ARTHUR JAMES “PUTTING ON THE RITZ” OF A SALE

Arthur James Galleries of Delray Beach, FL chosen over Sotheby’s and Christie’s to handle the sale of art from the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

Arthur James Galleries of Delray Beach, FL has announced an important two day sale to be conducted in its gallery room on November 14 and 15. Auction owner George Martin said, “This is going to be an exciting sale.” With almost 500 lots crossing the block in the mid week event, the focus will be on the 72 lots from the fabulous Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach. The elegant waterfront resort has been acquired by new owners who are renovating the property in a contemporary motif to the tune of $45 million. A large selection of the original 19th century artwork and decorative art that previously graced the magnificent buildings will be offered for sale. The inventory from the Ritz-Carlton is composed of 42 paintings and 30 decorative arts items including three of the massive marble fireplaces formerly seen in the Ritz.
Featured art will include works by Charles Thomas Bale, English, most active from 1868 to 1875, Ferdinand Victor Leon Roybet, French 1840-1920, Charles Stuart, English, who flourished 1854 – 1868, Sir Godfrey Kneller, English 1646-1723, Edith Scannell, English, active 1870-1921, all estimated in the $5,000 - $10,000 range and a number of other French, Belgian, Italian and Hungarian artists of equal quality.
In addition there will be 110 lots offered that comprise a portion of the second half of the living estate sale of Mrs. Ursula Otto of Palm Beach. The widow of the German Swiss industrialist sold her 22,000 square foot Palm Beach mansion in 1996 and acquired smaller quarters. This portion of the sale will feature items such as an important 18th century Georgian mahogany dining table, conservatively estimated at $10,000 - $20,000, a collection of 18th century Georgian silver, a Georgian mahogany sideboard estimated at $4,000 - $6,000 and a set of ten William IV mahogany dining chairs estimated at $4,000 - $6,000.
The balance of the sale will consist of high quality art, decorative art items and antique furniture from a number of private consignors.
Arthur James Galleries has been at the same location, 615 East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, since opening in 1958. It conducts only ten sales each year with a major sale every other month. This sale certainly qualifies as such. While long time Arthur James Galleries customers have come to rely and trust the condition reports on sale items issued by the Gallery in placing their absentee order and phone bids, seating for around 150 bidders is provided on sale day. Seating can be reserved in advance with preference given to out of town visitors wishing to bid in person.
Preview of this extraordinary event will be Friday through Sunday, November 10-12, 10:00AM – 6:00PM. The Gallery will be closed Monday 13 to finish preparations for the sale. For more information call (561) 278-2373 or visit the website at http://www.arthurjames.com.

Scannell - “Looking at a Ladybug”. Signed Edith Scannell l/l. Oil on Canvas Laid Down on Board. Measuring 48” by 28 ¾”. Provenance: Royal Art Gallery, New Orleans
Estimate: $7,000/10,000.

Kneller - Portrait of Lady Anne Montague Seated”. Signed G. Kneller-Fecit and dated 1689 l/r. Also signed, dated and inscribed “The Reight Honarbl Lady Mountague” on the reverse. Oil on Canvas. Measuring 50” by 40”. Provenance: Sotheby’s, London, Feb. 28, 1990, sold as Lot 224.
Dixon & Dixon, New Orleans
Estimate: $5,000/8,000













Stuart - “Grapes, Pineapple, Plums, Apple, Jug and a Gourd on a Straw Covered Ledge”. Signed Charles Stuart and dated 1866 l/l. Oil on Canvas. Measuring 25 ¼” by 30 ¼”.
Estimate: $5,000/8,000

Roybet - “Portrait of Mme. Clemenceauvin (Nee Plumber) in a Sixteenth Century Costume”. Signed F. Roybet l/r. Oil on Panel. Measuring 44” by 44”.
Provenance: Sotheby’s, Feb. 28, 1990, sold as Lot 201
Kurt E. Schon, New Orleans
Estimate: $7,000/10,000













Bale - “Still life, Grapes, Apples, Pear in a Basket with a Jug and Fowl on a Table”. Signed C.T. Bale and dated 1888 l/l. Oil on Canvas. Measuring 28 ¼” by 36 ¼”.
Provenance: Dixon & Dixon, New Orleans
Estimate: $5,000/8,000