Over 420 lots of antiques and artworks will go under the hammer on the 6th and 7th March at the first Fine Sale of 2019.
The highlight of the sale is a portrait by Marco Benefial of Edward Curtis of Mardyke House, Bristol which dates back to 1750. The sitter is depicted seated in a remarkable waistcoat, the original of which is offered within the same lot. The coat features lavish decorative woven patterns and silk roses in brocade and is thought to have been made in France in the mid-18th Century. It has an estimate of £6,000 - £8,000. Other key lots within the paintings section include a series of veduti from Italian School painters, all with varying estimates. For example, there is a capriccio landscape by the studio of Marco Ricci, dating back to the late 17th/early 18th century and which has an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000 and a Venetian view from the circle of Francesco Guardi which has an estimate of £600 - £800. In addition, there is a portrait of Pope Alessandro Farnese in the manner of Titian which dates back to the late 16th century and which was acquired by the vendor’s great-grandparents on the Grand Tour in the 19th century. It has an estimate of £1,000 - £1,500.
Sarah Flynn, Head of Paintings, says: “The Marco Benefial portrait is a rare survival by an Italian artist who was mainly known for his religious paintings. I have not seen a portrait with clothing from the portrait offered with it for many years and the fact that this stunning waistcoat has survived is nothing short of miraculous. Edward Curtis would have commissioned this painting whilst on the Grand Tour in Rome with the intention to have shown the viewer that he was a man of great wealth and importance. Anything connected with the Grand Tour is extremely collectable today and we would expect this picture to be popular with both trade and private buyers.”
Amongst the furniture, a Regency rosewood bookcase in the manner of John McLean has the highest estimate at £4,000 - £6,000. Whilst other items set to draw interest include a George III oak dresser which has an estimate of £1,000 - £2,000; a George IV mahogany partners desk in the manner of Gillows which has an estimate of £800 - £1,200 and a Regency mahogany library bergere is set to make between £1,000 - £1,200. Similarly, a small 18th Century West Country elm settle in excellent condition is bound to be popular and has an estimate of £600 - £800.
The collectors’ items are comprehensive with an interesting lot being a Charles II beadwork mirror frame, depicting Charles and Catherine of Braganza under marital canopies, which has an estimate of £2,500 - £3,500. Of the more unusual items is a pair of 18th or 19th century Indonesian swivel cannons which have an estimate of £500 - £800 and a Scandinavian washboard dating back to the early 19th century which has an estimate of £200 - £300.
Lastly, a private collection of over 40 coins will interest the collector’s market. With examples including an Edward III gold Noble and an Edward the Black Prince gold Noble, dating back to the 14th century, the collection is estimated to generate in excess of £25,000.
The Fine Sale was previously named ‘The Fine Art Sale.’