of $18,000-26,000.