Artist Spotlight: Joan Brown

Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art

This May at Clars we are excited to feature a selection of modern and contemporary artwork that will undoubtably appeal to each and every collector. For fans of the Bay Area Figurative Movement, we are highlighting two works on paper by celebrated multimedia artist Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990).

Brown was born in San Francisco and continued to work in the area for her entire life, creating paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that celebrated the Bay Area as much as her own inner life. During her prolific career, Brown evolved stylistically from abstract expressionism to folk art inspired figurative painting and became involved in the highly influential Bay Area Figurative Movement. Brown was married for a period to a fellow member of the movement, Manuel Neri, who introduced her to the model Mary Julia Klimenko, Brown’s muse for the series that includes the two pieces at Clars this month. These two acrylic and charcoal compositions are titled Mary Julia #32, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, and Mary Julia #33, estimated at $8,000–$12,000, and each depicts the subject in two strikingly different settings.

Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), Mary Julia #32, 1976, acrylic and graphite on paper, 36″ x 24″. Estimate: $8,000–$12,000 — Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), *Mary Julia #32*, 1976, acrylic and graphite on paper, 36″ x 24″.
**Estimate: $8,000–$12,000**

Mary Julia #32 is shown alone in an austere space, likely a chapel, with two narrow stained-glass windows behind her. Her dark hair is topped with a veil that recalls medieval tastes, and her white gown indicates that it is the day of her wedding. She stares wide-eyed at the viewer, holding a champagne glass. Mary Julia #33 is dressed in a green military uniform with her arms behind her back. Next to her is a headless white sculpture, perhaps depicting herself, and a picture of two blackened figures sitting on an easel. Each work is done in Brown’s instantly recognizable faux-naif style, with her signature splashes of color. The two pair themselves with the use of lavender on the wall and windows.

Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), <em>Mary Julia #33</em>, 1976, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite on paper, 36" x 24".<br><b>Estimate: $8,000–$12,000</b> — Joan Brown (American, 1938–1990), *Mary Julia #33*, 1976, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite on paper, 36″ x 24″.
**Estimate: $8,000–$12,000**

Artist Spotlight: Dia Al-Azzawi

Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art

An outstanding piece in the May auction is an oil on canvas painting by Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi (b. 1939). Al-Azzawi studied art in Baghdad, taking inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology as well as Islam and Arabic culture, and worked in the city throughout the mid-20th century.

Al-Azzawi eventually moved out of Iraq in the 1970s and began working abroad, using painting as an outlet for feelings of despair he felt seeing the destruction of his homeland during the wars that plagued the country during the later 20th century. Now living between London and Dubai, Al-Azzawi maintains his status as one of the foremost globally successful Arab artists, and an influential icon in his home country.

Dia al-Azzawi (Iraqi, b. 1939), Sleeping Bird, 1981, oil on canvas, 47.25″ x 39.38″ (120 x 100 cm). Sold: $72,050 — Dia al-Azzawi (Iraqi, b. 1939), *Sleeping Bird*, 1981, oil on canvas, 47.25″ x 39.38″ (120 x 100 cm).
**Sold: $72,050**

The painting in our May Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction is titled Sleeping Bird, estimated at $15,000–$20,000. In its abstraction, the hovering head of a beaked bird appears above an assortment of interpretive shapes below, faithful to distinctive Cubist style and vibrant color palette.

Artist Spotlight: Raimonds Staprans

Artist Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary Art

This May 15th, Clars is excited to offer an outstanding oil on canvas painting by Latvian American artist Raimonds Staprans (b. 1926) in our Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction.

Upon moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1950s, Staprans was quickly adopted by the art community in his chosen home and remains one of the foremost representatives of post-war California painting nationwide. Staprans is known for his large swaths of bright color, often playing with natural light and the perception of shape and texture, and his understated treatment of subject.

Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), Blue Boats, 1990, oil on canvas, 44" x 48".Sold: $187,500 — Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), *Blue Boats*, 1990, oil on canvas, 44″ x 48″.
**Sold: $187,500**

Current trends in the market show that the highly saturated paintings that Staprans perfected in the late 1980s and 1990s are increasingly popular with collectors. Clars has been successful with several of these pieces in the last five years, including a 1987 oil on canvas titled, Still Life with Red Piano Stool, which sold well over its estimate at $147,600 in 2020, and Blue Boats, a 1990 painting that sold for $187,500 in 2022. Still life depictions of food are among the most recognizable of Staprans’ motifs. Staprans’ highest record price was realized in 2023 for a 1995 still life depicting oranges, done in a vibrantly warm palette that is strikingly similar to the piece up for auction at Clars this May.

Raimonds Staprans (American, b. 1926), Still Life with Red Piano Stool — Raimonds Staprans (American, b. 1926), *Still Life with Red Piano Stool*, 1987, oil on canvas, 64″ x 42″.
**Sold: $147,600**

The scene takes place in a space unmarked by identifying objects, furnished with a stool-like drop-leaf table. The table’s edges and sides are traced with prismatic colors in a manner that leaves the viewer questioning if the color is painted on the posts and boards, or if the unseen sun is playing tricks on our eyes. The top of the table appears to be doused with direct sunlight, bright white and glowing against the orange background. To the viewer’s right, the sides of the table’s legs are cast in a sunset glow the same tangerine shade as the background. Sitting atop the table is a peeled apple, its sides angled and smoothed with a paring knife. The fruit casts a half-moon shadow that points toward the open leaf of the table and is echoed on each stretcher below.

Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), The Mid Summer Drop-Leaf Table, 1993, oil on canvas, 48″ x 42″.Estimate: $60,000–$90,000 — **To be offered May 15th:** Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), *The Mid Summer Drop-Leaf Table*, 1993, oil on canvas, 48″ x 42″.
**Sold: $189,000**

This work, titled The Mid Summer Drop-Leaf Table (estimated at $60,000–$90,000), showcases Staprans’ skill in using color to portray light, perspective, and a specific atmosphere. The tones chosen in this composition evoke the warmth of the summer months, and the slant of the dazzling sunshine on the table and fruit leave us wondering if this is the end of a late-evening garden party, where a table full of fresh fruit has dwindled to a lone apple and the leaves are dropped one by one. This outstanding example of Staprans’ later work is a celebration of color and light, an ode to atmosphere, and will be a significant addition to any collection.

Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), The Black Boat, 1963, oil on canvas, 22″ x 25″. — Raimonds Staprans (American/Latvian, b. 1926), *The Black Boat*, 1963, oil on canvas, 22″ x 25″.
**Sold: $18,900**

Modern + Contemporary Art Consignments Now Invited

Consignments
Modern + Contemporary Art

Consignments are now invited for our upcoming Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Auction on Thursday, May 15th.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our Fine Art Specialists. The deadline to consign is Friday, April 25th. To schedule your appointment, call (510) 428-0100 x 130 OR email [email protected].

Learn More View Catalog

Fine Art Consignments Now Invited!

Consignments
Fine Art

If you have ever thought about selling at auction, NOW is the time. Incredible prices are being achieved on fine paintings, prints and sculpture.

Clars’ Fine Art Specialists will be in the following areas to offer private and confidential in home appointments: San Francisco | Carmel | Palo Alto | San Rafael | Healdsburg

To schedule your appointment, call (510) 428-0100 x 123 OR email [email protected]

Consign Now Learn More

Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989), Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene, 1942, oil on canvas, signed and dated right center, 24″ x 20″ (61 x 50.8 cm). Accompanied by preliminary study sketches of Mrs. Greene by Dalí from 1942 (charcoal/ink on paper). Provenance: Private collection (by descent); Mrs. Luther Greene (Ellen Chamberlain), New York. Catalog reference: Fundació Gala - Salvador Dalí: Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Salvador Dalí (cat. no. P 565). © Fundació Gala - Salvador Dalí — Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989), *Portrait of Mrs. Luther Greene*, 1942, oil on canvas, signed and dated right center, 24″ x 20″ (61 x 50.8 cm). Accompanied by preliminary study sketches of Mrs. Greene by Dalí from 1942 (charcoal/ink on paper). Provenance: Private collection (by descent); Mrs. Luther Greene (Ellen Chamberlain), New York. Catalog reference: Fundació Gala – Salvador Dalí: Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Salvador Dalí (cat. no. P 565). © Fundació Gala – Salvador Dalí
**Sold: $720,000**

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), <em>Plat à la Tête de Faune</em>, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″. — Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), *Plat à la Tête de Faune*, 1948, partially engraved white earthenware ceramic plate with colored engobe and glaze, 12.5″ x 15.5″ x 2″.
**Sold: $75,600**

Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), Untitled, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″. — Sam Francis (American, 1923–1994), *Untitled*, 1963, gouache on paper, 13.75″ x 12.5″.
**Sold: $28,980**

William Keith, Into the Yosemite Valley. — William Keith (American, 1838–1911), *Into the Yosemite Valley*, circa 1895–1906, oil on canvas, 36″ x 60″.
**Sold: $113,400 – 5th highest auction record for the artist**

Important Fine Art Consignments Invited!

Consignments
Fine Art

Clars is now seeking Important Fine Art consignments for our upcoming Fall auction. Schedule your private and confidential appointment now to speak to one of our Fine Art Specialists to determine your item’s auction potential.

Consign Now Learn More

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Visage Masque, 1947, ceramic plate, 12.5″ x 15″ (31.75 x 38.1 cm). — Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), *Visage Masque*, 1947, ceramic plate, 12.5″ x 15″ (31.75 x 38.1 cm).
**Sold: $68,750**

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Wood-Owl (Hibou des bois), 1968, partially glazed white earthenware pitcher painted in colors, 11.5″h x 8.5″w x 6″d.
Sold: $27,500

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), Vase deux anses hautes, 1952, white earthenware ceramic vase (partially engraved), 15″h x 9.5″w x 6.75″d. — Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973), *Vase deux anses hautes*, 1952, white earthenware ceramic vase (partially engraved), 15″h x 9.5″w x 6.75″d.
**Sold: $35,215**

Property from the Estate of Harvey Clar

Estate Spotlight

This April, our auctions will feature a remarkable collection from the estate of Harvey Clar, the gallery’s founder. Mr. Clar’s collection includes exquisite Lalique pieces, fine porcelain, marble and bronze sculptures.

A Royal Crown Derby assembled porcelain dinner service in the Old Imari pattern 1128.
**Estimate: $2,000–$3,000**

A Chinese celadon jade elephant figure.
**Estimate: $1,500–$2,500**

A Daum Frères enameled cameo glass vase, 9.75″h.
**Estimate: $1,200–$1,800**

Attributed to Thomas Lawrence (British, 1769–1830), Untitled (Young Gentleman with Horse), oil on canvas, 36″ x 43″. Provenance: From the Estate of Harvey Clar (Orinda, California). — Attributed to Thomas Lawrence (British, 1769–1830), *Untitled (Young Gentleman with Horse)*, oil on canvas, 36″ x 43″. Provenance: From the Estate of Harvey Clar (Orinda, California).
**Estimate: $5,000–$7,000**

An Italian alabaster figure of a boy fishing by Lorenzo Corelli. Provenance: From the Estate of Harvey Clar.
**Estimate: $1,000–$1,500**

A Lalique clear and frosted glass model of a tiger, engraved factory mark and applied factory label, 9.5″ x 11″.
**Estimate: $400–$600**

Historic Frank’s Fisherman

Estate Spotlight

Frank’s Fisherman, located on San Francisco’s waterfront, was established in 1946 and began as a chandlery for the bay area’s commercial fishing fleet.

Frank’s Fisherman, San Francisco, CA, 1970s.

A scratch built ship model of La Flore Americaine in case, 55″ x 24.5″ x 45.75″. — A scratch built ship model of the frigate La Flore du Americana, by Jean Boudroit, mounted in glazed case, 45.75″ x 55″ x 24.5″.
**Estimate: $6,000–$8,000**

For nearly five decades, Frank’s Fisherman was a cornerstone of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA. Founded in 1946, the store transformed under the ownership of 4th generation San Franciscan brothers, Ken and Ron Brown, who purchased the store in 1977. From then on, Ken and Ron began what became a lifelong passion for researching, collecting and selling maritime antiques. With a mission of maintaining a sense of history, the brothers remained an integral part of the Wharf for 47 years, focusing on important 18th and 19th century maritime and scientific antiques.

A massive scratch built paddle wheel steamship model ‘California, built by Tom Fordham (d. 2004), Scale 1/4″+1’. — A massive paddle wheel steamship model of the SS California, scratch built by Tom Fordham (d. 2004), scale 1/4″+1’, mounted in a glazed case, 37.5″ x 63″ x 19.25″.
**Estimate: $6,000–$8,000**

Ken and Ron Brown, late 70s. — Ken and Ron Brown, late 1970s.

Renowned for their expertise, the brothers were a trusted resource for museums and private collectors alike. Their recent closure in February 2024 marked the end of an era, but their legacy lives on in their remarkable collection. The store featured an unusual mix of artifacts, making Frank’s Fisherman the destination spot on Fisherman’s Wharf for collectors and travelers from around the world. Clars is honored to present a curated selection from the Frank’s Fisherman collection in The Maritime Sale on April 18th.

A waterline ship model of Elin Maria in case. — A cased waterline ship model of the Elin Maria, 29″ x 44″ x 15″.
**Estimate: $2,000–$4,000**

Highlights include an American carved eagle from New Hampshire, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; a Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative embroidery of the U.S.S. Chattanooga, estimated at $2,500–$3,500; a waterline ship model of the Elin Maria in case, estimated at $6,000–$8,000; and a magnificent scratch-built paddle wheel steamship model of the ‘California,’ crafted by Tom Fordham (d. 2004) at a scale of ¼″ + 1′, estimated at $6,000–$8,000.

A Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative sailor's silk embroidery: U.S.S. Chattanooga. — A Japanese silk and metallic thread commemorative sailor’s silk embroidery: U.S.S. Chattanooga.
**Estimate: $2,500–$3,500**

The Maritime Sale will also include a small collection of amusement park collectibles, featuring two iconic items from the legendary San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach: an elephant animatronic character supporting a globe, and a whimsical larger-than-life paper mache head of a man/boy with large ears.

Property from the Estate of Meri Jaye

Estate Spotlight

Ms. Meri Jaye was a renowned, San Francisco interior designer of passenger and cargo ships, as well as the corporate headquarters for American President Lines.

Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901), New York Bay from the Battery, 1871, oil on canvas, 24.75″ x 42.75″. Provenance: Estate of Mérí Jaye (San Francisco, California). — Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901), *New York Bay from the Battery*, 1871, oil on canvas, 24.75″ x 42.75″.
**Estimate: $20,000–$40,000**

Ms. Jaye, who designed up on Lombard Street in San Francisco, CA, amassed a distinguished collection with a keen eye. She had a notable array of shipping related artwork, furnishings, ship models, and other artifacts related to the projects she worked on. Many of her pieces, acquired from reputable dealers in the 1960s and 1970s, haven’t been offered for sale in over 50 years. Property from the Meri Jaye estate will be offered in both The Maritime Sale on April 18th, and our Furniture, Art, Jewelry & Asian Auction on April 19th.

Admiral Horatio Nelson (English, 1758–1868) autograph letter signed by Admiral Horatio Nelson (<q>Nelson & Bronte</q>). — Admiral Horatio Nelson (English, 1758–1868) autograph letter signed by Admiral Horatio Nelson (Nelson & Bronte).
**Estimate: $4,000–$6,000**

Pieces to be offered this April include a rare manuscript by Admiral Horatio Nelson, exquisite ship models, half-hull models, and unique nautical furnishings — like royal tiller yokes and ships’ tables. Among the treasures from her collection, we are thrilled to present a rare and breathtaking oil on canvas painting by the English-born American artist, Edward Moran (American/British, 1829–1901). Entitled New York Bay from the Battery, painted in 1871, this masterpiece is estimated to be valued between $20,000–$40,000. Moran began his artistic journey as an apprentice to landscape painter, Paul Weber in Philadelphia. He later established himself as a prominent marine artist in the United States, studying at the Royal Academy in London and setting up studios in Paris and New York City.

<em>Don Quixote</em>, Saavedra, Miquel de Cervantes. El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780. — *Don Quixote*, Saavedra, Miquel de Cervantes. El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
**Estimate: $5,000–$7,000**

Arguably, Moran’s most significant contribution lies in his series of thirteen Marine History paintings, capturing pivotal moments in American maritime history. The featured work in our April sale provides a captivating glimpse of New York City’s harbor, with its intricate composition portraying two small boats navigating turbulent waves in the foreground, amidst a backdrop of numerous ships entering the harbor.

HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815.
**Estimate: $2,500–$3,500**

Another notable highlight from Ms. Jaye’s collection is a portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette by Pierre De Nolhac. It was published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1905 and is valued between $600–$800. Other highlights include an HMS Bellerophon stern model in case with letter fragment stating that the model was made by a sailor on duty on the Bellerophon in 1815, estimated at $4,000–$6,000; and Don Quixote, printed by Don Joaquin Ibarra, estimated at $5,000–$7,000.

De Nolhac, Pierre. Marie Antoinette. London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1905. Fine deluxe Cosway style binding with mounted portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette. — De Nolhac, Pierre, *Marie Antoinette*, London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1905. Fine deluxe Cosway style binding with mounted portrait miniature of Marie Antoinette.
**Estimate: $600–$800**

The Collection of Allan Stone

Estate Spotlight
Modern + Contemporary

Clars is pleased to be offering over 70 works of art from the Collection of Allan Stone (by descent) on Thursday, March 21st in our Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.

View Full Catalog

From 1960 to 2020, Stone had a prominent New York City gallery that was known for showing artists such as: Wayne Thiebaud, Eva Hesse, Jack Whitten, as well as, Barnett Newman, Richard Estes, Yasuhide Kobashi, Robert Arneson, Cesar and Dorothy Grebenak among many others.

Sylvia Lark (American, 1947–1990), China, No, 1987, oil on canvas, 60″ x 78″. From the private Collection of Allan Stone. — Sylvia Lark (American, 1947–1990), *China, No*, 1987, oil on canvas, 60″ x 78″. From the private Collection of Allan Stone. Note: Born in Buffalo of Native American and Italian-American heritage, Lark had exhibited in over 125 national and international group shows and is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), the University Art Museum (Berkeley, CA), the Oakland Museum, the Legion of Honor, (San Francisco), Bank of America World Headquarters (San Francisco), and ARCO Foundation (Los Angeles) among others.
**Estimate: $7,000–$10,000**

John Evans (American, b. 1945), <em>Beach Parking</em>, 1997, oil on canvas, 48″ x 52.25″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone. — John Evans (American, b. 1945), *Beach Parking*, 1997, oil on canvas, 48″ x 52.25″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
**Estimate: $7,000–$10,000**

Kazuko Inoue (Japanese, b. 1946), <em>Untitled (Red Squares)</em>, 2008, acrylic on linen, 32″ x 32″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone. — Kazuko Inoue (Japanese, b. 1946), *Untitled (Red Squares)*, 2008, acrylic on linen, 32″ x 32″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
**Estimate: $3,000–$5,000**

Derrick Guild (Scottish, b. 1963), <em>Onion, Sweet Potato, Beet</em>, 2004, oil on linen, 12″ x 22″. Exhibited: Allan Stone Gallery (New York, NY) <em>Derrick Guild: Pre-Ascension</em>, March 8–April 28, 2007. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone. — Derrick Guild (Scottish, b. 1963), *Onion, Sweet Potato, Beet*, 2004, oil on linen, 12″ x 22″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
**Estimate: $3,000–$5,000**

Harry Bowden (American, 1907–1965), Interior, 1942, oil on canvas, 10.13″ x 8.13″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone. — Harry Bowden (American, 1907–1965), *Interior*, 1942, oil on canvas, 10.13″ x 8.13″. Provenance: Acquired by descent from the Estate of Allan Stone.
**Estimate: $2,000–$4,000**

Read More

Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Highlights

Artist Spotlight: Dia Al-Azzawi

Artist Spotlight: Raimonds Staprans

Modern + Contemporary Art Consignments Now Invited

Artist Spotlight: Marion Kavanaugh Wachtel

Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Highlights

An outstanding piece in the May auction is an oil on canvas painting by Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi (b. 1939). Al-Azzawi studied art in Baghdad, taking inspiration from ancient Middle Eastern mythology as well as Islam and Arabic culture, and worked in the city throughout the mid-20th century.

Read More

Modern + Contemporary Fine Art Highlights