ZURICH.- Koller’s December auctions feature an important collection of Swiss Art, including a rare large-format painting by Albert Anker, “The Wine Festival.” Otherwise the focus is on the 20th century, with paintings and sculpture by Max Beckmann, Mario Schifano, and Tony Cragg, important graphic works by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, a limited edition steel sofa by designer Ron Arad, and an important animalier bronze sculpture by Rembrandt Bugatti. An extremely rare Patek Philippe “World Time” watch from 1948 is the top lot in the watches auction, and the jewelry auction features a “fancy” diamond ring from a rival firm to Fabergé.

Swiss Art 
Outstanding works from an important private collection 
The first part of an important Zurich private collection of Swiss Art will be auctioned this December at Koller, and includes the auction’s top lot: Albert Anker’s “Wine Festival” (lot 3015). One of the first important paintings acquired by the collector, it was purchased for a relatively modest sum in the 1970s from a Swiss wine grower who needed funds to repair his roof. The collector chose well: the painting’s large-scale format and the wide variety of figures present are very rare in Anker’s oeuvre, and it is expected to bring between CHF 3.5 and 5 million / GBP 2.4 – 3.4 million. 

Albert Anker (1831 Ins 1910), "The Grape Harvest Festival". 1865. (The Wine Festival). Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower left: Anchor 1865; 108 x 182 cm. Estimate CHF 3 500 000.- / 5 000 000.- € 3 240 740.- / 4 629 630. Photo Koller.

From the same collection comes Albert Anker’s portrait of a young girl inspired by Jeremias Gotthelf’s 1850 novel “Das Erdbeeri-Mareili” (Strawberry Mary), estimated at CHF 1.3 – 1.8 million / GBP 900 000 – 1.2 million (lot 3024), and a dramatic work by Alexandre Calame, “Après l’orage” (After the Storm), for CHF 80 000 – 140 000 / GBP 55 000 – 95 000 (lot 3030). Other highlights in the auction include works by Johann Gottfried Steffan and Robert Zünd, as well as an important group works by Suisse Romande artists such as François Diday, Karl Girardet, François Bocion and Gustave Castan. 

Albert Anker (1831 Ins 1910), "Girl with a basket in the woods" (Erdbeerimareili). 1872. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower left: Anchor, 1872; 81 x 61 cm. Estimate CHF  1 300 000.- / 1 800 000.- € 1 203 700.- / 1 666 670. Photo Koller.

Alexandre Calame ((Vevey 1810-1864 Menton), “Après l’orage” (After the Storm), 1841. Oil on canvas. Signed lower right: A. CALAME. . GENEVE; 116.5 x 178 cm. Estimate CHF 80 000.- / 140 000.- € 74 070.- / 129 630. Photo Koller.

mpressionist & Modern Art 
A work from the height of Beckmann’s fame and two rare Futurist paintings 
“Anemones“ by Max Beckmann (lot 3230) is a charismatic work from the most successful period of the artist’s career in Germany. The painting dates from 1932, the year in which an entire room dedicated to Beckmann’s paintings was opened with great pomp in the Berlin National Gallery. The artist’s fortunes were soon to change, however, as the following year he was declared a “cultural Bolshevik” by Hitler and fired from his post as professor at the Frankfurt Städelschule Academy of Art. Eventually he would be forced to flee from Germany altogether. This still life from happier days is estimated between CHF 180 000 and 240 000 / GBP 120 000 – 160 000. 

Max Beckmann (Leipzig 1884-1950 New York), “Anemones“, 1932. Oil on canvas. Inscribed on the reverse (by Mathilde Quappi Beckmann): anemones painted by Max Beckmann 1932 / Quappi Beckmann New York; 35.5 x 24.5 cm. Estimate CHF 180 000.- / 240 000.- € 166 670.- / 222 220. Photo Koller.

Particularly rare are two paintings from the small but fascinating oeuvre of Belgian futurist Jules Schmalzigaug (lots 3225 and 3226). The works are part of a series of six paintings exhibited in the groundbreaking 1914 exhibition in Rome, “Esposizione Libera Futurista Internazionale.” They have remained in the same Italian private collection ever since, and represent the artist’s most avant-garde period, during the years before his suicide in 1917 (estimates CHF 60 000 – 100 000 / GBP 40 000 – 70 000 and CHF 15 000 – 25 000 / 10 000 – 15 000).

Jules Schmalzigaug (Antwerp 1882-1917 The Hague), "Sviluppo di un ritmo: Luce", 1914. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower right: Schmalzigaug 1914; 81 x 65 cm. Estimate CHF 180 000.- / 240 000.- € 166 670.- / 222 220. Photo Koller.

Other important Modern works in the sale include a stimulating work by Raoul Dufy, “Nu dans un paysage“ (lot 3263, CHF 200 000 – 250 000 / GBP 135 000 – 170 000), “Le paysan en rouge” by Marc Chagall, a painting the artist worked on between 1975 and 1978 (lot 3268, CHF 250 000 – 350 000 / GBP 170 000 – 240 000), and a nighttime depiction of a Paris carrousel by Nicolas Tarkhoff (lot 3212, CHF 65 000 – 100 000 / GBP 45 000 – 65 000). 

Raoul Dufy (Paris 1883-1955 Dax), “Nu dans un paysage“. Oil on canvas. Signed lower left: Raoul Dufy; 54 x 44 cm. Estimate CHF 200 000.- / 250 000.- € 185 190.- / 231 480. Photo Koller.

Marc Chagall  (Witebsk 1887 - 1985 Saint-Paul-de-Vence), “Le paysan en rouge”, 1975-78. Oil and Indian ink on canvas. Stamped with the estate Signature lower right: Marc Chagall; 27 x 22 cm. Estimate CHF 200 000.- / 250 000.- € 185 190.- / 231 480. Photo Koller.

Nicolas Tarkhoff (Moscow 1871 - 1930 Orsay), Une fête nocturne (Manège Place du Mène), 1902-1903. Oil on canvas. Signed lower left:. N. Tarkhoff; 81 x 65 cm. Estimate CHF 65 000.- / 100 000.- € 60 190.- / 92 590. Photo Koller.

PostWar & Contemporary 
Two early diptychs by a pioneer of Pop Art 
The PostWar & Contemporary auction at Koller features two early 1960s diptychs by Mario Schifano, from an Italian private collection. Schifano can be counted among the most important and influential exponents of Pop Art in Europe, and the two present works illustrate the development of his own pictorial and formal expression, influenced by the European tradition (lots 3424 and 3427, CHF 90 000 – 140 000 / GBP 60 000 – 95 000 and CHF 100 000 – 200 000 / GBP 65 000 – 135 000).

Mario Schifano (1934 - 1998), "Incidente", 1962. Enamel and graphite on paper on canvas; 204 x 204 cm (diptych). Estimate CHF 90 000.- / 140 000.- € 83 330.- / 129 630. Photo Koller.

Mario Schifano (1934 - 1998), "Dalla parte del Mediterraneo-particolare", 1963. Enamel and graphite on paper on canvas. Signed and dated on the stretcher: Schifano 63, so titled on the upper margin; 204 x 204 cm (diptych). Estimate CHF 100,000 / 200,000 | EUR 95000 / 190000. Photo Koller.

Gerhard Richter’s 1972 “Vermalung” in tones of brown will be offered for CHF 80 000 – 120 000 / GBP 55 000 – 80 000 (lot 3459). Connsoisseurs of monumental sculpture will be tempted by the over two-meter-high steel sculpture by British artist Tony Cragg (lot 3485, CHF 330 000 – 400 000 / GBP 230 000 – 270 000). The auction also features a trio of Concrete Art works by three of its most important Zurich artists: Verena Loewensberg, Gottfried Honegger and Richard Paul Lohse (lots 3413 – 3415, estimates up to CHF 50 000 / GBP 34 000). 

Gerhard Richter (born 1932), "Vermalung (brown)", 1972. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated on the reverse: 72 judges, ie numbered: 52.; 27 x 40 cm. Estimate CHF 80 000.- / 120 000.- € 74 070.- / 111 110. Photo Koller.

Tony Cragg (born 1949), "Untitled", 2010. Chrome steel, polished. Signed and dated at the bottom of the foot: Cragg in 2010, as well as marked with the foundry stamp: Kayser Dusseldorf. Height: 210 cm. Estimate CHF 330,000 / 400,000 | EUR 313500 / 380000. Photo Koller.

Verena Loewensberg (1912 - 1986), "Untitled", 1971. Acrylic on canvas. Signed and dated on the stretcher: Loewensberg 71; 121 x 80 cm. Estimate CHF 30 000.- / 50 000.- € 27 780.- / 46 300. Photo Koller.

Gottfried Honegger (born 1917 ),"Tableau-relief P 832", 1980. Acrylic on canvas and cardboard. Signed, dated, titled and inscribed on the reverse: Honegger 1980 (Les Deux) 230 x 300 cm P 832 A res. . B, ie with direction arrow and hanging notes; 230 x 300 cm (diptych). Estimate CHF 25,000 / 35,000 | EUR 23750 / 33250. Photo Koller.

Richard Paul Lohse (1902 - 1988), "Gruppe von acht Quadraten mit vier Rechtecken" (Group of eight squares with four rectangles), 1957-1976. Acrylic on canvas. Signed on the reverse:. Lohse; 60 x 60 cm. Estimate CHF 45,000 / 55,000 | EUR 42750 / 52250. Photo Koller.

The work by Honegger (lot 3414) will be the subject of a lecture by Dr. Beatrice Steiner in Koller’s Zurich galleries on 26 November. 

Graphic Works, Multiples and Photography 
Views of Love, War and Money by Haring, Lichtenstein and Warhol 
Numerous important graphic works will be offered in this sale, notably a large-format color lithograph and screenprint by Roy Lichtenstein entitled “Reflections on crash” (1990), inspired by a comic book about the Second World War (lot 3751, CHF 90 000 – 140 000 / GBP 60 000 – 95 000), and Andy Warhol’s screenprint “Dollar Sign (1)” from 1982 (lot 3722, CHF 22 000 – 28 000 / GBP 15 000 – 19 000). Love, not money, is the subject of two graphic works offered in this sale: one by Marc Chagall, “Bataille de Fleurs” (lot 3703, CHF 10 000 – 15 000 / GBP 7 000 – 10 000), and another by Keith Haring, “Untitled” from 1989, showing a couple united by a heart (lot 3774, CHF 9 000 – 14 000 / GBP 6 000 – 9 000). 

Roy Lichtenstein (1923 New York 1997), "Reflections on crash", 1990. Colour lithograph, -screenprint, relief and collage with metalised PVC foil and embossing. 46/68. Signed and dated lower right: rf Lichtenstein '90. Image 134 x 175.5 cm on Velin by Somerset 150 x 191 cm. Estimate CHF 90,000 / 140,000 | EUR 85500 / 133000. Photo Koller.

Andy Warhol (Pittsburgh 1928 - 1987 New York), "Dollar Sign (1)", 1982. Colour screen print. 28/60. Signed lower right: Andy Warhol. Sheet size 50.2 x 39.8 cm on Lenox Museum Board. Estimate CHF 22,000 / 28,000 | EUR 20900 / 26600. Photo Koller.

After Marc Chagall  (Witebsk 1887 - 1985 Saint-Paul-de-Vence), “Bataille de Fleurs”. Colour lithograph. XXXIX / LXXV. Signed lower right: Marc Chagall, as well as inscribed in the stone lower left: CH. . Sorlier SCULP, and right: Marc Chagall PINX. Image 62.3 x 46 cm on Velin Arches by (with The Watermark) 75 x 52.7 cm. Estimate CHF 10,000 / 15,000 | EUR 9500 / 14250. Photo Koller.

Keith Haring (Reading/Pennsylvania 1958 - 1990 New York), “Untitled”, 1989. Colour silkscreen. 29/60. On the reverse signed on the label: K. Haring. Measurements 20 x 20 cm on canvas. Estimate CHF 9,000 / 14,000 | EUR 8550 / 13300. Photo Koller.

Watches 
A Rare Patek Philippe World Time Wristwatch 
Some rare vintage classics will be offered among the circa 140 lots in Koller’s Watches auction. A World Time  wristwatch from 1948 is one of fifteen from this sought-after brand to be offered in this auction, and certainly the rarest (lot 2592, CHF 80 000 – 120 000 / GBP 55 000 – 80 000). A Vacheron Constantin rose gold “Two-tone” wristwatch, also from the 40s, is a model of understated elegance (lot 2634, CHF 12 000 – 20 000 / GBP 8 000 – 13 000). Rolex is also well represented in this sale, for example by a Cosmograph Daytona (lot 2635, CHF 20 000 – 35 000 / GBP 13 000 – 24 000), and a 1995 Day Date with brilliant-cut diamonds and a coral dial (lot 2587, CHF 18 000 – 28 000 / GBP 12 000 – 19 000). 

Patek Philippe, Extremely rare World Time, 1948. Yellow gold 750. Reference No. 1415 HU, with only 31 names rare watch of cities engraved on the rotatable base lunette (41 cities is more common). Case No. 655,691. Silver Dial with Applied Numerals. Hand-wound movement No. 962 773, Cal. 12-120 HU of the finest quality. Patek Philippe crocodile band with original gold tang buckle. D 31 mm. With a Patek Philippe case and to excerpt from the Archives. Estimate CHF 80,000 / 120,000 | EUR 76000 / 114000. Photo Koller.

Vacheron Constantin, Pink gold “Two-tone” chronograph, 1940s. Pink gold 750. Rare chronograph, reference No. 4178, case No. 288692, dial in 2 shades of pink gold. Exquisite chronograph movement No. 437502. Crocodile leather band with Vacheron Constantin tang buckle in pink gold. D 36 mm. With Vacheron Constantin case. Estimate CHF 12,000 / 20,000 | EUR 11400 / 19000. Photo Koller.

Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona, ca. 1985. Stainless steel. Rare manual winding chronograph reference No. 6263 with screw-down pushers, case No. 8844623. Dial with Daytona printed in red. Movement No. 15953, Cal. 727. Oyster band reference No. 78350. D 37 mm. With Rolex case. Estimate CHF 20,000 / 35,000 | EUR 19000 / 33250. Photo Koller.

Rolex, Day Date with brilliant-cut diamonds and a coral dial, ca. 1995. Yellow gold 750. Ref. No. 18388, rare wristwatch set with diamonds, case No. S935375. Case back with green Rolex sticker. Sapphire glass with magnifying glass for date. Fine coral dial. Automatic movement No. 6913988, Cal. 3155. Leather band with original Rolex gold tang buckle. D 36 mm. Estimate CHF 18,000 / 28,000 | EUR 17100 / 26600. Photo Koller.

Jewelry 
A Ring to Rival Fabergé 
Among the top lots in the 280-lot jewelry auction are two “fancy” diamond rings: a sporty and elegant example with a 14.22 ct cushion-cut diamond (lot 2102, CHF 200 000 – 300 000 / GBP 135 000 – 200 000), and another also with a cushion-cut diamond, designed in 1937 by the workshop of Alexander Tillander (lot 2149). A rival of Fabergé during the last years of the Czarist Atelier Tillander ring with design from the Tillander archives, lot 2149 regime, Tillander left St. Petersburg during the revolution and returned to his native Finland, where he founded the Atelier Tillander, which continues to produce fine jewelry today (CHF 200 000 – 300 000 / GBP 135 000 – 200 000). A stunning Burma ruby and diamond ring from E. Meister will be auctioned to benefit the children’s charity SOS-Kinderdorf (lot 2079, CHF 150 000 – 200 000 / GBP 100 000 – 135 000).

Fancy diamond ring. Yellow gold 750, 23g. Set with 1 cushion-cut diamond, of 14.22 ct, fancy yellow/VS2. Size ca. 54. Estimate CHF 200,000 / 300,000 | EUR 190000 / 285000. Photo Koller.

Fancy diamond ring by Alexander Tillander, Finland, ca. 1937. Platinum. Set with 1 cushion-diamond of 7.70 ct, fancy intense yellow, SI1, set with brilliant- and circular-cut diamonds, weighing ca. 1.10 ct. Signed A. Tillander. Size ca. 56. Estimate CHF 200,000 / 300,000 | EUR 190000 / 285000. Photo Koller.

Burma ruby and diamond ring by E. Meister. Platinum 950. Set with 1 oval Burma ruby of 5.16 ct, not heated, traces of wear, circular- and tapered baguette-cut diamonds totalling ca. 1.00 ct. Size ca. 54. Estimate CHF 150,000 / 200,000 | EUR 142500 / 190000. Photo Koller.

Design 
Works by the Maison Jansen for the Château Solveig and the first “Model D” sofa by Ron Arad 
The Maison Jansen’s headquarters on the rue de l’Annonciation in Paris was for many years one of the world’s leading centers for interior design. The “Red Room” and “Blue Room” in the White House, ordered by Jacqueline Kennedy, are but two examples of their creations for prestigious clients. In the 1930s, British socialite Francis Francis hired the Maison Jansen to decorate his Swiss residence, the Château Solveig on the Lake of Geneva. Two works from this decorating scheme, conserved by the Francis family until now, will be offered in Koller’s design auction: a writing desk with armchair in birds-eye maple, leather and bronze, both illustrated in James Archer Abbott’s 2006 monograph on Jansen (lot 1203, CHF 5 000 – 7 000 / GBP 3 500 – 4 500). Another highlight of the Design auction is Ron Arad’s sleek and elegant polished steel Model D sofa, the first in a series of 20 produced by the Israeli designer in 1994 (lot 1284, CHF 120 000 – 160 000 / GBP 80 000 – 110 000).  

Maison Jansen, Lady's bureau with chair, ca. 1935, for the furnishing of the Château Solveig. Bird's eye maple, leather and bronze. One handle missing; 112x63x76 / 60x60x76 cm. Estimate CHF 5,000 / 7,000 | EUR 4750 / 6650. Photo Koller.

Ron Arad, Sofa, "D Sofa" model , designed in 1994 for Studio Ron Arad. Polished steel. Signed, numbered and dated 1/94. 216x89x101 cm. Estimate CHF 120,000 / 160,000 | EUR 114000 / 152000. Photo Koller.

Art Nouveau & Art Deco 
Sculptures by Rembrandt Bugatti and Marcel-André Bouraine 
A beautifully-modeled bronze by Rembrandt Bugatti, “Vache meuglant,” is the top lot of the Art Nouveau & Art Deco auction at Koller (lot 1146A, CHF 50 000 – 80 000 / GBP 35 000 – 55 000). Bugatti (1884-1916), the son of designer Carlo Bugatti, was one of the most talented and innovative animalier sculptors of his time. His iconic Dancing Elephant sculpture was later used by his brother Ettore’s car-making firm as a hood ornament for the Type 41. Marcel Bouraine’s sculpture (lot 1145) could easily illustrate an encyclopedia entry for Art Deco Sculpture. The French sculptor’s work embodies all of the classic characteristics of the period: sleek lines, stylized animal figures and geometric outlines. “Diana with Fawns” from circa 1920 is estimated at CHF 8 000 – 12 000 / GBP 5 000 – 8 000). 

Rembrandt Bugatti (1885-1916), “Vache meuglant”, dated 1901 . Bronze, black patinated. On a rectangular base. Signed Rembrandt, 1901 with number "4". H 23 cm. L 34 cm. Estimate CHF 50,000 / 80,000 | EUR 47500 / 76000. Photo Koller.

Marcel André Bouraine (1886-1948), "Diana with fawns", ca. 1920. Bronze, silver-plated and black patinated. On a black base. Signed Bouraine, Etling Paris. H 73 cm. Estimate CHF 8,000 / 12,000 | EUR 7600 / 11400. Photo Koller.