Ahead of our final Fine Sale of the year on 4th and 5th of December, some of the Cheffins Fine Art team pick a selection of their top lots in the sale.
20/11/2024 Fine Art, Furniture, Carpets & Rugs, Paintings, Drawings & Prints
Nicholas Martineau - Lots 88 and 387
Lot 88 - Henry Pether (British, 1800-1880), The Thames at Twickenham by moonlight, with the Rose & Crown and St Mary's Church beyond
“There are lots of lovely things in the sale as always but one thing I am particularly drawn to is this lovely moonlit scene by Henry Pether. Along with his father Abraham and elder brother Sebastian, the Pether family seemed to have rather cornered the market of nocturne paintings at the beginning of 19th century. Being a bit of a Topographical Picture geek, my colleague Luke and I immediately got excited at the prospect of how many of the buildings in the picture still existed and the exact point as to where the artist had potentially set up his easel. Sadly, many of the buildings in the foreground have since gone but St Mary’s Church is still very much recognisable, albeit without the cupula on top the tower, with Eel Pie Island to the right of the composition and we think a glimpse of Ham House beyond.
Lot 387 - A George III mahogany architect's desk
“Good quality and slightly quirky 18th century English furniture is always a joy to see, particularly metamorphic, and this rather wonderful architect’s desk is no exception. What tends to be important to collectors of such things is originality, quality and colour, and this has it in bucket loads with its hefty lock plate, candle slides, gently worn baize top and interesting detail such as the turned pillar supports on generous brass castors hidden within its chamfered legs. Believed to have been of Scottish origin, one can only wonder at which of the illustrious architects of the day commissioned it and in turn, the great houses which were dreamt up and sketched out upon it.”
Gabriele Downie - Lot 233 ‘Portrait of a dog balancing a sugar cube on its nose’
“I think this portrait is hugely successful in eliciting the character of the terrier subject. Although dogs may have changed in appearance over the years through breeding and fashion, works such as these are timeless in their ability to capture the spirit of the animal and remind us why dogs are man’s best friend!”
George Silcock - Lot 596 an oak chest of drawers, circa 1840
“Bobbin turned furniture has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Originating in the late 17th century and revived again in the Arts & Craft movement circa 1900. Today, many modern interior retailers have started producing bobbin turned mirrors, tables, candle sticks, lamps and chests of drawers. This item offers a great opportunity to buy a 19th century oak chest with split turned moulding, similar to the bobbin style but with much more detail. With charming provincial qualities and a lovely orange hue, it would work well in both a modern and a traditional interior.”
Luke Bodalbhai - Lot 143, ‘The Garden of Love’, from the workshop of Sir Peter Paul Rubens
This painting is very likely to be a preparatory design sent from Rubens’ studio in Antwerp to King Philip IV of Spain for his approval, prior to the artist’s completion of the famous finished picture, now in the Prado, Madrid. Not only is this provenance extremely significant, but the oil on panel provides a fascinating insight into the varied working practices of Rubens and his assistants. The work has noticeable pentimenti and under-drawing, indicative of its preparatory nature, which adds to the spontaneity of an already highly decorative, lively composition.”
Christopher Halls
Lot 385 - A travelling compound monocular microscope
“I wouldn’t normally gravitate to a piece of scientific equipment, but the quality and diminutive scale of this telescope has brought it into my focus (pun intended). Although not meant for adornment, its beauty is a direct function of its exquisite engineering.”
Lot 475 - A mahogany castellated bird-nesting box
“This idiosyncratic item has a charm of its own. We scratched our heads when cataloguing this as it’s such a unique item. With the little perches on the back, and dishes within, we can only surmise it must have been a commission for a rather smart 19th century aviary, but we are open to being corrected! Either way, this is a charming piece of folk-art, even without its intended occupants.”
The sale takes place at 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge on the 4th and 5th of December from 10am. Please click here to view the catalogue.