Under the Hammer

Our inaugural Animalia auction on 6 October in Los Angeles explores our relationship to the world's creatures in art and design. Here, our specialists choose their favorite lots that illustrate a stellar selection of fine art, decorative objects, furniture, and jewelry used to interpret the natural world.

Lot 45
Walton Ford, Moksha, 1997

I have always been drawn to scientific and ethological illustrations, and the work of Walton Ford subverts those pictorial traditions to create deft environmental and social commentaries. Moksha is visually stunning and entrancingly atmospheric, although as is Ford’s practice, the painting has deeper meaning skirting around the edges of the canvas. Each work by Ford is its own separate story and asks you to look further past the dazzling natural imagery. I have always wanted to offer a work by the artist at auction, and I feel honored to include such a fine example in Animalia.

—David Trujillo, Specialist, Modern Decorative Art & Design

Lot 48
Björn Persson, Nirvana

This powerful and intimate photograph of one of the planet's most dangerous predators shows an intimate view of the wild. A cheetah looking into the distance beneath a lone tree captures the viewer's eye and conveys contrasting feelings of power and solitude. I think photographer Björn Persson connects with his subjects and audience so well because he previously trained in field care and worked with anti-poaching groups in South Africa. Persson's work underscores the emotional capacity of the animals which sets his work apart from other wildlife photographers.

—Lillian Jonsons, Associate Specialist, Photographs

Lot 55
A Carved and Painted Standing Carousel Horse, Attributed to the Dentzel Factory, Philadelphia, early 20th century

As a specialist in Americana, I have always been enchanted with the rich history, craftsmanship, and playfulness of carousel animals. This Dentzel carousel horse is most likely from the Seattle Playland that operated from 1930-1961. The park had a full Dentzel Menagerie Carousel and following its closure, the carousel animals were moved to Berkeley, California, where many were restored and sold by the well-known Fraleys. This horse has some rare features such as the roached mane and full wing spread eagle as part of the trappings.

—Brooke Sivo, Director, American Furniture and Decorative Arts

Lot 85
John Alexander, Night Stalker

I love the slightly menacing quality often seen in Texas-modernist artist John Alexander’s work. Night Stalker is no exception. Alexander presents the predatory Night Heron in his typical nighttime stalking habitat, a shallow pond or marsh that could be freshwater, saltwater or brackish, the bird is an equal opportunist in his hunt for fish and frogs. The heron’s red eye stares unblinking at the viewer and his white and grey plumage and water reflection are lit dramatically against the oppressive swampy background.

—Katherine Halligan, Specialist, Western Art

Lot 72
A 14K Rose Gold, Silver, Garnet and Diamond Brooch

From the delicate contrast of rose gold and silver metals, to its red enameled body with stunning diamond and garnet encrusted details, this spider would surely catch your eye. A whimsical, yet exquisitely designed piece, it is the rare example of the only spider I wouldn’t mind landing on my shoulder!

—Allison Osborn, Specialist , Jewels

Register to bid in Animalia before 6 October. For more information contact animalia@bonhams.com.