The Return of the Irish Art Auction: A Smorgasbord of Creativity and Price Tags!
Ah, the festive season is upon us, and what better way to kick it off than a high-stakes game of “how rich can you get” at the Irish art auctions? I mean, who doesn’t want to spend their hard-earned cash on art pieces that, let’s be honest, are probably just better suited to someone else’s study? On November 26th at 6 PM, deVeres Art Auctioneers in Dublin is unrolling the red carpet for all you art enthusiasts. It’s the first live auction since 2019, which means they’ve had plenty of time to think up big numbers and even bigger puns!
“It was time to see everyone again, but I advise anyone who wants a seat to reserve one in advance – otherwise, there will be just standing room,” says Rory Guthrie, director of deVeres.
What’s interesting here, folks, is the commendable representation of female artists. Around 25%—that’s a quarter for those not great with fractions—of the paintings are by female artists including the likes of Camille Souter and the lovely Mary Swanzy. It’s like a Ladies’ Day at the races, except these horses are painted and the prizes are priceless. Absolute genius!
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents—or in this case, euros and cents. Camille Souter’s The Red Bogs is expected to fetch between €3,000-€5,000, which is something more than I would sell my dignity for at a karaoke night. And if you’re feeling particularly flush, Norah McGuinness’s Roadside Grasses might catch your fancy for a mere €15,000-€20,000. Just think, you can show off to your friends: “Oh, this piece? It’s from a very exclusive auction…” Don’t worry, they won’t ask you what it actually looks like if you just say it’s “very abstract”.
Men Are From Earth, Women Make Art
But wait! Don’t think the fellas are left out. The male artists are holding their own too—Martin Gale’s Rescued is expected to nab between €10,000-€15,000. That sounds rather like a new puppy rather than an art piece, doesn’t it? In any case, we may just end up rescuing our wallets instead.
Whispers from the Dead
And let’s talk dusty old masters. Roderic O’Conor and Jack B. Yeats have their works on the block too, probably giggling in their graves at the prices! O’Conor’s Breton Farmstead with Haystack could be yours for €180,000-€220,000. Yes, I just heard your jaw hit the floor! Those Pesky ghosts of artistic integrity do come with hefty price tags.
Another Auction: More Fun!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there’s another auction happening in Belfast on November 27th. It’s like a double feature but with less popcorn and more pretentiousness! Expect great landscapes and sculptures from the likes of George Rowlett and Hector McDonnell. If you’ve got it, flaunt it, right?
A Community of Hope
In a delightful twist, Dublin Simon Community has launched “A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon.” When art meets philanthropy, it’s a win-win! Expect pieces from Imelda May and Tommy Tiernan—because when you think “charity,” the first thing that comes to mind is comedians, right? Bidding runs from November 28th to December 10th—perfect timing for holiday shopping if you’ve got more cash than sense!
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for these auctions, remember: whether you’re in it for the art, the prestige, or just the sheer thrill of potentially outbidding your neighbor, aim high! Who knows, you might just snag that one piece that will turn your living room into an avant-garde conversation starter. Or, at the very least, confuse your friends.
So, sharpen those paddles, folks! The world of high art awaits, and it’s gnarly—just make sure to wear your best “I totally understand what modern art is” look!
Here’s your article, packed with observational humour and cheeky insights into the world of Irish art auctions. It should capture the readers’ attention while keeping the tone sharp, light-hearted, and engaging.
The festive season in Ireland is about to commence with the first of its much-anticipated art auctions, set to take place on Tuesday, November 26th, at 6 pm. The renowned deVeres Art Auctioneers and Valuers in Dublin will hold this event in their historic Kildare Street offices, marking their first live auction since the onset of the pandemic in 2019, creating excitement among art enthusiasts.
“It was time to see everyone again, but I advise anyone who wants a seat to reserve one in advance – otherwise there will be just standing room,” says Rory Guthrie, director of deVeres, emphasizing the anticipated turnout for this noteworthy occasion.
Guthrie highlights the auction’s impressive representation of Irish female artists, noting that about 25 percent of the showcased paintings feature their works. Notable names include Camille Souter, Mary Swanzy, Letitia Hamilton, Grace Henry, Anne Madden, Evie Hone, Nano Reid, and Norah McGuinness, reflecting the rich contribution of women in Irish art.
Guthrie also explains that paintings such as The Red Bogs by Camille Souter (€3,000-€5,000) and Dutch-born Sonja Landweer’s Winged Figure sculpture (€3,000-€5,000) are being offered to the public for the very first time, adding a unique charm to this year’s auction.
Among the striking artworks that are expected to captivate bidders are Camille Souter’s My Father’s Garden II (€12,000-€16,000); Norah McGuinness’s Roadside Grasses (€15,000-€20,000) along with Drying Nets, Dunmore (€7,000-€10,000); and Mary Swanzy’s The Bird Catcher (€10,000-€15,000). These pieces promise to draw significant interest and set the tone for a competitive bidding environment.
Guthrie emphasizes the auction’s diversity by featuring exciting artworks from prominent male Irish artists, such as Martin Gale’s striking piece Rescued (€10,000-€15,000); Donald Teskey’s Footbridge at Seapoint, 2001 (€20,000-€30,000); and Colin Middleton’s visually engaging Lagan, Lambeg (€3,000-€5,000).
He also keenly highlights works from renowned deceased artists, whose creations often achieve remarkable prices at auction. These revered names include the likes of Jack B Yeats, Roderic O’Conor, and Louis le Brocquy, whose legacies continue to captivate collectors.
The auction features important works, including Louis le Brocquy’s Head of Samuel Beckett (€100,000-€150,000), which was part of a celebrated series capturing abstract concepts of humanity while later focusing on ethereal imagery of notable literary figures like James Joyce and Seamus Heaney. This poignant painting was completed just two years before Beckett’s passing in 1989.
Roderic O’Conor’s Breton Farmstead with Haystack (c1892), estimated at €180,000-€220,000, is significant in the auction, representing O’Conor’s artistic journey during his time among fellow painters like Paul Gauguin. This piece is one of three O’Conor paintings targeted at collectors who appreciate high-value artworks.
Meanwhile, in Belfast, Ross’s upcoming auction showcases over 140 lots of paintings, sculptures, prints, and art books from the Grant Fine Art Gallery. With attractive paintings offered at reasonable estimates, this auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors.
The auction on 27th November, concluding on December 4th, offers numerous enticing pieces influenced by Irish and Italian landscapes, as well as urban street scenes. Among these is Len Tabner’s Hawthorne by the Roadside (£1,000-£1,200), Scottish landscape painter George Rowlett’s Mournes & Dundrum (£1,500-£2,000), and Northern Ireland artist Hector McDonnell’s charming Cushendun (£150-£200).
For the second consecutive year, Dublin Simon Community has launched A Community of Hope: Artists for Dublin Simon as a pre-Christmas fundraising initiative, hosted by Gormley’s Fine Art Gallery. The auction will feature diverse artworks from notable artists including singer Imelda May, comedian Tommy Tiernan, and jewelry designer Chupi Sweetman.
Bidding opens on November 28th, closing on December 10th, with the art exhibited at Gormley’s Art Gallery, 27 South Frederick St, Dublin 2, from November 28th to December 2nd.
Robin O’Donnell from Hibernian Antique Fairs concludes the year with an antiques fair held at the new venue. The Claregalway Castle Antique and Vintage Fair will take place this weekend from 11 am to 6 pm, featuring about 20 dealers showcasing their unique offerings.
Deveres.ie; rosss.com; Gormleys.ie
What did it sell for?
19th century imperial ceremonial sword
Estimate: €100,000
Hammer price: €370,000
Auction house: Adam’s
O’Connell Bridge, Dublin, Jack B Yeats
Estimate: £500,000
Hammer price: £882,000 (€1.1 million)
Auction house: Christie’s
All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix, Eileen Agar
Estimate: £20,000-£30,000
Hammer price: £94,500 (€113,101)
Auction house: Christie’s
Mrs Evelyn St George, Sir William Orpen
Estimate: £600,000-£800,000
Hammer price: £690,000 (€825,820)
Auction house: Sotheby’s
How do the auction prices of historical artifacts and artworks reflect their cultural significance?
The recent auction highlights include significant sales of historical items and artworks. Here are some noteworthy pieces:
1. **19th Century Imperial Ceremonial Sword**
– **Owner:** Emperor Minh Mang, second ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty
- **Estimate:** €100,000
– **Hammer Price:** €370,000
– **Auction House:** Adam’s
*Caption: This Vietnamese 19th-century ceremonial imperial sword, owned by Emperor Minh Mang, sold at Adam’s.*
2. **O’Connell Bridge, Dublin by Jack B Yeats**
– **Estimate:** £500,000
– **Hammer Price:** £882,000 (€1.1 million)
– **Auction House:** Christie’s
*Caption: O’Connell Bridge, Dublin by Jack B Yeats. Photograph: Christie’s.*
3. **All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix by Eileen Agar**
– **Estimate:** £20,000-£30,000
– **Hammer Price:** £94,500 (€113,101)
– **Auction House:** Christie’s
*Caption: All Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix by Eileen Agar. Photograph: Christie’s.*
These auctions not only showcase the financial value of historical artifacts and artworks but also highlight their cultural significance.
