Los Angeles, CA— John Moran Auctioneers proudly announces an exclusive event set to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, at noon PDT, a prestigious event will unfold as The Collection of Frederick W. Davis: An American Abroad converges with selections from the esteemed Dr. Amy Conger Estate. This monumental auction, showcasing an array of Latin and American fine and decorative art from the 20th century, will be a landmark event in the world of art acquisition.
Diego Rivera (1886-1957), "Dos Indios Arando En Un Frutal," 1935. $30,000-50,000
Fred Davis (1877-1961), a visionary collector and dealer of pre-Columbian and Mexican folk art, amassed a treasure trove of Latin American art throughout the early to mid-20th century. His remarkable collection, previously inaccessible to collectors, will finally emerge, presenting a remarkable array of lots comprising exquisite art, photographs, silver tableware, jewelry, and books, poised to command attention.
Davis’s arrival in Mexico in 1910 through the Sonora News Company sparked an enduring fascination with folk art and pre-Columbian artifacts. His pivotal role in managing the Sonora Company’s arts and crafts showroom in Mexico City during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution solidified his position as a magnet for emerging artists of the “Mexican school.” As a cultural ambassador, Davis welcomed esteemed figures like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Jose Clemente Orozco, and Jean Charlot to his residence in Cuernavaca, fostering a vibrant hub of artistic exchange.
Among the prized possessions within the collection are two guest books from Davis’s residence, adorned with a plethora of signatures and sketches contributed by his esteemed guests. These invaluable artifacts, estimated at $3,000-5,000, encapsulate the rich tapestry of connections and interactions within Davis’s distinguished social circle.
A Sanborns Sterling Silver Coffee And Tea Service. $3,000-5,000
Dr. Amy Conger, a luminary scholar whose groundbreaking research established a benchmark in the history of photography, will be honored through her contributions. Her renowned book, “Edward Weston: Photographs from the Collection of the Center for Creative Photography”, stands as a testament to her profound influence. The auction will feature selections from her vast collection of photography and materials amassed over a lifetime of exploration, creating a beautiful parallel with Davis’s legacy.
The auction will showcase works by iconic artists such as Diego Rivera, Miguel Covarrubias, Rufino Tamayo, Jose Clemente Orozco, Vicente Rojo, Caroline Durieux, and more. Among the extensive photo collection are works by Edward, Brett, and Kim Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Paul Strand, Beaumont Newhall, Graciela Iturbide, Mario Giacomelli, and Eugenia Vargas. Notable amongst these is Edward Weston’s “Plaza Tepotzotlán,” 1924, a gelatin silver print estimated at $1000-1500.
Leading the auction are masterpieces by Mexican luminaries Diego Rivera, Miguel Covarrubias, and Rufino Tamayo. Noteworthy highlights include Rivera’s “Dos Indios Arando en un Frutal,” 1935, estimated at $30,000-50,000, Covarrubias’s “El Mercado,” estimated at $20,000-30,000, and Tamayo’s “Three figures on a log,” 1932, valued at $15,000-20,000, are expected to lead the two-estate auction.
Also featured are remarkable pieces by Vicente Rojo, Caroline Durieux, and Rosa Covarrubias, including Rojo’s “Octavo Presagio: Casa el Hombre” estimated at $3,000-5,000, Durieux’s “Take me to Your Leader,” 1936 with an estimate of $3,000-5,000, and a captivating watercolor by Rosa Covarrubias titled “Floral still life” estimated at $2,000-3,000.
Collectors will also have the opportunity to acquire exquisite items such as the stunning 6-piece set of blue Continental roemer rummer wine goblets from Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlotta of Mexico, estimated at $1,000-2,000. Another showstopper, just one of many silver pieces in the sale is a Sanborns sterling silver coffee and tea service estimated at $3,000-5,000.
This auction promises to be an unmissable event for aficionados and collectors seeking to acquire exceptional pieces of Latin and American fine and decorative art. For more information and to participate, visit www.johnmoran.com.
—Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
Two Fred Davis Guest Books. Volume One: Cuernavaca, 84 pages. Volume Two: Mexico City, 114 pages. $3,000-5,000
“Among the prized possessions within the collection are two guest books from Davis’s residence, adorned with a plethora of signatures and sketches contributed by his esteemed guests.”
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is finishing their 2023 lineup with the Jewelry & Watches auction, Tuesday, December 5th, followed by the 20th Century Photography sale, Wednesday, December 6th. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
Jewelry + Watches: Tuesday, December 5th | 12:00 pm PDT
20th Century Photography: Wednesday, December 6th | 10:00 am PDT
The Collection of Frederick W. Davis: Wed., Dec. 6th | 12:00 pm PDT
Latin American Art + Design: Thursday, December 7th | 12:00 pm PDT
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoran_auctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
Consignments are always welcome:
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