HANDSOME: This late 18th century library table from the estate of a gentleman is handsome and practical. The George III gilt-bronze mahogany desk is estimated at $10,000 to $15,000. (Courtesy of Doyle's New York)

Arts & Culture

Doyle’s Auction an Interior Decorators Delight

By Nick Mclaughlin

January 18, 2011 Updated: January 19, 2011

Doyle’s New York will present its auction Important English and Continental Furniture and Decorations, including Old Masters Paintings and Drawings on Jan. 26, at 10 a.m.

The sale offers a large selection of furniture and decorations from the 17th to the 19th century, as well as Continental, English, and Chinese export porcelain. There will also be Georgian silver, sculpture, clocks, chandeliers, sconces, tapestries, and rugs.

The Old Masters Painting section features works by European artists from the Renaissance to the 19th century, including landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and religious subjects.

The entire sale is open for public viewing, which is recommended if you’re decorating your home and want to know where local interior designers regularly find treasures and inspiration, or if you’re a collector of antiques and fine British art. The selections may be viewed at Doyle New York, 175 East 87th St., at the following times:

Saturday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 23, noon to 5 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sale Highlights

Property From the Estate of Joseph A. Patrick. This sale will feature an extensive collection from the estate of Joseph A. Patrick, featuring an important pair of George II Mahogany library armchairs.

A LADY'S CHOICE: With a regal provenance, this pair of armchairs is destined for a special home, perhaps The Metropolitan Museum of Art? $100,000 to $150,000. (Courtesy of Doyle's New York)

The pair of armchairs are mid 18th century and have a fabulous historic provenance. These are similar to a clothes press bought around the same time by the original owner, Lady Bowe, which is now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Each is upholstered with colorful tapestry and beautifully carved armrests, estimated at $100,000 to $150,000.

Another eye-catching piece from that estate is a George III colorless cut glass 16-light chandelier, which hangs 6 feet down and 4 feet wide, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000.

A George III gilt-bronze mounted mahogany library table from this collection would make a handsome and practical statement. Crafted in the late 18th century, it’s estimated at $10,000 to $15,000.

Property from the Estate of a Distinguished Gentleman. Items from this collection are many and varied, ranging from early 17th century Louis XV furniture to pieces from the 19th century, including a luxurious Louis XVI style daybed, from the early 19th century, estimated at $3,000 to $5,000.

A Notable Pick. A highlight of the Old Masters paintings is “Miss Cazenove on her Favorite Hunter,” by Swiss painter Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767–1849), estimated to fetch $150,000 to $200,000. Agasse studied art in Geneva and animal anatomy at a school of veterinary medicine before he established himself as a successful animal painter.