DEAR FRIENDS,
It is with particular satisfaction that we present to you the catalogue of our Auction 134.
Waited with expectation – the Christmas season auction is, traditionally, one of the most important auctions of the year and one intended to be bright – It can be said that the wait was well worth, for more than one reason.
In fact, if great art has always been held and regarded, quite rightly, as a safe haven investment, especially in periods of greater uncertainty and insecurity, the truth is that its scope does not end in an Economic and financial perspective: the art objects are valuable assets also, and especially, because, by themselves, are a spiritual and cultural stronghold, preserving and passing the rise, the peace and beauty that we need.
The "St. Vincent" which illustrates the cover symbolizes just that: one of the major works by the leading Portuguese painter of the mid-16th century, Diogo Contreiras, a piece of high collection, the subject of particular attention by the specialists, museum-worthy (Lot 235).
Among several other exceptional pieces, of national and international interest, are also:
The Table with spiral legs and double stretchers, Lusíada, in teak, sissoo, ebony and ivory, Indo-Portuguese, 17th C. (Lot 463 a).
The "St. Michael the Archangel", ivory sculpture, Hispano-Philippine, 17th C. (Lot 445).
Noteworthy is also the Ornament Set in silver, gold and diamonds, comprising a necklace, a pair of earrings, a brooch “tremblent”, a pendant/brooch and a frame for diadem or collar (Lot 154).
If it is impossible to highlight all the pieces that deserve to appear in this introductory text - but do not dispense the reading of the catalog and a visit to the exhibition - refer to, among many others:
The D. José King of Portugal Side table and the Bureau, in Brazilian rosewood with carvings, Portuguese, 18th C. (Lots 69 and 76).
The D. José King of Portugal Kettle with burner, in silver, Portuguese, 18th C. (Lot 203).
One last note - clearly positive - to close this year, which, that by its range, we believe we should communicate to the art market: the sale in the past September, of the painting "Celebrating S. Martin "(also known by "The Drunks") by José Malhoa, which had integrated the special auction of May / June.
Sold for € 400,000 – the base value by which had been withdrawn, without biddings, once that Cabral Moncada Auctions does not negotiate in any event the price of withdrawn lots – the value reached is the highest that we ever registered.
It is also the demonstration that our art market, being narrow, remains a strong and lucid one, responsive to the good practice – clear principles, consistently observed, transparency.
Awaiting the pleasure of receiving you soon, desiring to all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, with best regards
Pedro Maria de Alvim Miguel Cabral de Moncada