A Trusted Partnership

  • Fine Art
  • Highlights

Property of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to Benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts will be offered at Clars Auctions on March 19th, 10 AM PDT. This exceptional offering includes more than 170 works on paper spanning the 1860s through the 1980s.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor museum courtyard and entry, San Francisco, California. <br><b>Source: Wikimedia Commons </b>
California Palace of the Legion of Honor museum courtyard and entry, San Francisco, California.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ed Ruscha (American, b. 1937), Blue Suds, 1971, screenprint in colors, 18″ x 24″. Estimate: $2,000–$4,000
Ed Ruscha (American, b. 1937), Blue Suds, 1971, screenprint in colors, 18″ x 24″.
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

Clars Auctions is honored to have been selected by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to present this distinguished group of works at auction. The relationship between Clars and the Museums is rooted in a shared commitment to connoisseurship, stewardship, and public trust. As one of the West Coast’s leading full-service auction houses, Clars brings decades of expertise in handling significant institutional property and in connecting important works of art with discerning collectors.


Beth van Hoesen (American, 1926–2010), Boris, 1981 aquatint, etching and drypoint with watercolor, 15.44″ x 17.94″. Estimate: $800–$1,200 (1 of 5 to be offered)
Beth van Hoesen (American, 1926–2010), Boris, 1981 aquatint, etching and drypoint with watercolor, 15.44″ x 17.94″.
Estimate: $800–$1,200 (1 of 5 to be offered)

Being entrusted with property that benefits the Acquisition Fund of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts underscores Clars’ reputation for scholarship, market leadership, and integrity. Proceeds from the March 19th auction will directly support future acquisitions, strengthening the Foundation’s ability to expand and preserve its renowned collection of works on paper for generations to come.


Alfred V. Farnsworth (American, 1858–1908), <em>Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco</em>, 1894, watercolor, <nobr>9.63″ x 13.63″.</nobr> <br><b>Estimate: $500–$700</b>
Alfred V. Farnsworth (American, 1858–1908), Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, 1894, watercolor, 9.63″ x 13.63″.
Estimate: $500–$700
<em>Honorable M. H. de Young</em>, 1894, pastel colored photographic enlargement, 63.5″ x 43″. <br><b>Estimate: $500–$700</b>
Honorable M. H. de Young, 1894, pastel colored photographic enlargement, 63.5″ x 43″.
Estimate: $500–$700

“This sale represents a meaningful collaboration between our institution and one of the country’s most respected museums,” said Rick Unruh, CEO and President of Clars Auctions.


Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), <em>Face</em>, 1967, lithograph, <nobr>30″ x 22″.</nobr> <br><b>Estimate: $400–$600</b>
Nathan Oliveira (American, 1928–2010), Face, 1967, lithograph, 30″ x 22″.
Estimate: $400–$600
<em>Portrait of the Arctic explorer, Vilhjalmur Stefansson</em>, 1922, gelatin silver print, 25″ x 20″. <br><b>Estimate: $400–$600</b>
Portrait of the Arctic explorer, Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 1922, gelatin silver print, 25″ x 20″.
Estimate: $400–$600

“We are proud to play a role in furthering the Achenbach Foundation’s mission while offering collectors an extraordinary opportunity to own works that embody the rich artistic legacy of California.”


Giuseppe Cadenasso (American, 1858–1918), <em>Portrait of Gustave Gump</em>, charcoal on paper, 27″ x 22″. <br><b>Estimate: $300–$500</b>
Giuseppe Cadenasso (American, 1858–1918), Portrait of Gustave Gump, charcoal on paper, 27″ x 22″.
Estimate: $300–$500

Providing a compelling glimpse into San Francisco’s cultural and civic history, the collection features rare 19th-century portraiture depicting prominent politicians, influential businessmen, and notable figures of the Old California era. Historically significant Northern California landscapes, seascapes, and early San Francisco street scenes will also be presented.


<em>Portrait of Nathaniel Jones (member of the Donner Party)</em>, crayon on paper, 22.06″ x 17.93″. <br><b>Estimate: $300–$500</b>
Portrait of Nathaniel Jones (member of the Donner Party), crayon on paper, 22.06″ x 17.93″.
Estimate: $300–$500

Collectors of modern and contemporary art will find works by important late 20th-century West Coast artists, including Ed Ruscha, Nathan Oliveira, William T. Wiley, Robert Bechtle, and Beth Van Hoesen.


Christian Jorgensen (American, 1859–1935), <em>Portrait of Domingo Ghirardelli</em>, pastel,  28″ x 24.5″. Note: Domenico <q>Domingo</q> Ghirardelli (1817–1894) was an Italian-born chocolatier who was the founder of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco, California.  <br><b>Estimate: $300–$500</b>
Christian Jorgensen (American, 1859–1935), Portrait of Domingo Ghirardelli, pastel, 28″ x 24.5″. Note: Domenico Domingo Ghirardelli (1817–1894) was an Italian-born chocolatier who was the founder of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco, California.
Estimate: $300–$500

The auction will take place live on Thursday, March 19th, with bidding available in person, by phone, absentee, and online.


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