As art advisors, we are always discussing the value of provenance, that is the history of a painting’s ownership. Provenance covers not just authenticity issues, but also the perceived importance of previous owners. One source of art of particular appeal to private collectors and public institutions alike are artists’ estates, that is artworks acquired directly from the family of the artist.
Authenticity of the art, even when unsigned, can naturally be assured in these instances, plus there is an added feel-good factor in acquiring an artwork that has come directly from the artist via a descendant of the artist himself or herself.
Authenticity of the art, even when unsigned, can naturally be assured in artworks acquired directly from the family of the artist. Davidson Auctions are curating a timed online sale closing on 13 July titled “Provenance: Family of the Artist” that includes works by eight prominent Australian artists, including Robert Dickerson whose 'Girl in White Blouse' (above) is estimated at $5,000 - $7,000.
This idea has been the inspiration for a dedicated timed online sale titled “Provenance: Family of the Artist” curated by Davidson Auctions.
The families are those of eight prominent Australian artists: Roland Wakelin, Robert Dickerson, Arthur Murch, John Coburn, Margaret Coen, George Duncan, Alison Rehfisch and Allan Waite. There are some very personal comments from Robert Dickerson’s widow Jenny Dickerson on the 17 works offered by the artist, as there are by Michelle Murch on 20 works in oil, on paper and sculpture from the Arthur Murch estate.
The timed online auction with a total of 127 lots can also be viewed in person at Davidson Auctions in Annandale/Sydney on Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July. The auction closes on 13 July 2020.
About The Author
Brigitte Banziger and David Hulme are the principals of Banziger Hulme Fine Art Consultants, established since 2003. With their combined experience of over 40 years, they provide private collectors as well as companies and public institutions with independent expert art valuations.
In addition to their appraisals for insurance, family law, deceased estates and market values, they assist clients with transparent advice when buying or selling an individual artwork or an entire collection, for some of Australia’s most significant private collectors.
David Hulme is an approved valuer for the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, and both Brigitte and David are members of the Art Consulting Association of Australia, where David served as President from 2015 to 2019.
David Hulme is a regular art market critic and commentator on the Australian art market and has been interviewed by numerous media, including the 'Australian Financial Review', 'The Australian' and 'The Sydney Morning Herald'. He has also been interviewed on Network 10’s 'The Project', on the ABC’s Radio National Breakfast show with Hamish MacDonald, the ABC’s 'The Business' program amongst many others.
