Delicate and Deadly Masterpieces in Oakridge Auction Gallery’s First Summer 2020 Auction

ASHBURN, VA - Elegance and edge are the dual themes of Oakridge Auction Gallery’s first summer 2020 auction, “From Drawing Room to Battlefield: Fine Art & Antiques of the 18th-21st Century.” This auction, scheduled for 10 am Eastern Time on June 27, 2020, offers two contrasting visions of technological and artistic innovation over the last three centuries. Delicate porcelain, crystal, and silver decorative art created to adorn the salons of the beau monde is juxtaposed with the grim, if occasionally also decorative, reality of military uniforms, sabres, and battlefield relics.

Lot 56, Meissen, Cupid on Bicycle, Model T6; Estimate $4,000-$6,000

Among the esteemed artists and artisans representing the first theme of the auction are German porcelain factory Meissen and Austrian crystal manufacturer Swarovski. Over 80 lots of Meissen porcelain figurines are being brought to auction from the collection of a gentleman in Virginia, including rare and sought-after figures such as the Cupid on Bicycle, Model T6, designed by August Ringler (1837-1918). This delicate yet wonderfully animate figure shows a boyish Cupid bent intensely over the handlebars of his bicycle, the pink drape streaming behind him attesting to his velocity. In good condition, Cupid on Bicycle is estimated at $4,000 – 6,000 USD.

Lot 265, Joseph Mallord William Turner RA (British, 1775—1851) watercolor on paper; Estimate $20,000-$30,000

The two stars of the sale’s “drawing room” are two paintings, by the 18-19th century British master Joseph Mallard William Turner, RA (British, 1775—1851) and the American artist Paul Starrett Sample, respectively. Wrought in soft hues with watercolor and pencil, the watercolor of “Bonneville in Savoy” by JMW Turner comes to Oakridge from the Slade family collection, from which several exquisite Chinese jade and porcelain works have been brought to auction in previous Fine Asian Art auction at Oakridge. Provenance paperwork, including purchase documentation from the Fine Art Society in London in the 1950s, is included with the painting. The painting is in the style of John Robert Cozens, believed to have been painted during Turner’s student years.

From these artistic marvels, the auction shifts to militaria and battlefield relics from the American Civil War (1860-1865) and the American Indian Wars (1609-1924), highlighted by a ‘Dog River’ Style Confederate Cavalry Sabre, with an original scabbard, formerly part of an Ohio collection. Also included among the militaria are several uniforms, both full and partial, from shoulder boards and cavalry gauntlets to a M1872 Staff Officer’s Frock Coat, estimated at $1,500 - $2,000.

Oakridge invites bidders to participate in the auction online via Bidsquare as well as by telephone and absentee bidding. Pre-registration for live bidding may be made available in early June – interested bidders should inquire directly with Oakridge by calling or emailing the front office at 703-291-1010 or auction@oakridgeauctiongallery.com. The auction exhibition will be available to view by appointment beginning June 8, 2020.

For further questions or requests for additional photography of videography, please contact Oakridge at 703-291-1010 or auction@oakridgeauctiongallery.com and follow Oakridge on social media for the most up-to-date event information.