World-Class Exhibitors and Rare Collections at the Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show
(Naples, Fla. - February 2013) — The Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show came to a close this past Monday after five days of impressive numbers and record-breaking attendance. The Naples Exhibition Center was transformed into one of the finest art, antique and jewelry exhibitions in the world, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 16,000 patrons that were genuinely impressed with the atmosphere and consistent quality of dealers that presented aisle after aisle of carefully selected offerings.
The Show opened its doors on Thursday, February 7 for a private Opening Night Preview Party where guests were greeted with champagne and hors d’oeuvres while they admired the international collections of fine art, antiquities and stunning jewels. The once barren, grassy field that sits along Goodlette-Frank Road South, was transformed into a luxurious exhibition center adorned with incredible lighting, white-carpeted aisles, colorful walls, and full service restaurant areas. Local attendees were mesmerized by the conversion as they meandered throughout the show in awe of their surroundings.
“The Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show was once again a huge success. A show of this caliber in Naples is a perfect fit for the sophistication and culture of the people who reside here seasonally and year-round,” stated Scott Diament, CEO and president of the Palm Beach Show Group. “We have created an elegant atmosphere in which top international dealers can showcase the finest antiques, art and jewelry in the world - and we have brought them to the heart of Naples.”
Exhibitor Howard Rehs of Rehs Contemporary Gallery also commented, “The Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show was another quality show for us to meet people and perspective clients as well as reassure us that the art market is viable and in demand. We were pleased with the important sales we made over the weekend.”
Collectors, dealers and critics alike agreed that the Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show has found a home in the convenient and respected location in downtown Naples and the show will continue to flourish due to the overwhelming support of the local community.
“Extraordinary attendance, and lots of knowledgeable buyers,” stated Greg Bloch of The Chicago Gallery. “You can’t ask for more than that!”
Sales were strong and reported from across the board, spanning old European Masters to contemporary works. Jewelry, majolica, furniture, maps and fine textiles seemed to be in high demand. Exhibitors noted that while guests were more thoughtful and conscious of quality versus price, they were still making sound purchases.
More than 60 participating galleries reported sales throughout the weekend, including:
- New York- based Rehs Contemporary Gallery sold a John Stobart, oil on canvas titled Standing for a Berth for $65,000.
- Atlanta based J.S. Fearnley sold an exquisite pair of diamond and sapphire earrings.
- Marc Ravet (France) sold an elegant French rosewood desk dating back to the late 17th century.
- Greenwich- based Cavalier Galleries sold a captivating ilfochrome photograph by world renowned photographer Steven McCurry’s Afghan Girl With Hands on Face, Ed. 18/30 with an asking price of $20,000.
- Ohio- based Solomon Suchard Antiques & Fine Art sold a magnificent watercolor by French artist Pierre Eugene Clairin titled Albany, New York ’46 and an oil on panel by French artist Andre Meriel-Bussy (1902-1985) titled Meres Regendant leurs Enfants- Jardin du Luxembourg circa 1935.
- Chicago’s own, The Chicago Gallery reported the sales of multiple original lithographs from the “Les Maitres de L’Affiche” series printed by Imprimerie Chaix, Paris.
- Dania Beach- based Gallery of Amazing Things sold a stunning Fossil Art Mural from the Eocene period with origins in Southwestern Wyoming, containing a 22” Phareodus encaustus, and 18” Diplomystus dentatus for $14,500.
- Atlanta- based Kendall Fine Art sold a dramatic oil on canvas by French artist Jean Baptiste Olive (1848-1936) - Les Falaises a Cassis, circa 1929 with an asking price of $78,000.
- Boca Raton- based Sherry’s reported the sale of an opulent strand of black diamonds and baroque pearls to a local Naples collector.
- Baltimore- based Moylan-Smelkinson The Spare Room sold a lovely Wedgewood majolica fish, circa 1880.
- R & A International reported the sales of several outstanding pieces of jewelry including a 36” Tahitian pearl with diamond spacer necklace and a Bicchiotti sapphire and diamond ring.
- Charlotte- based McColl Fine Art reported the sales of two very important 19th century French paintings for an undisclosed amount to a serious collector.
- New York- based Lion Heart Autographs reported the sales of many important autographs and manuscripts including a signed letter from President Ronald Reagan to famous crooner, Rudy Valley.
- London- based Moira of New Bond Street sold a stunning pair of gemstone bracelets and a stunning 1920’s art deco watch for an asking price of $18,000.
- New Hampshire- based Antique American Wicker sold an elegant wicker writing desk and a set of large rattan club chairs with ottomans to a local Naples collector.
- Palm Beach- based Made in Russia sold a 18th century archangel Gabriel Icon on a carved and gilded frame form Iconastis row of an alter church in Moscow for an undisclosed amount as well as a number of other notable 18th and 19th century Russian icons.
- Santa Barbara- based Vendome sold a Marilyn Cooperman sapphire necklace and a Roberto Coin enamel cuff and earring set for an undisclosed amount.
- Washington- based John Atzbach sold a coronation cup dated 1896 made exclusively for the coronation of Russian Czar, Nicholas II.
- Annapolis- based TOJ Gallery sold a superior collection of 8 colored etchings and woodblock prints by European and American artists to a novice collector.
- Pennsylvania- based Charles L. Washburne Antiques sold a very important Minton teapot circa 1870 as well as a variety of whimsical majolica pieces.
“This show has exceeded all of our expectations,” concluded Diament. “This year’s show was able to draw more enthusiastic collectors and buyers - due to the fact that we cherry-picked the best possible location and we compiled the finest group of international exhibitors that has ever been assembled in Naples.”
