November 15, 2012

Guernsey’s/Graham Arader No-Reserve Auction of Treasures

New York, NY - On December 5th, Guernsey's Auction House will be conducting the sale of hundreds of treasures acquired over the last four decades by noted gallerist Graham Arader.

Recognized internationally for his extraordinary collections and philanthropic nature, Mr. Arader is generously supporting several fine universities by turning auction proceeds into meaningful donations.
Prospective buyers should note that the majority of auction lots will be sold either without minimum reserve or with reserves well below the amounts Mr. Arader purchased the items for over the years. The purchase prices of each item will be made public prior to the auction.
 
Following a nearly week long preview (Nov. 30 - Dec. 4), the auction will be held live at Arader's beautiful Beaux Arts flagship gallery on New York City's Madison Avenue at 78th Street. Naturally, Guernsey's will be accommodating those unable to attend by making absentee bidding available via the Internet (liveauctioneers.com) and telephone. A massive, handsome auction catalogue thoroughly depicts and documents the extraordinary offerings.
 
Featured categories include eighty two of John James Audubon's stunning copper engravings of Birds and Quadrupeds. Many of the most sought after drawings, virtually all in uncut, pristine condition will be sold. Arguably the finest selection of historic maps and rare globes ever to come to auction will include the extremely rare hand-colored woodcut map of the Atlantic Ocean by Martin Waldseemüller, centerpiece of his groundbreaking 1513 atlas.
 
The Natural History Section of the auction will contain sixty six lots of beautiful watercolors and color plate books including a magnificent collection of the books of John Gould, without question the most prolific ornithological artist of the 19th century. Fifty nine lots will be devoted to handsome watercolors and maps depicting early scenes of New York City. Auction lots include a 19th century landscape of Manhattan as seen from Hoboken, a wonderful Great Gatsby-era birds-eye view of Long Island's then-developing Gold Coast, and an extremely rare secret plan of the City created by a British officer on the eve of the Revolution. Additionally, there will be a fine offering of American and European paintings by such noted artists as Thomas Hill and George Henry Durrie.
 
Naturally, the items above represent only the smallest sampling from this extraordinary event. Interested collectors and those who appreciate amongst the rarest and most beautiful works ever created on paper are urged to contact Guernsey's for complete information.
 
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About Guernsey’s
Guernsey’s Auction House, known for such extraordinary events as the Titanic, John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Mickey Mantle and Princess Diana. All are invited to attend the Roger Tory Peterson Auction and for more information, please call 212-794-2280 or aettinger@guernseys.com.