The James Cox Gallery at Woodstock will feature an eclectic array of paintings, works on paper and sculpture in its upcoming auction scheduled for Sunday, December 8th beginning at 1 p.m. The gallery’s bi-annual sales are noted for their high quality and diversity, ranging from 19th century landscapes and portraits to works by important mid-century artists. Members of Woodstock’s historic art colony as well as living artists from the famous hamlet are also prominently represented.
One of the most important pieces in the sale is by Philip Guston (1913-1980) who was both a mid-century master and a Woodstock artist. “Untitled-City Scene” is a gouache on board painted in 1946 and listed in the Philip Guston Foundation Catalogue Raisonné. “Work from this period in the artist’s career is rarely offered for sale at auction,” according to James Cox. “We expect this piece to attract a lot of interest.” The painting comes from a Woodstock/New York City estate.
Another important piece included in the sale is a Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904) titled “Quiet River at Dusk”. A beautiful example of the tonalist approach to landscape painting, the oil on canvas was executed between 1865 and 1870 and is included in the artist’s catalogue raisonné. “This is an absolutely exquisite painting,” Cox observed. “We are proud to include it in
our sale.”
Works by other prominent artists include “Storefronts – New York, NY” by Gifford Beal (1879-1956); two charming figurative works by Reginald Marsh (1898-1954), “Women Walking” and “The Lovers”; “Farm Landscape”, an oil by Philip Evergood (1901-1973); a conté drawing on paper by George Bellows (1882-1925) titled “Woman Knitting – Sketch of Ethel Clark”; and a small oil, “Wash Day”, by John Sloan (1871-1951) a leading member of the Ashcan School.
Included among works by early Woodstock artists is a rare George Copeland Ault (1891-1948). The winter landscape features a barn and silo silhouetted against what Cox believes to be the Catskill Mountains. “We are quite sure this early piece depicts a Woodstock farm,” Cox explained. “It is interesting to note that the early landscape is painted in an unusual style for this
artist. His work is usually rendered in a starker, more-hard edged technique than is evident this painting.”
Among the many pieces of sculpture offered in the sale is a rare marble figure by another notable Woodstock artist, John Flannagan (1895-1942) titled “Nude Woman”. Woodstock theater goers are familiar with Flannagan’s beloved wood carving “The Maverick Horse” which is housed in the town’s rustic music hall.
Two bronze sculptures by another Woodstock artist, Eduardo Chavez (1917-1995) will also be up for sale on December 8 th as well as three terra cotta works by contemporary artist Mary Frank (b. 1933) who is still working in her Woodstock studio at age 91.
Two historic pieces from a New York collector were recently consigned to the sale. One is a large oil by prominent illustrator Ralph Pallen Coleman (1892-1968). This striking image features a World War I soldier armed with a bayonet charging into battle, his fellow troops gathered in the background, bearing an American flag. The image was featured on the cover of the December 15, 1917 issue of The Literary Digest.
An elegant late 19th century oil of two sisters came from the same collection, Cox noted. “This piece is exquisitely painted. The intricate detail in the satin garments worn by the figures is masterfully done. It is a truly fine example of portrait painting from this era.” The painting bears the artist’s monogram, but as yet the gallery has not been able to identify who created it.
Exceptional pieces by several other deceased Woodstock artists will also be offered, including works by Emil Ganso (1895-1941), Otto Bierhals (1879-1944), Rolph Scarlett (1889-1984), Reginald Wilson (1909-1993) and Anton Refregier (1905-1979). Two fine pieces by recently deceased artist and beloved teacher Richard Segalman (1934-2021) will also be included. “Richard was famous for his depictions of women,” Cox pointed out. “An oil of a group women chatting and a watercolor of a nude draped in an American flag are classic Segalmans on which the public will have an opportunity to bid.”
Living Woodstock artists are also represented in the sale, including oil paintings by Zhang Hong Nian, Donald Elder and Mary Anna Goetz and a platinum gelatin print of the Rondout Creek by popular local photographer John Kleinhans.
The public is invited to preview the collection at a gala reception at the gallery on Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., or from Wednesday December 4th through Saturday December 7 th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to Bid
Bids made in person, by telephone, online, by agents, or in written form may be submitted to the auctioneer at least 48 hours prior to the sale. By bidding at the auction, a buyer assumes responsibility to pay the purchase price bid plus the buyer’s premium and any additional charges that become due and payable in connection with the purchase, delivery, packing & shipping, or storage of property. Online bidders must register with an online service before bidding. Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse to register any prospective bidder for any reason.
