Ambrosius Benson’s (Lombardy, circa 1495-1550) “Saint Mary Magdalene” made $390,000.

GENESEO, N.Y. — Cottone Auctions’ September 25 Fine Art, Antiques & Clocks Auction achieved a total of $2.4 million, led by a rare devotional panel, “Saint Mary Magdalene” by Ambrosius Benson (circa 1495-1550). The Northern Renaissance painting sold for $390,000 after spirited international competition, underscoring both Benson’s enduring significance and the continued strength of the Old Master market.

Women artists commanded top results. A canvas by feminist painter Alice Baber, “Green Around Green,” realized $170,800. Baber, who studied in Paris and exhibited internationally, developed a luminous technique of thin glazes, guided by her belief that “color is light made visible.” A modernist oil, “Cat Lady” (1978), by Sally Michel Avery, wife of Milton Avery, achieved $82,960. “Late Summer” by Navajo artist Emmi Whitehorse brought $85,400.

Other highlights of modern and Twentieth Century art included Larry Poons’ “Fiddle Stop,” an oil from his acclaimed “elephant-skin” period. Acquired in the 1970s from Buffalo’s (N.Y.) Nina Freudenheim Gallery, the textured canvas sold for $109,800. A “Son-ambient” sculpture by Harry Bertoia, crafted from rods of bronze and brass to produce ethereal tones when touched by air currents, achieved $106,140, setting an auction record for its size. A watercolor by Andrew Wyeth, “Adam and His Wagon” (1940), from the collection of Mr and Mrs N. Holland Jewett of East Aurora, N.Y., also brought $85,400. The work is illustrated in Andrew Wyeth: Close Friends (University of Washington Press, 2001).

Andrew Wyeth’s (American, 1917-2009) “Adam and His Wagon” was bid to $85,400.

In the decorative arts, a Duffner & Kimberly Wisteria table lamp sold for $47,580, while a rare Handel Poppy lamp realized $46,360. The firm rivaled Tiffany Studios in artistry and craftsmanship during the early Twentieth Century. Arts and crafts pieces were highlighted by a Roycroft oak table with macmurdo feet, selling for $7,564, and a Grueby faience vase totaling $8,235.

Clocks drew strong interest, highlighted by a rare Walter H. Durfee Girandole clock from the collection of Bruce Austin of Pittsford, N.Y. The circa 1922 timepiece with reverse painting was signed “D.J. Steele” and sold for $24,400. Another piece from Austin’s collection was a fine and rare Simon Willard Bride’s model banjo clock, with a thermometer throat glass, which brought $7,625. A Federal tall case clock with a rocking ship movement attributed to Simon Willard achieved $26,840.

Noteworthy Americana included a Nineteenth Century still life with watermelons by Donald Fisher, Jr, from the MacKay Homestead (Caledonia, N.Y.), which realized $26,230.

“We were thrilled with the results across all categories,” said Matt Cottone of Cottone Auctions.
Prices quoted include buyer’s premium as reported by the auction house. For information, www.cottoneauctions.com or 585-243-1000.