For Immediate Release September 6, 2011 Contact: Sung-Hee Park spark@christies.

com tel +1 212 636 2680

CHRISTIE'S PRESENTS THE FALL SALE OF IMPORTANT AMERICAN FURNITURE, FOLK ART & DECORATIVE ARTS

The Charles Thompson Chippendale Carved Mahogany Side Chair The Carving Attributed to John Pollard (1740-1787) Philadelphia, 1765-1775 38 in. high Estimate: $500,000-700,000

New York On September 28, Christies presents the sale of Important American Furniture, Folk Art & Decorative Arts. This sale features over 90 exceptionally rare and diverse examples of American art and craftsmanship from the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries, including pieces from outstanding private collections and public institutions. This carefully edited sale is expected to realize in excess of $3 million.

Leading an outstanding selection of 17th Century furniture is a Joined and Painted Oak and Pine Chest with Drawer, Ipswich, Massachusetts, 1670-1700 (illustrated right, estimate: $200,000-400,000). Attributed to the Thomas Dennis shop tradition, this chest remains in a remarkable state of preservation. Of the twenty odd known examples of chests from the Dennis shop tradition, twelve are currently in institutional collections. This is the only chest of its kind to retain its original drawer and is one of only a few to survive with its original pinning, paint decoration and old dry surface. This chest descended in the family of Brigadier General James Reed of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, a celebrated officer who served under General George Washington at Bunker Hill and Fort Ticonderoga during the American Revolution. Among the exquisite examples of 18th Century furniture is the Dexter family Chippendale Carved Mahogany Serpentine-Front Bomb Chest-of-Drawers, Boston area, 1770-1795 (illustrated left, estimate: $600,000900,000). Possibly made in the shop of master craftsman Benjamin Frothingham (17341809) of Charlestown, Massachusetts, this exceedingly rare form is exquisitely carved and survives as a testament to the expertise and artistry of cabinetmakers in Boston during the 18th Century. This bomb chest-of-drawers was made for and descended in the Dexter family of Malden and Charlestown, Massachusetts. Ownership of this chest can be traced to William Dexter I (1742-1811) and his son William Dexter II (1764-1809), members of a prominent Massachusetts family at the start of the American Republic.

The selection of 18th Century furniture also includes the Charles Thomson Chippendale Carved Mahogany Side Chair, Philadelphia, 1765-1775 (illustrated right and detailed image on page 1, estimate: $500,000-700,000). An extraordinary example of rococo-era craftsmanship, the carving on this elegant side chair is attributed to John Pollard, one of Philadelphias most accomplished and celebrated carvers. This chair was originally part of a set of twelve made for Charles Thomson (1729-1824), the Sam Adams of Philadelphia and a champion of the patriot cause during the American Revolution. Thomson designed the iconic Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted by Congress in 1782. Additional sale highlights feature 19th Century paintings, including Racing Schooners by Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (illustrated left, estimate: $50,000-70,000), a dynamic and dramatic depiction of an intensely competitive leg of a yacht race; a Queen Anne Birchwood and Inset Delft Tile Tilt-Top Candlestand from Salem, Massachusetts, 1750-1770 (estimate: $30,000-50,000); and a selection of watercolor and ink-decorated birth and baptismal certificates from early 19th Century Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Auction: Important American Furniture, Folk Art & Decorative Arts Viewing: Christie's Rockefeller Galleries

September 28 September 23-27

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2011 that totaled 2.0 billion/US$3.2 billion. In 2010 it achieved global auction and private sales of 3.3 billion/US$5.0 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from US$200 to over US$100 million. Christies has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits.

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