Bidder found Fresh Long Island Oysters appetizing for $2,300.

By David S. Smith

ROCKLAND, MAINE — For the second time within a one-week span, an impressive example of James Bard work came to auction, and once again the artist not only achieved a substantial price, but also claimed honors as the top lot of the auction. The most recent Bard painting to sell was offered at James Julia’s “Spectacular Maine Auction” on Thursday August 22. The 311/2- by 531/2-inch painting, cataloged as a “magnificent and important oil on canvas of the sidewheeler Thomas P. Way,” achieved a final price of $145,500, including premium.

Other top lots included a large William Trost Richards oil selling at $140,000, a four-piece Russian tea service $102,600, and a Belter sofa in the “Tuthill King” pattern established a record price at auction when it realized $63,000.

A complete review will appear in a future issue.