New Orleans Auction Galleries,Inc. is pleased to announce its Major Estates Auction, taking place Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4, 2012. This auction is the Gallery’s first of the year and represents collections from a variety of private estates. Bidding begins at 1 p.m. CST on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Featuring 1,961 exquisite lots, the Estates Auction includes fine artwork, porcelain, furniture, jewelry and furs. Thursday, March 1, the Gallery welcomes guests to enjoy a late evening exhibition from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Walking through the vignettes at New Orleans Auction Galleries, one is struck by not only the variety of items offered, but also by so many diverse visitors. The preview allows you to mingle with young professionals, families furnishing a new home, first-timers and seasoned collectors looking for that one special object. This sale offers something for everyone, from works by academic artists with long auction track records, to lesser known upcoming names, to contemporary art installations of glass and metal (like the curious and stunning “Breathe”), as well as some favorite Southern artists like George Dunbar, whose bold works of layered clay, silver and gold leaf, fittingly adorn the exposed brick walls of this Arts District restored warehouse gallery.

The exhibition staff at New Orleans Auction Galleries pride themselves on the placement and layout of furniture, artwork, and decorative items, creating interesting and livable rooms. One eye catching vignette consists of a very comfortable Provincial Louis XV-style bergere, a period Provincial Louis XV walnut writing table with tooled leather top, an interesting and unusual halltree composed of antique French mirrored doors, a chinnoiserie and gilt bombe commode, and a Provincial oak narrow armoire. The setting is completed with bronze lamps, a long footstool in daring leopard fabric and various pillows. One could imagine taking the entire room home.

The eclectic mix of items also comes with a variety of price points, with bidding for some lots starting below $100. New Orleans Auction Galleries also has select fashion pieces including jewelry, handbags and furs. “We are excited to once again feature some beautiful fashion pieces in our Major Estates Sale,” says Jean Vidos, President of New Orleans Auction Galleries, Inc. There are two vitrines overflowing with vintage Chanel, Prada, Bottega Venetta, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior handbags and accessories.

Bidding can be done in person, over the phone or online with Live Auctioneers http://www.liveauctioneers.com/.

Lots available for sale in the auction came from several private estates. Notable pieces include:

- Important George III sterling silver Neoclassical Turneen-on-Stand, by Robert Sharp

- Philip Russell Goodwin’s “Moose Trappers,” oil on canvas presented in a polychrome and parcel-gilt frame

- Fine cased four volume set of Abbeville Edition, Double Elephant Folio of The Birds of America after John James Audubon

- Antoine Blanchard’s “Boulevard de l’Opera,” oil on canvas presented in a floral-molded giltwood frame

- Marcel Dyf’s “Fleur au Pot Chinois,” oil on canvas presented in a Louis XV style polychrome frame

- Rare, spectacular Chinese embroidered silk altar panel, elaborately embroidered in satin and forbidden stitch on a gold brocade ground

- Tiger maple Kentucky long rifle and Kentucky julep cups

- Large private collection of Georgian and Regency Silver including makers Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, Elizabeth Morley, and Emes & Barnard

- Impressive collection of period bronzes including works by A. L. Barye, M. C. Clodion, Sir Jacob Epstein, E. Laurent, P.J. Mene, Auguste Moreau, and F. H. Rigaud to name a few

For more information regarding this Major Estate Auction and New Orleans Auction Galleries, or to view a complete catalog listing, please visit www.neworleansauction.com.

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For a free evaluation and auction estimate of your property, please
call 504-566-1849 or email photos to info@neworleansauction.com.
Editor’s Note: Photos are available upon request.

Founded in 1991 by President Jean R. Vidos, New Orleans Auction
Galleries, Inc. is the preeminent auction house of the South. The
company has received worldwide recognition for the quality and variety
of pieces sold. For more information on New Orleans Auction Galleries,
Inc. please visitwww.neworleansauction.com, call 504-566-1849 or visit
the Gallery at 801 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.