Clars’ November Gallery Auction on Friday, November 20th presents an engaging opportunity for collectors across fine art, jewelry, and decorative arts, with an especially compelling offering of important works of fine art.

Fine Art

Leading the fine art offerings is Julian Onderdonk’s (American, 1882–1922) Blue Bonnets and Cactus (Near San Antonio), 1920, an oil on canvas board estimated at $60,000–$90,000. Celebrated for his evocative depictions of the Texas landscape, Onderdonk captures the distinctive beauty of the region through his sensitive treatment of light, color, and native flora. This vibrant composition of bluebonnets and cactus reflects the artist’s enduring fascination with the natural landscape of his home state. Another notable highlight is M.C. Escher’s (Dutch, 1898–1972) Puddle, 1952, a woodcut with pencil signature, estimated at $25,000–$35,000. Renowned for his imaginative exploration of perspective, reflection, and visual perception, Escher transforms an otherwise ordinary woodland scene into a compelling study of reflections, where the surrounding landscape is mirrored in a rain-filled puddle.

American artist Charles Wysocki’s (1928–2002) Maine Snow Scene, estimated at $20,000–$30,000, offers a charming depiction of New England life, while Edgar Payne’s (American, 1883–1947) Morning, Mission Viejo Canyon, 1921, also estimated at $20,000–$30,000, brings the California landscape into focus through the work of one of the state’s celebrated plein-air painters. Together, these works demonstrate the breadth of American landscape painting, from the distinctive regional character of the Northeast and Southwest to the sunlit beauty of California.

The selection continues with significant examples of California art and American modernism. Richard Artschwager’s (American, 1923–2013) Railroad Tracks #3, 1974, estimated at $15,000–$25,000, exemplifies the artist’s unconventional approach to materials and the boundaries between painting and sculpture. Selden Connor Gile’s (American, 1897–1947) Fisher Houses, 1925, estimated at $10,000–$15,000, offers another important connection to California’s rich artistic heritage. Gile was a central figure in the Society of Six, a group of Northern California artists recognized for their expressive brushwork, bold color, and modern interpretations of the landscape.

Additional highlights include works by Henri Baptiste Lebasque, whose luminous compositions reflect the color and decorative sensibilities of French Post-Impressionism; Armin Hansen, known for his powerful depictions of maritime life and the California coast; and John Marshall Gamble, celebrated for his impressionistic California landscapes and floral compositions. The sale also features works by José Alvarez DOPA, Edmund Henry Osthaus, and Lois Mailou Jones, representing a range of artistic perspectives and traditions, with estimates ranging from $8,000–$12,000. Rounding out the fine art offerings is Christopher Wilmarth’s Double Gibson, 1971, a contemporary glass and steel sculpture estimated at $8,000–$12,000, demonstrating the diversity of media and artistic expression represented in the auction

Fine Jewelry & Watches

Complementing the important fine art offerings is an attractive selection of fine and antique jewelry. Notable pieces include an antique gemstone and 20K gold bracelet, estimated at $8,000–$12,000; a diamond and 18K bi-color gold brooch-pendant, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; an antique Iberian diamond and 18K gold cross pendant, estimated at $1,500–$2,500; and an antique citrine, seed pearl, and 14K gold brooch, estimated at $700–$1,000.

Furniture & Decorative Arts

The Furniture & Decorative Arts category adds further dimension to the Friday auction, featuring distinctive examples of decorative craftsmanship and designer furnishings. Highlights include a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Michelangelo coffee table, estimated at $7,000–$10,000; a pair of Meissen porcelain Schneeballen vases, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and a striking 93-inch-high Black Forest carved bear hall tree, estimated at $5,000–$7,000. Also featured is a pair of French Neoclassical-style patinated bronze stools in the Egyptian taste, estimated at $6,000–$9,000.

The Warehouse Auction: November 21st

The three-day auction series concludes Saturday, November 21st, with The Warehouse Auction, offering an expansive selection of furniture, decorative arts, collectibles, and other discoveries across a broad range of categories and price points. Known for its diverse offerings and opportunities for discovery, The Warehouse Auction attracts collectors, interior designers, dealers, and first-time buyers seeking distinctive pieces and exceptional values.