Loading Spinner
Don’t miss out on items like this!

Sign up to get notified when similar items are available.

Lot 7: William Michael Harnett (American, 1848–1892) Still Life with New York Times, Tobacco Jar, Pipe and Matches

Est: $40,000 USD - $60,000 USDSold:
Freeman'sPhiladelphia, PA, USJune 06, 2021

Item Overview

Description

William Michael Harnett (American, 1848–1892) Still Life with New York Times, Tobacco Jar, Pipe and Matches

Signed with Artist's initialed monogram and dated 'Wm HARNETT./1879.' bottom left, oil on canvas
10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6cm)
Unframed.



Provenance

Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois.



Footnote:

Note

William Harnett is mostly known for his trompe l'oeil still-lifes, often featuring trophy hunts, pistols, tankards, music sheets, instruments and all sorts of ordinary, everyday items. An undisputed champion of illusionism, he perfected his meticulous style at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied 17th Century Old Masters, in addition to discovering the art of Raphaelle Peale.

In January 1880, Harnett sailed to Europe and stayed in Munich between 1881 and 1886, as revealed by the artist's signature of Lot 8. While on the Old Continent, his painting took a new, drastic turn. The artist famously went on to produce a series of extremely small canvases marked by a freer technique, and a deft, miniaturistic, almost microscopic touch. His new style culminated in a series of eleven recorded horizontal still-lifes, all involving a tabletop with a gray stoneware jug or beer stein at the right, a Meerschaum pipe laid flat, a book and a folded, dated, newspaper.

Larger in size and looser in technique (judging from the beautifully textured edges of the pipe at center), the present lot evidently predates Harnett's series of small canvases. It was most likely executed in the United States, just before the artist embarked on his European journey, and therefore provides an insightful perspective into the artist's technical evolution. The still-life channels hallmarks of Harnett's known, earlier oeuvre, and yet also touches on a new burgeonning style. In the foreground stands a wooden table-top, with edges parallel to the picture plane - a trait typical of Harnett and unlike the non-illusionistic painters, who preferred to introduce tables at an angle so as to lead the viewer's eye into deep space. On it, one can spot a yellow pipe, tobacco jar and burnt matches - all recurring props in Harnett's compositions. However, the artist introduces a new, bold and dramatic element to his sill life at upper left: a folded copy of the New York Times. Dated July 11, 1879, the cover features the Jerome Park Racetrack, an American thoroughbred horse racing facility in Westchester County, New York.

The presence of a dated newspaper is meant to reinforce the illusion of reality, and ground the picture in a known, relatable and realistic dimension. Here however, the folded newspaper paradoxically conveys a sense of timelesness, especially in regards to the abstract, neutral dark green/black backdrop. This atmosphere is typical of Harnett's pre-1880 canvases. It gives the picture space a definite, shallow limit, enabling the viewer's eye to focus on the table-top in the foreground, and not be distracted by a "noisy" background. In short, it enhances the effect of trompe l'oeil. In his later canvases, Harnett will abandon this neutrality to render a meticulously-rendered background, alternatively draped by a piece of cloth, or fully carved and decorated. It is as if the artist drifted away from timelesness, and instead wished to capture time through a specific decor forever immortalized on the picture place.

When comparing the present work to later examples, one also notices a newfound attention to space and volume, which will continue to preoccupy Harnett later on. Here, for one of the first times in his career, the artist introduces a deep, dark recess on the right-hand side of the still-life, which helps the tobocco jar to dramatically stand out in the composition (it is the only true vertical of the painting). Harnett also chose to fully reveal the left-hand corner of the table-top, which was rarely, if not ever the case before. Not only does it help deepen the picture plane, and push it further out, but it also helps catch the intense lighting coming from the left.



Condition report:

The (apparently) unlined work is unframed, and presents well. With a lightly glossy varnish, some abrasions along the outer edges of the canvas, a pinpoint hole at bottom left corner (underneath the signature), and remnants of old gold leaf alongside the bottom outer edge. We notice the mark of the upper stretcher bar running along the top edge of the work (mostly through the background). Examination under UV light reveals minor remnants of varnish on the tobacco jar (across its top edge) and its lid at center and center right. With minor areas of restoration at bottom center (on the table, underneath the pipe), in the background at upper right and upper left (visible with the naked eye). Main dots of restoration can be seen on the jar: in the middle at center right, and alon its top rim as well. See specialist's pictures for more details.

Artist or Maker

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

As a result of the current coronavirus situation, please be aware that delivery and shipments of property will be delayed. During the delays, we will store your property free of charge. Successful buyers are invited to contact Megan Latona at [email protected] to discuss the best options for shipment and collection of property.

Please note that Freeman's requires written authorization to release property to anyone other than the buyer. Payment for shipping is handled directly with the shipping company.

Please note that all operations related to the processing of property--including drop-offs & pick-ups, billing & payment, cataloging & photography--will be managed through 1600 W. Girard Ave.

Auction Details

American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists

by
Freeman's
June 06, 2021, 02:00 PM EST

2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, US

Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$0 - 600,000:31.0%
$600,001 - 3,000,000:25.0%
$3,000,001+:17.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$499$25
$500$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$2,999$200
$3,000$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$29,999$2,000
$30,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000+$10,000

Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS

All property offered and sold ("property") through Samuel T. Freeman & Co, ("Freeman's") shall be offered and sold on the terms and conditions set forth below which constitutes the complete statement of the terms and conditions on which all property is offered for sale. By bidding at the auction, whether present in person or by agent, by written bid, telephone, internet or other means, the buyer agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.

1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Property will be offered by Freeman's as
agent for the Consignor.
2. Freeman's reserves the right to vary the terms of sale and any such variance
shall become part of these Conditions of Sale.
3. As a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, in person inspections of the Property are available by appointment only and therefore, Freeman's has also made available to the Buyer the opportunity to (a) view the lot online at freemansauction. com and to view
the auction's e-catalogue, (b) submit a request for a condition report either
through the online lot listing or by contacting the specialist directly and (c)
have a virtual consultation with the specialist. Buyer acknowledges that it has
had the right to take advantage of the aforementioned inspections prior to
the sale to determine the condition, size, repair or restoration of any Property.
Buyer acknowledges that it had the right to make a full inspection of all
Property prior to sale to determine the condition, size, repair or restoration of
any Property. Therefore, all property is sold "AS-IS". Freeman's is acting solely
as an auction broker, and unless otherwise stated, does not own the Property
offered for sale and has made no independent investigation of the Property.
Freeman's makes no warranty of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose, or any other warranty or representation regarding the description,
genuineness, attribution, provenance or condition to the Property of any kind
or nature with respect to the Property.
4. Freeman's in its sole and exclusive discretion, reserves the right to withdraw
any property, at any time, before the fall of the hammer.
5. Unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer at the time of sale, all bids
are per lot as numbered in the printed catalogue. Freeman's reserves the
right to determine any and all matters regarding the order, precedence or
appropriate increment of bids or the constitution of lots.
6. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the buyer.
The auctioneer has the right to reject any bid, to advance the bidding at his
absolute discretion and in the event of any dispute between bidders, the
auctioneer shall have the sole and final discretion either to determine the
successful bidder or to re- offer and resell the article in dispute. If any dispute
arises after sale, the Freeman's sale record shall be conclusive in all respects.
7. If the auctioneer determines that any opening or later bid or any advance
bid is not commensurate with the value of the Property offered, he may reject
the same and withdraw the Property from sale.
8. Upon the fall of the hammer, title to any offered lot or article will immediately
pass to the highest bidder as determined in the exclusive discretion of the
auctioneer, subject to compliance by the buyer with these Conditions of Sale.
Buyer thereupon assumes full risk and responsibility of the property sold,
agrees to sign any requested confirmation of purchase, and agrees to pay the
full price, plus Buyer's Premium, therefore or such part, upon such terms as
Freeman's may require.
9. No lot may be removed from Freeman's premises until the buyer has paid
in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer's Premium or has satisfied
such terms that Freeman's, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the
foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/
her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold
by Freeman's, or sent by Freeman's to a third-party storage facility, at the
sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman's may prohibit the buyer
from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future
sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman's by law,
Freeman's reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of
the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the
day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a
handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth
day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman's
by the buyer. Freeman's will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft,
or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman's possession after
ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law
are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman's
and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s)
liable for the bid price) Freeman's, at its option, may either cancel the sale,
retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell
the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency
in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs,
including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman's
commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental
charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment
shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method
approved by Freeman's. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman's written approval
of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have
granted and assigned to Freeman's, a continuing security interest of first
priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman's
possession, and Freeman's may retain and apply such property or money as
collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman's. Freeman's shall have
all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform
Commercial Code.
10. Unless the sale is advertised and announced as "without reserve", each lot
is offered subject to a reserve and Freeman's may implement such reserves
by bidding through its representatives on behalf of the Consignors. In certain
instances, the Consignor may pay less than the standard commission rate
where Freeman's or its representative is a successful bidder on behalf of the
Consignor. Where the Consignor is indebted to Freeman's, Freeman's may
have an interest in the offered lots and the proceeds therefrom, other than
the broker's Commissions, and all sales are subject to any such interest.
11. No "buy" bids shall be accepted at any time for any purpose.
12. Any pre-sale bids must be submitted in writing to Freeman's prior to
commencement of the offer of the first lot of any sale. Freeman's copy of
any such bid shall conclusively be deemed to be the sole evidence of same,
and while Freeman's accepts these bids for the convenience of bidders not
present at the auction, Freeman's shall not be responsible for the failure to
execute, or, to execute properly, any pre-sale bid.
13.A Buyer's Premium will be added to the successful bid price and is payable
by the buyer as part of the total purchase price. The Buyer's Premium shall
be: 26% on the first $600,000 of the hammer price of each lot, 20% on the
portion from $600,001 through $3,000,000 and 12% thereafter.
14. Third-Party Internet Bidding Services (a) Third Party Bidding Platforms.
We engage third party online bidding platforms to collect or facilitate auction
bids ("Bidding Platforms"), each of which levy a fee for their services, and have
their own rules on fees and how to bid and buy online using these Bidding
Platforms. Freeman's has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for,
the content, privacy policies, or practices of any Bidding Platforms. Your
dealings with Bidding Platforms are solely between you and such Bidding
Platforms. We encourage you to be aware of, and to read, the terms and
conditions and privacy policy of any Bidding Platforms that you visit. You
expressly release Freeman's from any and all liability arising from your use
of any Bidding Platform or other third-party website or service. (b) Waiver.
Absentee Bids left with Bidding Platforms are released to Freeman's when
a lot comes up for sale. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, NEGLIGENCE, WILL WE AND OUR SELLERS BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT RESULT FROM THE USE OF, OR THE
INABILITY TO USE, THESE BIDDING PLATFORMS.
15. Unless exempted by law from the payment thereof, the buyer will be
required to pay any and all federal excise tax and any state and/or local sales
taxes, including where deliveries are to be made outside the state where a
sale is conducted, which may be subject to a corresponding or compensating
tax in another state. All purchases made at Freeman's, therefore, will be subject to the Pennsylvania State and Local sales tax--currently at a combined rate of 8%, which is applied to the hammer price plus buyer's premium--unless the successful buyer submits the required tax exemption documentation. Those seeking exemption from sales tax must provide a valid certificate to Freeman's prior to outgoing shipment.

In accordance with Pennsylvania State law, if Freeman's or the buyer arranges for a lot/s to be shipped outside of Pennsylvania through an independent, third-party shipping company, Freeman's must collect Pennsylvania sales tax on the lot/s irrespective of the property's final destination. If the item is first delivered to any hired service provider (e.g. restorer, storage facility, etc.) located in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania sales tax will still be applicable and invoiced, even if the lot will ultimately be shipped out-of-state.
16. Freeman's may, as a service to buyer, arrange to have purchased property
posted and shipped at the buyer's expense. Freeman's is not responsible
for any acts or omissions in packing or shipping of purchased lots whether
or not such carrier is recommended by Freeman's. Packing and handling of
purchased lots is at the responsibility of the buyer and is at the entire risk of
the buyer.
17. In no event shall any liability of Freeman's to the buyer exceed the
purchase price actually paid.
18. No claimed modification or amendment of this Agreement on the part
of any party shall be deemed extant, enforceable or provable unless it is in
writing that has been signed by the parties to this Agreement. No course of
dealing and no delay or omission on the part of Freeman's in exercising any
right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other
right and waiver on any one or more occasions shall not be construed as a
bar to or waiver of any right or remedy of Freeman's on any future occasion.
19. These Conditions of Sale and the buyer's, the Consignor's and Freeman's
rights under these Conditions of Sale shall be governed by, construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and Consignor and Buyer agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Contract Information

All property offered and sold through Samuel T. Freeman & Co., ("Auctioneer", or "Broker", or the "Company") shall be offered and sold on the terms and conditions set forth in these Conditions of Sale. By participating in any sale, you acknowledge that you are bound by these terms and conditions.

Payment Information

Please note that payment is due within 10 days of the auction and is required prior to pick-up.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, and you can pay online with a card or eCheck up to a limit of $30,000. For purchases over this threshold, bank transfer is the easiest way to pay.

An eCheck withdraws your payment directly from your bank account using the account and routing numbers provided.

Shipping Information

As a result of the current coronavirus situation, please be aware that delivery and shipments of property will be delayed. During the delays, we will store your property free of charge. Successful buyers are invited to contact Megan Latona at [email protected] to discuss the best options for shipment and collection of property.

Please note that Freeman's requires written authorization to release property to anyone other than the buyer. Payment for shipping is handled directly with the shipping company.

Please note that all operations related to the processing of property--including drop-offs & pick-ups, billing & payment, cataloging & photography--will be managed through 1600 W. Girard Ave.

Buyer's Premium

A Buyer's Premium will be added to the successful bid price and is payable by the buyer as part of the total purchase price. The Buyer's Premium shall be: 26% on the first $600,000 of the hammer price of each lot, 20% on the portion from $600,001 through $3,000,000, and 12% thereafter

Taxes on your purchase

Unless exempted by law, from the payment thereof, the purchaser will be required to pay any and all applicable state and/or local sales taxes. Deliveries to be made outside the state where a sale is conducted may therefore be subject to a corresponding or compensating tax in another state.
All purchases made at Freeman's, therefore, will be subject to the Pennsylvania State and Local sales tax--currently at a combined rate of 8%, which is applied to the hammer price plus buyer's premium--unless the successful buyer submits the required tax exemption documentation. Those seeking exemption from sales tax must provide a valid certificate to Freeman's prior to outgoing shipment.

In accordance with Pennsylvania State law, if Freeman's or the buyer arranges for a lot/s to be shipped outside of Pennsylvania through an independent, third-party shipping company, Freeman's must collect Pennsylvania sales tax on the lot/s irrespective of the property's final destination. If the item is first delivered to any hired service provider (e.g. restorer, storage facility, etc.) located in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania sales tax will still be applicable and invoiced, even if the lot will ultimately be shipped out-of-state.

Condition Statement

Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale. Samuel T. Freeman & Co. has made every effort to catalogue and describe accurately property to be sold. The Company, however, assumes no risk, liability or responsibility for the identification or authenticity or authorship, or weight, count, or measure of any property identified in its catalogue or lists of sale. This shall include, among others, the identity of the creator, the period, culture, source of origin, as the case may be, with which the creation of any property is identified in any publication.