Sourced

Ludwig Deutsch; Calling the Faithful

Found in British Columbia and sold in London in 2021 for $1,288,379

In November of 2020, a private client contacted Bonhams’ 19th Century Picture department in London to discuss an heirloom painting: Calling the Faithful by Ludwig Deutsch.

Avid Montreal art collectors Irving Putnam Rexford and Olive Edna May Carson Rexford originally purchased the painting in roughly 1935. It is thought that the couple acquired it to commemorate a trip they had taken for their wedding anniversary. Seasoned travelers, the Rexfords had embarked on a whirlwind Mediterranean cruise with port of calls in Barcelona, Gibraltar, and Istanbul, among others.

Since the Rexfords’ momentous expedition, Calling the Faithful has been passed down from generation to generation. Always hung in a place of honor, the painting served as a tribute to Irving and Olive.

When it came time for the family to part with this sentimental work, they naturally entrusted Bonhams and its historic track record selling works by Ludwig Deutsch. Met with great enthusiasm on sale day, Calling the Faithful was sold for double the low estimate. The clients were overjoyed to find a home for their special piece.

Irma Stern; Zulu Girl with Cocks

Found in Toronto and sold in New York in 2021 for $191,576

In 2020, Bonhams was contacted by a wonderful client who had been thinking about selling Irma Stern’s painting Zulu Girl with Cocks. The client reached out to Giles Peppiatt in the Modern & Contemporary African Art department to inquire about the consignment process, and was pleased to learn of the strong prices Bonhams regularly achieved in this sale category.

When I first viewed Zulu Girl with Cocks in the client’s lovely Victorian home, it was beautifully hung above a fireplace mantel. I was delighted to see it was in impeccable condition, which, combined with the painting’s rich and long exhibition history, made this particular piece exceedingly desirable. A truly wonderful example of Stern’s oeuvre, the painting sold for an impressive $191,576.

A Kaga Style Armor; Edo period (1615-1868), 18th/19th century

Found in Toronto and sold in New York in 2021 for $21,562

In 2021, I was lucky enough to meet a client whose significant collection of Japanese arms and armour was matched by his deep knowledge and understanding about the collection’s history.

Upon our first meeting at the client’s home, I was welcomed by their impressive collection of fine paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts. It wasn’t until we ventured into the basement, however, that I was awestruck by a diverse and splendid assortment of Japanese arms and armour. The seemingly endless collection included over a dozen full suits of armour, swords and fittings, bows and arrows, and a library including hundreds of books and catalogues. Over the following few months, the collector and I spent countless hours labeling the collection as we discussed the rich history of each piece.

The client wished to divest the entire collection, and we are pleased to offer the majority of it, to much anticipation, in 2022. To date, we have successfully auctioned a number of the client’s pieces, including an impressive Kaga-style armor from the Edo period.

With specialists based in towns and cities worldwide, Bonhams is your local auction house.

We provide the very best expertise in over sixty collecting categories, including fine art, antiques, jewelry, watches and motoring. Our local teams will ensure that you receive the highest quality services to make every auction experience as easy and enjoyable as possible - whether you are buying or selling.

Our representatives and specialists are happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Contact Kristin at Kristin.Kearney@bonhams.com to arrange a valuation and receive expert advice, wherever you are.