Shipping artwork takes much more than just white gloves, custom crates, climate-controlled trucks, and art shipping equipment. It takes a lot of skills and special expertise. Moreover, it requires from art movers much knowledge, and this applies not only to the art transportation techniques and packing supplies but rather to everything related to art in one way or another. It is actually one of the main things that make an art mover a great professional.
Being shippers of fine art for many years, we know how it is important to keep track of everything happening in the world of art. It helps us improve art transportation services and provide better experiences to all of our customers. Furthermore, our team of art movers is always happy to share with you the latest news and discuss the most important events that took place in New York and worldwide. This time, let’s look at the latest Sotheby’s art auction results.
The Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art Sale that was held last month in London featured an excellent collection of 19th-century British paintings and drawings, including the works by such renowned artists as Arthur Hopkins and Thomas Matthews Rooke. However, the highlight of this sale was a watercolor painting “Lady Lilith” by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which is one of the artist’s most significant works remaining in private hands. Estimated at $516,000 – 775,000, it was sold for impressive $880,000.
Another highlight of the July sale was a large oil painting “Orpheus and Eurydice” painted by George Frederic Watts circa 1870. Filled with romantic power and symbolism, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful compositions ever created by this artist. Estimated at $388,000 – 646,000, this sensuous painting was sold for $414,000.
It is impossible not to mention one more lot that was sold for $300,000, though being estimated at only $130,000 – 194,000. We are talking about John Atkinson Grimshaw’s oil painting titled “After the Shower.” Created in the 1880s, it is definitely one of the best city night scenes painted by this remarkable artist.
Despite the fact that such important paintings as John William Godward’s “Beauty in a Marble Room,” John Atkinson Grimshaw’s “Clyde Shipping, Wet Moonlit Night,” and John Emms’s “The Tufters” remained unsold, the sale achieved a hammer total of $4.2 million.
The next Sotheby’s Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art Sale will be held on December 14 in London.