Zurich: Our multi-faceted offerings of rare books, autographs, maps, graphic arts and paintings aroused great interest among Swiss and international collectors, traders and institutions. The distinctly noticeable upwards trend in the art market manifested itself in lively bidding battles, and these occurred both on-site in the hall and per telephone.
De Wilde, Jacob, Signa antiqua, Amsterdam, 1700,author’s edition of a noble curio collection
Particularly desired were, among others: autographs from Max Frisch, Hermann Hesse, Rainer Maria Rilke, Thomas Mann; four complete editions of the Jugendstil magazine PAN in original condition; the volume “Aus Worpswede”, 1897 with original graphics of the artists’ community of Worpswede; the Bavarian Judicial Procedures Code of 1520; a literary corpus pertaining to History and Napoleon I.;E. Francisci’s complete, early travelogue covering Asia and the South Seas, published by Endter, Nuremberg, 1670; Galileo Galilei’sOpere Citato in the first edition of the complete works, Florence, 1718; Schleiden’s Studies of 1857, from the der Library of the Austrian Crown Prince Rudolf von Oesterreich; and also F. Würtz, Wund-Artzney … with a booklet for midwives and children, Basel, 1695. Last, but not least in this category were rare ex libris booksfrom the Einsiedler Collection Doetsch Benziger; Jacob de Wilde’s remarkable Signa antiqua, Amsterdam from 1700, author’s edition of a noble curio collection which encompasses 60 copperplates by his daughter Maria – as a footnote, no less a figure than Peter the Great personally visited this collection in 1697 and ultimately acquired it for his most opulent domicile in St. Petersburg. A most significant component of the offerings of Rhaeto-Romanic printings is the “Li Statuti di Valtelina”, Chur, 1548, first book ever printed in the Swiss Canton of Grisons. Indeed, this exemplary work of great rarity, being in good condition, exceeded the estimates in a manifold manner.
Among the graphics and paintings which changed hands were: a very fine, already expressive pastel by Cuno Amiet, portraying his wife Anna circa 1910; an original color lithograph by Georges Braque, „Quatre Oiseaux“, circa 1950; woodcarvings by Lucas Cranach from1548; a Bavarian votive plate from the 18th century; Simon Johannes van Douw‘s monumental horse market adjacent to the Quirinal Palace in Rome, 17th century; Additionally, great attention was received by both of the expressive works by Werner Scholz“Mädchen mit schwarzem Umhang” (“Girl with black cape”), pastel, 1931, and das oil painting “Die Braut“, (“The Bride”) 1932, each belonging to a Swiss private collection and not previously offered for sale.
Picasso, P., “Peintre avec modèle”. Etching, 1968 I. (Bloch 1774)
Further interesting lots will be offered until the end of August in our post-auction sale!www.falkauktionen.ch/ List of objects not sold during the 28th Book & Art Auction from the 26th of June 2010
With respect to the autumn and winter auctions, we are happy to receive your postings on a continual basis. Detailed information is available via www.falkauktionen.ch/ Terms
We appreciate your kind attention and look forward to establishing contact with you.
De Wilde, Jacob, Signa antiqua, Amsterdam, 1700, author’s edition of a noble curio collection
Picasso, P., “Peintre avec modèle”. Etching, 1968 I. (Bloch 1774)