Clars is excited to present The Golden & Glamour Era Auction — featuring the jewelry collection of Hollywood actress, Joanna Barnes — on May 16th, our Furniture, Art & Asian Auction on May 17th, The Warehouse Auction on May 18th, and our Spring Fine & Rare Wines Auction on May 20th.
The Golden & Glamour Era Auction
At Clars Auctions, we are deeply honored to have been chosen as the exclusive venue to showcase the extraordinary collection of antique and signed jewelry belonging to the esteemed Joanna Barnes. Each item within this remarkable collection serves as a testament to Ms. Barnes’ impeccable taste and enduring legacy in the world of Hollywood glamour. From the delicate antique brooches to the intricate designs of her bracelets and dazzling sparkle of her earrings, every piece offers a captivating glimpse into Ms. Barnes’ journey from a budding ingenue to a revered icon of the silver screen.
At the forefront of Ms. Barnes’ collection are sophisticated creations by renowned artisans such as Tiffany & Co. Among the highlights in the sale are an exquisite 18k gold Scorpio pendant, a radiant citrine and 18k gold brooch, a resplendent 18k gold bombe ring crafted by David Webb, and an opulent 18k gold ‘elephant hair’ bangle bracelet from the esteemed house of Gucci. Furthermore, the auction presents a meticulously curated array of exceptional antique pieces, including an enchanting antique aquamarine, diamond, and 14k gold brooch and a captivating antique enamel and 14k gold link necklace.
Estimate: $1,200–$1,800
Complementing the jewelry auction is a collection of luxury bags, featuring Judith Leiber Couture minaudiere clutches and Louis Vuitton monogram luggage.
Furniture & Decorative Arts
Furniture enthusiasts can anticipate a diverse array of offerings, spanning various periods and styles, at our upcoming May 17th sale. Among the highlights are coveted modern pieces like the iconic Mira and George Nakashima Cushion and New Chairs which are sure to captivate aficionados of contemporary design.
Estimate: $10,000–$15,000
For those with a penchant for traditional elegance, a striking Pottier & Stymus New York Aesthetic chamber suite awaits, alongside 19th-century Barbedienne bronzes and Italian marble figures. Complementing these treasures are vibrant Studio Glass pieces, timeless Georg Jensen silverware, and a captivating collection of Indigenous art — showcasing exquisite Inuit carvings — and Navajo rugs.
Estimate: $15,000–$20,000
Fine Art
In the realm of fine art, our May auction promises a captivating array of works. One stand out piece is an oil on board painting by French Barbizon School artist, Félix Ziem. Born in the wine capital of Burgundy in 1821, Ziem originally set his sights on a career in architecture and studied at L’École des Beaux-Arts before developing his painting hobby into a full-time practice. Ziem first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1849 and traveled throughout Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, taking inspiration from scenery in Venice, Constantinople, Egypt, and the French Riviera. Ziem was commercially successful during his lifetime and was also known to mentor younger artists. The painting in our sale this month is titled Étude Sur les Bord de la Méditerranée, and depicts a row of buildings on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, dotted with sparse vegetation under a blue sky. It was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 and is a fine example of Ziem’s affinity for seaside scenes.
Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
A second work featured this month is a bronze sculpture by American sculptor, Richard Howard Hunt. Hunt was born in Chicago in 1935 and was interested in the arts from an early age, attending operas with his mother and working with clay in a makeshift studio in the basement of his family’s home. While studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, Hunt explored assemblage with found objects, mixing organic and industrial materials to create expressionistic and surreal sculptures. His piece Arachne was bought by the Museum of Modern Art while Hunt was a junior in college. Hunt was inspired by social issues during his early career — he was greatly affected by attending the funeral of Emmett Till and the Civil Rights movement, participating in desegregation protests during the 1960s. Hunt frequently experimented with welding, using materials from junkyards to form figural and abstract works. Hunt was extremely influential and admired during his decades-long career, being the first African American artist to to serve on the National Council on the Arts and having a sculpture commissioned by President Barack Obama in 2022. The bronze sculpture in this month’s auction is an abstract, tree-like form with horn-like appendages and Hunt’s signature flowing lines, made of bronze with a burnished golden sheen.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
A third highlight this month is a collection of works on paper by American caricaturist, Albert Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld is known for his work on Broadway playbills, contributions to The New York Times and other major publications, and Hollywood studio art direction. The exclusive collection of works at Clars this month includes original gouache paintings used in prominent magazines, such as an illustration of Harry Truman that was featured on the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1954, a caricature of Dwight Eisenhower used for the cover of American Mercury Magazine in 1945, and a satirical painting of Joseph McCarthy that graced the cover of Colliers Magazine in 1950. A number of pen and ink drawings are featured, including a portrait of comedian Fred Allen and a cast portrait from the 1959 Broadway production of Much Ado About Nothing, as well as several lithographs depicting recognizable pop culture figures.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Asian Art
In the Asian Art department, two captivating highlights await eager collectors. One of these highlights is a grand Chinese embroidered panel, traditionally symbolizing birthday celebrations, which intricately showcases dragon motifs and auspicious symbols — reflecting the richness of Chinese cultural heritage.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
The other highlight is a finely carved Chinese bamboo figure of Shoulao, embodying the deity of longevity, radiates wisdom and prosperity, making it a cherished addition to any discerning collector’s repertoire.
Estimate: $1,000–$1,500
The Warehouse Auction
Clars’ Warehouse Auction boasts an accessibly priced collection that encompasses modern and antique furniture and décor, silver, porcelain, glass, fashion, collectible toys, books, and indigenous arts. Also on offer will be an eclectic range of art, prints and photographs. Each month we select paintings, prints, and sculptures in diverse styles from all over the world to offer with accessible estimates. Additionally, the Asian Art department will present a meticulously curated collection spanning Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, folding screens, and various decorative pieces. Meanwhile, the Jewelry department is thrilled to present an array of affordable items, including diamonds, silver and gold necklaces.
