Atlanta Market and Scott's Antiques Review January 2013

Well, Christmas and New Years have come and gone with a resounding thud!! Trees have been hauled, broken ornaments swept up with successful recipes dutifully recorded. Swiftly, we exit for the Atlanta Mart, fabulous Scott's, and a tour through ADAC. I'll send you through a few quick posts to give you the gist. Warning! I have no major trend revelations. We are still seeing organic forms, found objects, obsolescent accessories, mid-century etc... However, it is always fun to have a first hand report. Our first stop will be portraits.

I actually checked to see if this was a likeness of one of the famous six Mitford sisters. I am completely absorbed by their highly eccentric era, and voluminous correspondence spanning a deeply condensed period of political transformation and subsequent world wars. Some were attracted to fascism and communism, while others remained firmly in the patriotic British camp. Their stories are tragically and triumphantly played out. We have to remember, few people understood the dangers ahead. Despite their upheavals,  they remained loving and loyal to each other. This beautiful portrait captures the horrific losses of the era while maintaining an outward dignity. She really stops my heart.  I will not make this purchase, but as I ramble through Scott's and miles of detritus, I give her a wink and a bow secretly telling her that she is remembered. Art is indisputably an emotional medium.

This American woman who appears perfectly content and happy from the 1950's  or early 60's, is sadly floating in the wild of Scott's. Poor portrait to be lost by family and friends, but I am thinking happy lady. I'm not quite pulling the trigger, but again I find her compelling. I said hello. 

This is Mida. Can you believe her?  Karen Berryman of Old and Proud had her. I was tempted by her intelligent wisdom with a touch of insouciance that is oh so French. Someone will rescue her soon, so meanwhile...I am moving over to landscapes. Yolande Ardisonne, a late to the party French impressionist born in 1927,  did a brisk Palm Beach trade via The Wally Findley Gallery. I've seen quite a few of them and like them.

With an asking price of $1,500.00 I was squirming.  Ardisonne prices gyrate at auction and range from $400.00 to $3,250.00. A good way to collect art is to go through Scott's, see what you like or establish a long term relationship with reputable dealers. You can do some quick homework on your smart phone, if you are desperately tempted. Live Auctioneers, is a favorite free auction price history site. The painting below sold recently for $1,500.00 so we know above price is a good one .  The dealer, Mihnea Nastase has a good reputation and I would contact him or shop on his website. 

I have seen and enjoyed sporting art over the years. On my equestrian style posts, I write about how to get the look without going over the highest rail, as so many equestrians are programmed to do. There is a great deal of equestrian art at Scott's and I have bought it, but not this time. 

Albert Clark

$4,500.00

A similar Albert Clark sold recently for 460.00 Euros. Again, you have to ship it and insure it but there's still quite a bit of wiggle left in the price action. Especially, as this setting is such a common one I don't have to have this picture specifically. Another dealer purportedly had this John Frederick Herring, Sr. painting. 

Buying a highly collectible painting for the price of $4,500.00 is a red flag. I have seen many Herrings but they are wildly reproduced. It's a walk,  but if you are longing, look at the Sotheby's records in their free artnet service. Then you will discover that one has not sold recently for under $8,000.00 for a great while (many are in the millions). Going to Scott's is a great way to grab deals, discover sources and as dear old Dad always says: "Train your eye dear." 

More Later!! 

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