I’ve previously written about the Charles Martignette collection of American Illustration Art, but I’m writing again because this time I’m giving you advance notice of an upcoming auction, being held by Heritage Galleries on Oct 27, 2009, where you will have the opportunity to buy paintings from his collection. Charles had accumulated one of the best American illustration art collections in the world before his untimely death in February, 2008.

Norman Rockwell, Heritage lot #96253
Norman Rockwell will be represented with several lots. Rockwell has sold for over a million dollars for some of his famous magazine cover illustrations, but this colored pencil on board from 1955, for Scott Tissue, is estimated to sell for $8,000 – $12,000.

Howard Chandler Christy, Heritage lot #96058

Cafe des Artistes, showing several Howard Chandler Christy paintings
Christy painted all of the paintings that decorated the interior of Cafe des Artistes, a quintessentially New York restaurant and a wonderful place for Sunday brunch. Unfortunately the restaurant closed this past summer and has since filed for bankruptcy. Hopefully the paintings will still be available for viewing at some point in the future.
The Heritage sale has many other paintings with lower estimates, but I suspect that the actual selling prices will be significantly higher. Remember what I’ve repeated in many of my blog entries — auctions always do well with fresh to the market items priced below fair value. I’ll write about the sale after it’s over and we’ll see if I’m right about my prediction. If you’re interested, here’s the link to the auction. Heritage Signature Illustration Art Auction #7016.
Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.
Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com