Woodmere Museum Collection Brings Noteworthy Results at Bonhams

A pair of monumental Sevres style porcelain Napoleonic urns, circa 1900

NEW YORK, NY.- New York's April 27th sale of European Furniture & Decorative Arts was marked by several strong results. Consisting of just over 250 lots, the sale was highlighted by a spectacular group of French and Continental porcelain urns from the Woodmere Art Museum (Philadelphia, PA) which brought some of the strongest performances of the sale.

Top lot was a pair of Monumental gilt bronze mounted Sevres style porcelain Napoleonic urns from the Woodmere collection. One depicts the marriage of Napoleon I to Archduchess Marie-Louise and the second depicts the coronation of the Empress Josephine by Napoleon, signed by J. Pascault, and with chateau landscapes painted on the reverse of each. They more than doubled their estimate of $40,000-60,000 - the lot brought the outstanding price of $128,000.

A pair of monumental Sevres style porcelain Napoleonic urns, circa 1900

The first finely painted with an oval reserve depicting The Marriage of Napoleon I to Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austira after Rouset, inscribed Le mariage and 1811, the second painted with the "Coronation of the Empress Josephine by Napoleon before Pope Pius VII and the French Court after Jacque Louis David and inscribed Le Sacre, both signed J. Pascault at base, the reverse of each painted with chateaus in landscapes, the cobalt ground with gilt N and with stylized foliage and trailing highlights, underside of each cover with window through metal so that the overglaze blue enamel inscription may be read M. Imple/de Sevres - height 58in (147.3cm); diameter 18in (45.7cm). Sold for $128,000

The pair of late 19th century Royal Vienna style porcelain vases from the Museum collection also performed strongly. Each finely painted with allegorical figure soon followed with more competitive bidding and the lot eventually brought $54,900 against an estimate of $20,000-25,000.

A pair of Royal Vienna style porcelain vases, late 19th century

Each finely painted with a continuous reserve of allegorical figures on a pale green luster, brown and cobalt ground, with gilt, pale pink and white highlights, the base of one reserve signed in gilt K. Wildner. height 40in (101.6cm); diameter 11in (27.9cm). Sold for $54,900

Another Woodmere lot greatly exceeding expectations was a Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted onyx and marble tall case clock, circa 1870. The impressive clock touched off a bidding war, selling for more than four times its estimate of $5,000-7,000 with a final price of $32,940.

A Napoleon III gilt-bronze-mounted onyx and marble tall case clock, circa 1870.

The gilt dial inset with Roman numeral cartouches, the hood with outset columns at each corner, the front of the case fitted with a gilt bronze mounted glass panel, on a stepped conforming foot, with pendulum. height 102 1/2in (264.2cm); width 25in (63.5cm); depth 16in (40.6cm). Sold for $32,940

A late 19th century, French enameled and engine-turned silver part dessert service from the Museum’s collection was also of great interest. Probably Limoges, each featured enameled reserves of figures in 18th century costume, on engine-turned and various jewel toned grounds. The lot drew spirited bidding which ultimately resulted in a price of $26,840 against an estimate of $4,500-6,500.

A French enameled and engine-turned silver part dessert service, late 19th century

Probably Limoges, comprising: six plates, six demitasse cups with saucers and five liners, six napkin rings, six forks, five knives, six table dessert spoons and six coffee spoons, each with enameled reserves of figures in 18th century costume, the grounds in jewel tones, with gilt and silver highlights, each apparently not struck with hallmarks, underside of many with gilt monogram, the reverse of each utensil engraved with monogrammed reserve, approx. 96 ozs. troy. diameter of dessert plate 7 1/2in (19cm). Sold for $26,840

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Charles Knox Smith Art Acquisition Fund and will allow Woodmere to further fulfill its mission of communicating the significance of the arts of Philadelphia.

However, the museum’s pieces were not the only lots of interest to collectors. A 19th century, monumental Renaissance style patinated metal figural clock  was the cause of excited bidding as well. Cast in the heroic form of Atlas supporting an orb on his shoulders, the striking piece well surpassed its estimate of $5,000-7,000, bringing $26,840.

A monumental Renaissance style patinated metal figural clock, 19th century

Cast in the heroic form of Atlas supporting an orb on his shoulders, raised on a columnar base. height of figure 62in (157.5cm); width 22in (55.9cm); depth 18in (45.7cm); height of pedestal 31in (78.7cm); diameter 21in (53.3cm). Sold for $26,840