Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Louis Valtat Painting Realizes $54,050 at Kaminski Auction

Kaminski Auctions’ December Estates Auction, which took place December 28-29, 2009, offered a premier selection of items from the San Diego estate of Robert O. Peterson. Peterson, founder of the popular Jack-in-the-Box restaurant chain and noted patron of the arts, was a discerning collector of antiques and fine art with a fervent affinity for contemporary crafts. Strong sales and enthusiastic bidding throughout the two-day auction made the event an unqualified success, with many items selling well above their original estimates. (Prices realized reflect a 15% buyers premium)

Louis Valtat

Highlighting the Peterson collection was a painting by French artist Louis Valtat (1869-1952), “Jeune Femmes Sur Les Rochers”. A visionary artist, Valtat is considered to be one of the leaders of the Fauvist movement and is credited as a key link in the stylistic transition between Monet and Matisse. The 1902 oil on canvas proved irresistible to auction goers, selling for an impressive $54,050 to a floor bidder.

From the same collection were two sculptures by West Coast artist Donal Hord. Both pieces are sculpted from lignum vitae, a strong trade wood known for its uncommonly high density. “Summer Rain”, the larger of the two sculptures measuring 49 inches in height, brought $31,050 while the 43 inch “Descending Sun” brought $36,800. Both pieces are signed by the artist on their respective bases.

A rocking chair by noted furniture designer Sam Maloof (1916-2009) was also among the highlights of the Peterson estate. Maloof’s work is highly sought after and is held in the permanent collections of both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The teakwood rocker, signed “No. 5, 1982, Sam Maloof”, measures 45 inches in height. After a feverish volley of floor bids, the rocker realized a final price of $31,050.

Jewelry was also in demand at the December Estates Auction, with many pieces selling well in to the six-figure range. An 8.18-carat sapphire, diamond and platinum ring complete with GIA report sold for $13,800, exceeding it’s original high estimate by over $4,000. Leading the jewelry category was a 4.65-carat round brilliant cut diamond ring, which realized $40,250, well beyond its original high estimate of $25,000.

“This important San Diego estate represents a lifetime of meticulous collecting on the part of Robert Peterson,” comments Frank Kaminski. “The room was buzzing with energy and our bidders were quite pleased with this fine selection.”

About Kaminski Auctions
Kaminski Auctions, headed by Frank Kaminski, specializes in appraising and auctioning fine art and antiques. As part of a complete estate service package, Kaminski provides expert appraisals, local and national advertising for all sales, competitive fees, and itemized accounting of all transactions for heirs and representatives. In addition to full estate auctions, Kaminski accepts partial estate liquidations, as well as individual pieces and collections for consignment. The firm’s extensive clientele includes museums, historical societies, corporations, non-profit organizations and private individuals. In early 2007, Kaminski launched a second operation in California. For information, visit www.KaminskiAuctions.com or call 978-927-2223.