Swann Auction 2012 - Personal Thoughts

As the auction concludes today, I had a chance to look at the listings.  As usual, I saw the same names (which is kinda boring if you ask me).  There was nothing that was jaw-dropping beautiful, but a couple of lots were interesting:

Lot 80 - A lovely (and affordable) Bannister watercolor...it should sell for $5,000.

Lot 82 - This is the most interesting lot for two reasons (1) Boykin is a 19th century African-American artist, which is quite rare; and (2) the portraiture and framing is striking.  This is an important painting.  I'd be surprised it didn't go for $7,500...which is what I estimate it's worth today. 

Lot 86 - Nice painting, but overpriced.  I don't think it will sell.  It's a very interesting piece and the framing is beautiful.  But I don't think that it will sell...not in this economy.  If it does, then it might go for $22,500.  Swann went through a lot of trouble marketing the painting, but I don't think it will make that much of a difference.

Lot 87 - A very nice painting by an important artist.  This piece is priced just about right...I'm guessing that someone might pick it up for $20,000...it is easily worth twice that if not more.  I like the framing, too.

Lot 98 - A very lovely piece by Lois M. Jones.  I hope to one day own one of her works...every now and then I see people selling her paintings on Ebay for about $1,000...but nothing of this quality.  This is a very beautiful still-life that looks like it belongs in a museum.

Lot 111 - While this piece is not on par with "Funeral Procession" it is an Ellis Wilson.  However, I don't think that it will sell today.  It just doesn't do anything for me...

Lot 125 - A beautiful Barthe sculpture.  I wonder if it's included in Samella Lewis' recent book?

Lot 155 - Another beautiful painting by the late Mrs. Jones.  Very beautiful...

That's about it.  Chime in with your thoughts if you went to the auction today.

- DKL