Historic St Louis & Mississippi River Valley Auction, SL2022

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HISTORIC ST. LOUIS & MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY DECEMBER 11, 2021

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STELLA PEARLMUTTER (AMERICAN, 1912-1993)

MISSOURI FEMALE ARTISTS

SURREALISM #5 GAIL SINGER(AMERICAN, 1924-1965) LILLIAN THOELE (AMERICAN, 1894-1971)

VIRGINIA MOBERLY SCHLUETER (AMERICAN, 1901-1994) detail on front cover

LILLIAN THOELE (AMERICAN, 1894-1971) FRUIT PAINTING CYNTHIA BLOOM NAMENWIRTH (AMERICAN, 20th C.)

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HISTORIC ST. LOUIS & MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY Saturday | DECEMBER 11, 2021 | 10AM central 296 LOTS OF HISTORIC ST. LOUIS & REGIONAL FINE ART, AS WELL AS 1904 WORLD’S FAIR & VEILED PROPHET COLLECTIBLES AND EPHEMERA FEATURING PROPERTY FROM: THE COLLECTION OF WILLIAM PIEBER, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ST. LOUIS’ 1904 WORLD'S FAIR SOCIETY A PRIVATE ST. LOUIS ART COLLECTION

P REVIEW : M ONDAY, D ECEMBER 6 THROUGH F RIDAY, D ECEMBER 10 - 10 AM S ATURDAY, D ECEMBER 11 - 9 AM TO 10 AM

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5 PM

FULLY ILLUSTRATED, ONLINE CATALOG • selkirkauctions.com LIVE INTERNET BIDDING • selkirklive.com, Invaluable, LiveAuctioneers

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Principal Auctioneer: Terry Beye Apprentice Auctioneer: Madeline Vermeulen ©COPYRIGHT – Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers. 2021

AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS 555 WASHINGTON AVENUE ST. LOUIS, MO 63101 314.696.9041 selkirkauctions.com

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FREDERICK E. CONWAY (AMERICAN, 1900-1973) Conway was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he studied at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts. His advanced studies led him to Paris for the Académie Julian, the Academies Moderne and La Grande Chaumiere.

Conway was held in high regard amongst formidable contemporaries of mid-century St. Louis art - including Ed Boccia, Fred Green Carpenter, Rudolph Edward Torrini, Herb Cummings, Werner Drewes, Gustav Goetsch, William Fett, and Bob Cassilly. He instructed the art school of Washington University in St. Louis from 1929 to 1970 where he taught Billy Morrow Jackson and became friend and supporter of legendary German Expressionist painter Max Beckmann.

The Foursome Estimate $2,000-3,000

Harbor Scene, Boats at Piers A and B Estimate $200-400

Seascape Estimate $100-250

Abstract, vaguely human form Estimate $1,000-3,000

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K E. CONWAY (AMERICAN, 1900-1973)

The Chase Hotel, view from Forest Park Estimate $2,000-4,000

Christ Church Cathedral Estimate $400-800

Dancer Estimate $6,000-9,000 www.SELKIRKAUCTIONS.com • 3

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WILLIAM QUINN (AMERICAN, B. 1929) An artist who synthesized the elements of the European modernists with the gestural style of "Action Painting" common to certain American Abstract Expressionists, William Quinn graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Then he headed for New York City, where the Abstract Expressionist movement was dominant, led by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell.

Quinn exhibited in a New Talent show and then served in the U.S. Army for two years as a training-aids illustrator. Following this, he returned to the Midwest and used the Army benefits (G.I. Bill) to acquire a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Illinois. Following this, he returned to St. Louis to teach drawing and painting at Washington University.

This geographic separation from New York distanced him from the personal angst and pressure of the aesthetic revolution felt by many artists on the East Coast, but not from the tenets of modern art. At the University, where expressionists Max Beckmann and Phillip Guston had recently taught, Quinn had a 33-year teaching career that enabled him to dialogue with American and European painters on the latest ideas and issues in contemporary art. His class duties were minimal, allowing him ample time for his work.

Information courtesy Jeannine Quinn, wife of the artist.

Abstract Estimate $800-1,500

Aesop Wobbles Estimate $1,000-2,000

Caprice Estimate $800-1,200

Abstract Estimate $500-1,000

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Female Nude and Cat Estimate $100-300

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WILLIAM FETT (AMERICAN, 1918-2006) Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, William Fett was a painter in abstract, surrealist style of landscapes, often based on scenes of Mexico. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago in 1941. From there he undertook several extended visits to Mexico in making the acquaintance of expatriate Surrealist artists who had escaped the unhealthy turmoil of European upheavals by moving to that country.

Female Nude and Cat Estimate $100-300

Some of his Mexican watercolors were accorded a one-man show at Durlacher Brothers Gallery in New York on October 5, 1943.

The positive response to the work resulted in acquisition of work by the New York Museum of Modern Art. In 1946, William Fett received appointment as teacher at the Washington University, St. Louis School of Art, a position he served as Professor of Drawing and Painting to 1981, when he retired as Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts.

Abstract Estimate $300-600

From 1982 through 1983, he was acting Professor of Painting at the San Antonio Art Institute in Texas. He later returned to Mexico City, where he died September 10, 2006.

Submitted by Richard Kurman, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Abstract Estimate $400-600

Mexico, 1964 Estimate $250-750

Abstract Estimate $200-400 www.SELKIRKAUCTIONS.com • 5

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FRANK NUDERSCHER (AMERICAN, 1880-1959) Nuderscher was born in St. Louis, the son of a successful building contractor. His father wanted him to join the family business, but Nuderscher always had an interest in art. Legend has it that Nuderscher finally convinced his father to support his aspirations when at age 12 he earned two dollars sketching a bas-relief for a stonemason, therefore convincing his father that he could earn a living as an artist.

Nuderscher is frequently credited for being self-taught as an artist. However, it was reported that he took art classes in New York, Philadelphia, and Provincetown, that he studied art while traveling in Europe, and that he was enrolled at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis.

In 1904, Nuderscher first attracted the attention of the fine arts community with his painting of the Eads Bridge which won first prize in the Artist's Guild Competition. With artists from all over the world in St. Louis for the 1904 World's Fair, it was a particularly competitive field. W.K. Bixby, a nationally recognized art patron and philanthropist, purchased the work for his own collection and encouraged the young artist. The Eads Bridge would become a repeated theme for Nuderscher and his future Granite Building studio at Fourth and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis would look out over the iconic structure.

Arcadia, MO Estimate $350-650

Autumn Comes to the Country Lane Estimate $1,000-2,000

CHARLES FRANCIS QUEST (AMERICAN, 1904-1993) Quest wanted to be an artist from when he was a boy and copied old-master paintings onto his bedroom walls. He studied art in Washington and then traveled to France, Spain, and England. Quest taught at the Washington University School of Fine Arts in St. Louis for many years, where he learned to make woodcuts and created many images of figures and still lifes. He found these “more enjoyable than any other means of expression” (Walker, “Charles Quest: Visions in Copper and Wood,” Summer 2002, Georgetown University Art Collection, online exhibition). He retired in the 1970s and moved to an artists’ colony in Tryon, North Carolina. He enjoyed the solitude of the colony and spent ten or twelve hours every day painting in his studio.

Courtesy St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Portrait of a lady in white fur

Estimate $350-750

Mother & Child

Sleeping Girl

Estimate $150-350

Estimate $150-350

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Female Nude

Estimate $150-300

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VALENTINE VOGEL (AMERICAN, 1906-1965) A portrait, landscape, figure, mural and abstract painter, as well as a wood block printer, Valentine Vogel is considered the grand dame of St. louis impressionism.

At the age of 2 1/2, she attended Miss West's Private School in Saint Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Principia High School at the age of 15, when she went to Washington University. She studied at the Art Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the National Academy of Design in New York City; figure painting with Richard Miller and color with Hugh Breckenridge and Charles Hawthorne in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

She also studied in Paris, France with Andre L'hote at the Petit Chaumier and the Grand Chaumier, and in Italy, at the American Academy in Rome. She was one of a few women ever admitted to the Academy. While in Rome, she lived at the palace of Prince and Princess Valm Wolkonsky near the Academy and held a solo show of thirty paintings at the American Club in Paris. Also a gifted musician, she made her debut in Paris with a Chopin concert. While in Paris, she studied music with Serge Wexler from the Imperial School of Petrograd.

Valentine Vogel returned to St. Louis, painting, teaching art and playing leads, dancing and singing in productions in St. Louis and New York City.

Still Life Estimate $150-350

Female Nude Study Estimate $100-300

The One-Room School House Estimate $1,000-2,000 www.SELKIRKAUCTIONS.com • 7

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150+ LOTS 1904 ST. LOUIS WORLD'S FAIR AND VEILED PROPHET COLLECTIBLES

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DESKTOP MODEL LAMP OF THE ST. LOUIS GATEWAY ARCH

ST. LOUIS BASEBALL CARDINALS BUSCH STADIUM ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE PLAQUE

RUDOLPH TORRINI (AMERICAN, 1923-2018) ROBERT "BOB" CASSILLY (AMERICAN, 1949-2011)

www.SELKIRKAUCTIONS.com • 9

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PABLO PICASSO (SPANISH, 1881-1973)

SOLD $120,000

PAUL-EMILE BORDUAS (FRENCH-CANADIAN, 1905-1960)

SOLD $120,000

MARSDEN HARTLEY (AMERICAN, 1877-1943)

SOLD $552,000

2021 in REVIEW

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A Letter from the Director On behalf of the Selkirk team, we would like to extend our gratitude for your part in a successful and exciting 2021. Since 1830, Selkirk has held precedence both in the region of St. Louis and the auction world. This is a legacy we take immense pride in continuing and driving to greater heights in the years to come. We could not do it without you.

As some of you may know, the culmination of 2021 marks the second full year of a fresh chapter in Selkirk’s legacy under new and passionate ownership. It is under this reinvigorated leadership Selkirk has introduced thoughtfully curated sales and expanded our impact on the international market.

We have implemented better ways to communicate with our buyers and increased exposure for our sellers through additional platforms.

With the close of 2020, Selkirk had already begun paving its way with an auction record achieved for a work by Fred Greene Carpenter. Following suit, the beginning of 2021 ushered in a valuable re-discovery in the art world – Popocatepetl by Marsden Hartley. The sale execution and offering of this American Modern Art masterpiece is a personal honor and an inspiring accomplishment for our team.

From the abstract expressionism of painter Paul Emile-Borduas, to the iconic ceramics of Picasso, to the works of regional sculptor Ernest Tino Trova, Selkirk has embraced the opportunity to represent masters in the modern art world during our Modernism & Contemporary auctions, making these events a fast favorite.

It was September when Selkirk achieved a new milestone by shining light on an anthropological gem that

had long been kept in the dark. Picture Cave, a twocave system of ancient polychrome wall paintings enveloped in Warren County, Missouri, brought Selkirk to the forefront of international media attention and sparked commotion in the art world.

On September 14th, Selkirk offered Picture Cave, not as real estate, but as the irreplaceable art and cultural treasure it is. Picture Cave sold for the realized price of $2.2M USD and will be preserved in perpetuity.

Selkirk’s devotion to quality art and object has compelled an initiative to highlight increasingly rare and intriguing period items within our popular Gallery Auctions. Meticulous single-owner collections have inspired new sale formats geared towards the devoted collector. A coveted dollhouse miniatures collection generated large results to kick off the

autumn season. October followed with an internat ionally recognized sale exclusively featuring Chinese snuff bottles. Though each lot was under 3 inches in height, several reached $3,000 in realized value.

Our 4th annual Historic St. Louis auction will bring a roaring 2021 to a close this December 11th. We approach 2022 with fervent ambition and welcome you and yours to visit our downtown St. Louis gallery.

Whether you have bid with us, consigned with us, or otherwise lent us your support, it is through you our continued mission is being met; raising industry standards through the aspirational powers of art.

Thank you.

Respectfully, Bryan Laughlin

already begun d achieved for Following suit, in a valuable opocatepetl by and offering of ce is a personal nt for our team. f painter Paul s of Picasso, to est Tino Trova, ty to represent d during our s, making these

ved a new mileogical gem that

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1965 FENDER STRATOCASTER SUNBURST SOLID BODY GUITAR

SOLD $21,250

3.6 CARAT DIAMOND RING

SOLD $36,000

ERNEST TINO TROVA (AMERICAN, 1927-2009)

PICTURE CAVE: TWO-CAVE SYSTEM OF NATIVE AMERICAN PAINTINGS

SOLD $39,000

SOLD $2.2 MILLION

JUN

had long been kept in the dark. Picture Cave, a twocave system of ancient polychrome wall paintings enveloped in Warren County, Missouri, brought Selkirk to the forefront of international media attention and sparked commotion in the art world.

On September 14th, Selkirk offered Picture Cave, not as real estate, but as the irreplaceable art and cultural treasure it is. Picture Cave sold for the realized price of $2.2M USD and will be preserved in perpetuity.

Selkirk’s devotion to quality art and object has compelled an initiative to highlight increasingly rare and intriguing period items within our popular Gallery Auctions. Meticulous single-owner collections have inspired new sale formats geared towards the devoted collector. A coveted dollhouse miniatures collection generated large results to kick off the

JUL

autumn season. October followed with an internat ionally recognized sale exclusively featuring Chinese snuff bottles. Though each lot was under 3 inches in height, several reached $3,000 in realized value.

AUG

SEP MEIJI BRONZE GEESE JARDINIERE

BY GENRYUSAI SEIYA

SOLD $11,400

OCT

NOV

DEC

ANDY WARHOL (AMERICAN, 1928-1987)

SOLD $51,000

Our 4th annual Historic St. Louis auction will bring a roaring 2021 to a close this December 11th. We approach 2022 with fervent ambition and welcome you and yours to visit our downtown St. Louis gallery.

Whether you have bid with us, consigned with us, or otherwise lent us your support, it is through you our continued mission is being met; raising industry standards through the aspirational powers of art.

Thank you.

Respectfully, Bryan Laughlin www.SELKIRKAUCTIONS.com • 11

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SELKIRK

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Winter Gallery Auction Eclectic Collections The Splendor of Majolica Native American & Western Art Creative Interiors His & Her Specialty Auction Spring Gallery Auction Modernism & Contemporary Creative Interiors Eclectic Collections Summer Gallery Auction Creative Interiors TBA Specialty Auction PLAY! A Vintage Gaming & Collectibles TBA Specialty Auction Autumn Gallery Auction Creative Interiors Modernism & Contemporary Eclectic Collections Historic St Louis & Mississippi River Valley Contact us to include your single item or entire collection 314.696.9041 sell@selkirkauctions.com

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JANUARY J ANUARY 21–30, 21–30 3 , 2022 2022 OPENING NIGHT NIGH HT PARTY PA ARTY Ʃ JANUARY JANUARY 20 PARK P ARK AVENUE AVENUE V E ARMORY ARMORY 643 PARK PARK AVENUE, AVEN V NUE, NEW YORK YORK CITY Y THEWINTERSHOW.ORG THEWINTERSH HOW.ORG Images Image s courtesy courtesy of Robert Rob bert Simon Fine Art, Art, Rolleston Rolleston Ltd, Ltd, and The Old Print Shop

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