Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers will be hosting their two-day ‘Fine Interiors’ sale on 14 and 15 September, with over 730 exceptional lots going under the hammer. Antique furniture, paintings and sculpture will all make an appearance, along with collector’s items like miniatures, books, firearms and fine silverware. Take a look at six key selections for a taste of this unmissable sale.
Made in the 20th century, this Continental coffee table incorporates an 18th century style pastoral scene featuring people and animals in an idyllic landscape. The borders are detailed with scrolled foliage, and the paint is charmingly worn. The table is raised on tapered square supports, and because the painting is protected by a glass top, it is ready for immediate use in your sitting room.
Georgian furniture is notable for its use of neoclassical motifs and design elements, and these settees exemplify the style with their gently curved silhouettes, moulded frames, scrolled backs and tapered legs carved like Doric columns. Each settee was later painted grey by the interior designer Sibyl Colefax, and traces of the original gilding are visible underneath. Both of the settees were the property of the Townshend family, and belonged at Raynham Hall in Norfolk where they were passed down to the 8th Marquess Townshend.
Persian carpets are renowned for their intricate and meaningful designs, and this blue and cream coloured rug shows a mastery of the art of weaving. The delicately patterned carpet was made in the mid-20th century, and is centred with a rosette within a border of saz leaves, surrounded by densely scrolling floral and foliate motifs. The rug’s bold border is decorated in Shah Abbasi flowers, a traditional Iranian design that is attributed to Shah Abbas, a Safavid king considered to be one of Iran’s greatest leaders.
Based on a 1925 sculpture by the American artist Paul Manship, this late 20th century weathervane by Karen Green depicts Diana the huntress leaping after just loosing an arrow. It is made from copper, and is complete with directionals underneath the figure. Diana is shown nude with her hound, which represents her position as the goddess of the hunt.
The sale includes an impressive amount of paintings, including this portrait of a lady by a follower of the 17th century French artist Pierre Gobert. The subject is said to be Félicité de Noailles, Duchesse d'Estrées, and she is shown seated in the three-quarter length painting. Romanticised pastoral life was a popular genre in art at the time, and the duchesse is dressed as a shepherdess with an open book in her left hand.
Made in the 18th century taste, these Continental fauteuils have oval backs with floral surmounts and fine gilt details. The seats, backs and arms are upholstered in crimson fabric, which is subtly patterned with vegetal designs. Each frame is moulded and painted, and the tapered turning supports are fluted and topped with carved spheres before joining the base.
The ‘Fine Interiors’ sale will begin on 14 September at 10 am and continue on 15 September at 10 am. Viewing is available by appointment from 10-13 September in one-hour time slots at Sworders’ saleroom. You may book a place to be at the live auction in person, and online bidding is available with prior registration.