Premier Auction - Session II | November 12, 2022
Sat, Nov 12, 2022 09:00AM EST
Lot 699
Two Rare Portraits of Benjamin Franklin
Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
French, 18th/19th century, sulphide cameo of Benjamin Franklin encased within cut glass, starburst design, with gilt bronze hanging loop on top, reverse of cameo signed "Desprez", 3/4 x 5-1/4 in.; Le Flambeau De L'Univers, hand colored etching depicting Benjamin Franklin, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire, within circle reading each's birth and death dates, wood portrait miniature frame, sight, 2-1/2 in. diameter, frame, 4-7/8 x 4-3/4 in.
Note:An identical sulphide is at the National Portrait Gallery (1927X): https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_1927X
Identical examples at the Biblioteque National de France and the Freemasons Lodge, Philadelphia:
Biblioteque Nationale de France (Estampes, N2 VOLTAIRE) http://expositions.bnf.fr/lumieres/grand/346.htm
Freemasons Lodge, Philadelphia, http://www.benfranklin300.org/frankliniana/result.php?id=537&sec=0
Background on Important Private Collection from Boston:
I have been working with this collector for over 25 years, both in the initial acquisition of the objects and overseeing their conservation as needed. With a keen eye for quality and design, and a deep passion for all things classical, he has quietly amassed a top-notch collection of American furniture and decorative arts. The collection encompasses outstanding examples from the leading cabinetmakers of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, representing excellence in form and proportions, condition, wood quality, and carving. It also includes rare objects that are among the best of their kind. Now, with the downsizing of one of his properties, the offerings in this catalog are coming to market to find new owners who share a love for this remarkable period in American furniture history.
Clark Pearce,
Advisor and Consultant to Collectors and Institutions
Provenance: Property from an Important Boston Collection
Condition
interior air bubbles, scratches, scattered flea bites at edges; pest damage, chip to wood, warp to gilt metal liner
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
