Weschler's Fall Auction to Feature African American Artists

Weschler's has been an auction tradition in the Nation's Capital for over 120 years. As Washington D.C.'s only auction house, Weschler's has been in the unique position to auction, over the years, property from many prominent local estates. They hold at least 6 Capital Collections estate auctions each season which feature European and American furniture and decorations; paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture; jewelry, coins and watches; 20th century decorative arts; Asian works of art; and rugs, carpets and tapestries. 

Weschler's fall auction which will be held on September 19th will begin its 2014-2015 season, and among the offerings in their upcoming  Capital Collections Estate Auction, Sale 1417 will be an important selection of 20^thcentury African American works of art cultivated from prominent Washington, D.C. collections. The following artists are represented from those collections: Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou Jones, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Sam Gilliam, Romare Bearden, and Joseph Holston. 

This post features highlights of Sale 1417. Two notable sculptures by artist and activist, Elizabeth Catlett, come to auction from the esteemed collection of her personal friend and civil rights pioneer, the Reverend Douglas Moore and his wife, Dr. Doris Hughes-Moore. 
 

Elizabeth Catlett, Bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bronze with a green patina, 1990, 18½"x14"x12". Property of  Reverend Douglas Moore and Dr. Doris Hughes-Moore Collection. Image: Weschler's Auctioneers and Appraisers

Lot 393  Elizabeth Catlett   Bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
This bust is bronze with a green patina on a black marble plinth base; it has an estimate of $50,000 - $70,000. The catalogue notes that a second version  of this sculpture can be found at the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio. 

Elizabeth Catlett, Female Torso, Marble on wood base, height: 14". Property of Reverend Douglas Moore and Dr. Doris Hughes-Moore Collection. Image: Weschler's Auctioneers and Appraisers

Lot 394  A second sculpture from the Moore Collection is a Female Torso by Elizabeth Catlett. This marble sculpture on a wood base has an auction estimate of $30,000 - $40,000. Female Torso serves as the cover image of the Capital Collections Estate Auction catalogue.

Alma Woodsey Thomas, Untitled, Watercolor on paper, sight size: 30"x 22". Property of George R. Rhodes, Jr., Revocable Trust. Image: Weschler's Auctioneers and Appraisers

Lot 397 This watercolor, Untitled, by Alma Woodsey Thomas is from the George R. Rhodes, Jr., Revocable Trust. Dated from 1960, the watercolor on paper has an estimate of $10,000 - $15,000. There is a catalogue note that a second painting depicting a study for a double portrait can be found on verso.
 

Sam Gilliam, Misty, Acrylic on canvas, 53"x 66". Property of George R. Rhodes, Jr., Revocable Trust. Image: Weschler's Auctioneers and Appraisers

Lot 400  Another piece of art from the Rhodes Trust is lot 400 entitled Misty by Sam Gilliam. This acrylic on canvas is dated 1969 and has an auction estimate of $20,000 - $30,000.

For a full range of available art by African American artists, see lots 393 - 402.

As a convenience to clients who cannot attend the auction, Weschler's offers telephone bids or will execute absentee bids without charge. In addition, buyers may bid live on Invaluable. Please visit Invaluable to register for the auction and bid live along with those in the auction house and on the telephone. Read more about buying at Weschler's. For additional information on bidding, contact: 202/ 628-1281.