Bronze Sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro (Italian, b. 1926) Brings $186,000 in Ahlers & Ogletree Auction

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A polished bronze sculpture on a Lucite base by the Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro (b. 1926), titled Sfera, titled and numbered (2 of 6) soared to $186,000 in an online Spring Fine Estates & Collections auction held March 27th and 28th by Ahlers & Ogletree, based in Atlanta. The work was the top earner in an auction that featured more than 1,000 quality lots.

Pomodoro, now 94 years old, lives and works in Milan. He’s well known for having designed a controversial fiberglass crucifix for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, which is topped with a 14-foot diameter crown of thorns that hovers over the figure of Christ. The piece in the auction, 11 inches tall (sculpture, minus base), is in the artist’s online catalogue raisonné.

Session One contained Asian arts, Modernism, Mid-Century and Contemporary design, fine art and decorative arts, estate jewelry and fashion. Session Two featured period antiques, silver, fine art, important books and maps, antique scientific equipment and tools, and antique weapons. Both auction days were live-streamed on LiveAuctioneers.

A collection of five furniture pieces by the renowned American woodworker George Nakashima (1905-1990) came up for bid, each one offered as a single lot. All five were from the same seller, who acquired the pieces from her mother, a doctor in Tucson who purchased them directly from Mr. Nakashima, whose furniture creations are highly prized by collectors.

Leading the pack was a walnut Minguren coffee table crafted with rosewood butterfly, several free and raw edges and a natural reticulation, marked to the underside with the original owner’s name. It went for $74,400. Also sold was a walnut hanging wall case ($40,300), a “conoid” end table ($27,900), a set of four cherry “New” chairs ($22,320) and a cherry dining table ($17,360).

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 24 percent buyer’s premium.

Paintings by American noted listed artists were plentiful and include the following works:

- An abstract mixed media work by Ida Kohlmeyer (La., 1912-1997) titled Cluster Drawing (1975), signed and dated and in a 61 inch by 41 inch frame ($17,360).

- An oil on canvas Western Landscape by Ed Mell (Ariz., b. 1942), signed, 36 inches by 48 inches, housed in a 41 inch by 53 inch giltwood frame ($40,300).

- An oil on canvas portrait by Samuel Burtis Baker (Mass./D.C., 1882-1967), titled Viola with Guitar (1919), signed, 37 inches by 30 inches (less frame) ($6,820).

- An oil on canvas Seascape by Carroll Sargent Tyson, Jr. (Pa., 1877-1956), signed and dated lower right and contained in a 34 ¼ inch by 39 ¼ inch frame ($13,750).

- A large abstract acrylic on linen by Carolyn Carr (Ga., b. 1966), titled Ebb and Flow (2004), signed, dated and titled, 84 inches by 48 inches (canvas) ($11,780).

From Europe, an oil on Masonite painting by Patrick James Woodroffe (British, 1940-2014), titled Mons Veritatis (Truth Mountain, 1982), artist signed and dated, brought $10,540. Also, a monumental bird’s-eye view map of Paris by Blondel la Rougery (French), titled Plan de Paris a Vol D’Oiseau (circa 1950s-1960s), in a huge 65 inch by 83 ½ inch frame, finished at $6,820.

In the jewelry and watches category, a Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner automatic men’s wristwatch (1968), model 5513, with case, found a new owner for $10,540; while an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Company articulated sterling silver belt in the form of a snake that could also be worn as a necklace, about 37 ¼ inches long, marked, fetched $8,680.

Other Session 1 highlights included a Japanese Yamaha conservatory concert grand ebony piano with bench, circa 1982-1983, having the maker’s mark Model C7 and serial #3590941, played a sweet tune for $13,640; and a Finn Juhl (Danish) for Baker (American) late 20th century “Chieftain” lounge chair in walnut and leather, still having the Baker paper label ($9,300).

A lovely late Victorian era (circa 1880) English part ebonized mahogany library table in the Regency taste was the top seller of Session 2, gaveling for $10,540. The table was previously sold through Sotheby’s and Christie’s. It featured a tooled green leather writing surface above a Greek key frieze with two concealed drawers to both sides.

Other furniture pieces from the U.K. included an Irish 18th century Georgian silver or tea table having a dish or tray top ($9,920); an 18th century George II mahogany console (or side table) with a marble top in the manner of William Bradshaw (English, 1700-1775) ($8,060); and a nicely carved English mid-18th century mahogany games table ($7,440).

Silver enthusiasts were treated to a Joseph Craddock and William Ker Reid 1817 sterling armorial lidded George III tureen bearing the Langton family coat of arms, 136.38 ozt. ($9,300); and a large, late 20th century repousse sterling footed vase by Grand (Italian), boasting a foliate and grape motif and acanthus leaf scroll handles, 192.40 ozt. ($7,440). 

Also sold was a Turkish handwoven Oushak room-size area rug with a gorgeous floral pattern on an orange field, approximately 14 feet 6 inches by 13 feet 3 inches ($6,200).

To learn more about Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery or to join their email list for information on upcoming sales, please visit www.AandOauctions.com.