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Nye & Company’s Hunt, Heritage & Home Auction: A Tribute to Sporting Life and Fine Craftsmanship
Nye & Company concluded April with its Hunt, Heritage & Home: Property from the Estate of Susan Ely auction, a sale that celebrated the life, passions, and discerning taste of the New Jersey-based art dealer. The auction featured 365 lots, each reflecting Ely’s appreciation for sporting art, fine craftsmanship, and the sentimental value of cherished objects. The sale achieved an 80% sell-through rate by lot, with prices exceeding the mid-point of estimates and nearing the high end of presale expectations, demonstrating strong buyer interest across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Sporting Art: A Focus on Canine and Equine Themes
Susan Ely’s collection prominently featured sporting art, with dogs and horses taking center stage. Dogs, often referred to as man’s best friend, were a recurring motif, particularly spaniels and setters. Highlights included:
- Franklin Whiting Rogers’ Portrait of a Spaniel: An oil on canvas signed “F.W. Rogers,” this painting fetched $7,040, well above its $800-$1,200 estimate.
- Nineteenth-Century English or French School Setter Portraits: Two unsigned oil on canvas paintings of English setters captivated bidders, while Sleeping English Setters by the British School achieved $4,688.
- Rudolf Schrader’s Sleeping English Setter: This 1883 oil on canvas sold for $2,813, over five times its high estimate.
- Colin Graeme Roe’s Sporting Dog Paintings: Roe’s works were highly sought after, with Sporting Dogs in Landscape leading the pack at $3,200.
Equine art also saw competitive bidding, particularly bronze sculptures:
- René Paris’ A Two Year Old’s Canter: An 8-inch-tall bronze sculpture mounted on marble, this piece galloped to $4,375.
- Pierre Lenordez’s Hunter, Hound, and Horn: Signed by both Lenordez and Victor Boyer, this 1865 bronze depicting a horse, dog, and hunting horn fetched $1,536.
Beyond Dogs and Horses: Other Animal Artworks
The auction showcased a diverse array of animal-themed artworks, appealing to a broad range of collectors:
- Arthur Batt’s Three Donkeys at Fence: This oil on canvas, signed and dated 1890, achieved the highest price for a painting at $8,960.
- John Wainewright’s Highland Moor: Depicting four Highland cows, this piece sold for five times its high estimate at $2,560.
- Frans “Van” Severdonck’s Barnyard Fowl Feeding: This painting flapped to $2,125.
Heritage and Home: Tiffany Silver and Fine Furniture
The auction’s “Heritage” and “Home” sections highlighted exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.
- 1890 Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Service: This 255-piece set in the Broom Corn pattern, originally owned by Sir Thomas Ashley Sparks, weighed approximately 266 troy ounces and sold for $17,500, the highest price of the sale. Two additional Broom Corn pattern lots, including an ice cream server and salad spoon set, each fetched $750.
- George I Carved Walnut Footstool: Dating to the early Eighteenth Century, this footstool featured an upholstered seat with nine panels depicting various scenes. It surpassed its $1,2/1,800 estimate to earn $4,063.
Auction Highlights and Buyer Demographics
The sale attracted a diverse group of bidders, primarily private collectors from across the U.S., with some participation from European and Asian buyers. Trade buyers also played a role, reflecting the broad appeal of the collection.
President Andrew Holter expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s results and the opportunity to honor Susan Ely’s legacy. “It was a real pleasure working with the family of Susan Ely,” he said. “This sale is proof that the traditional and sporting aesthetic is alive and well.”
Upcoming Auctions
Nye & Company will continue its busy schedule with two upcoming sales:
- Maritime and Country House Collection of a Private New Jersey Collector (June 11)
- Chic and Antique Auction (June 12-13)
For more information, collectors can visit www.nyeandcompany.com or call 973-984-6900.
Conclusion
The Hunt, Heritage & Home auction was a testament to Susan Ely’s passion for art, animals, and history. From sporting dog portraits to Tiffany silverware and antique furniture, the sale showcased a wide range of collectibles that resonated with bidders worldwide. With strong results and enthusiastic participation, the auction underscored the enduring appeal of traditional and sporting aesthetics in today’s market.
