Alderfer Auction rose to new heights at its fine and decorative arts auction June 11‱3 with the sale of a 25-by-30-inch Delaware River scene by George Stengel.
The painting, depicting an autumn landscape with a view across the Delaware River, attained $60,375, breaking the world auction record for a work by the artist. Stengel, known for his textile designs as well as his paintings, produced numerous scenes depicting New Hope, the Delaware River and various local areas. This work was sold to a phone bidder after strong competition by floor and several other phone bidders.
A floral painting, “Hollyhock Silhouette” by Mary Elizabeth Price, achieved $31,625. Price, known for her floral paintings with gold and silver leaf, is one of the most prominent female artists associated with the New Hope School of Art. The 19½-by-15-inch composition was a strong example of her signature style.
George Sotter’s 8-by-10-inch cloud scene, complemented by a frame by New Hope framemaker Raymond Vanselous, realized $14,950. This was one of three paintings by the artist in the auction, all of which displayed a range of subject matter.
In addition to works by Pennsylvania Impressionists, several New Hope Modernists were represented in the sale. Lloyd Ney, one of the leaders of the Modern movement in New Hope, helped to transform the town into an artistic center.
Five works by Ney were for sale, including “Pewter Composition”, a 30-by-30-inch nonobjective work that brought $8,050. Works by the Cooperative Arts Project group known as Ramstonev were offered as well. Ramstonev, which consisted of Modernists Charles Ramsey, Charles Evans and Louis Stone, produced single compositions that the three artists worked on at the same time and with consensus. A mixed medium composition by the group sold for $2,587.
The second day of the auction started strongly with an archive related to US military officer Persifor F. Smith, a colonel during the Mexican War and a Philadelphia native. Alderfer presented Smith’s personal diary from the Seminole Wars in 1836, which included various maps and detailed notes. Heavy floor, phone and online bidding spurred the final auction price to $25,300. A grouping of letters written to Smith was also offered and realized $2,300.
A lecture handwritten by artist Rembrandt Peale brought $5,750. The lecture, “The Fine Arts,” was written circa 1830s and mentioned living artists of the time as well as classical artists.
A silver standout was a Schofield “Baltimore Rose” repousse water pitcher, dating from the early 1900s, that sold for $3,737.
Alderfer offered several bronzes during the auction. A bronze of a nymph female figure pouring water by Steiner sold for $8,050. The piece stood 34 inches tall and was a fine example of the sculpture often found at Alderfer catalog auctions.
Several pieces of furniture received strong attention throughout the auction. The 94-inch-tall case clock by Christian Bixler of Easton, Penn., brought $14,950. The eight-day clock was marked with a three-digit number that indicated that the clock was made circa 1800‱805. A contemporary Schimmel baby grand piano realized $10, 925. The signed piece received much attention during preview.
Oriental carpets drew a strong crowd. Various styles and sizes were offered. The Serapi, 15 feet by 11 feet 3 inches, sold for $18,400 and the smaller Serapi, 9 feet 1 inch by 13 feet, realized $13,225.
This auction is one of four fine and decorative arts auctions at Alderfer annually. The next catalog auction will be September 10‱2 and will feature a 100-plus clock collection, as well as figurines from the Dorothy Doughty American bird collection in addition to jewelry, ephemera, decorative accessories, furniture and fine art.
Alderfer Auction is at 501 Fairgrounds Road. For more information, www.alderferauction.com or contact H. Brent Souder at 215-393-3003.
