Auction Advisory Services

In addition to buying and selling fine American antiques and folk art, we also provide a range of other services, including auction representation. In our many years in business, we have developed collections for clients that regularly involves advisory services for auction. We are delighted to work with clients with varying interests and budgets who share a passion and keen eye for the best American antiques and folk art.

Such relationships are illustrated by the late Peter Goodman whose collection established a landmark sale at Christie’s during Americana week this past January and we purchased a number of lots for select clients.

David first began working closely with Peter Goodman in 1980. Despite now being remembered as one of the great collectors of American Folk Art, Peter started more modestly but refined and built upon his collection when his ability to do so allowed. Throughout his life, Goodman maintained a low profile, and eventually had the resources to reach for masterpieces that became his legacy as a collector.

One legacy-making example from Peter’s collection that we acquired for a client at the sale was “Woman with Two Canaries” by Samuel Addison Shute (1803-1836). This portrait is true masterpiece of color, shape, and design. Our successful bidding on behalf of a longtime client set a record for the artist.

Samuel Addision Shute (American, 1803-1836), Woman with Two Canaries, New England, circa 1830-32. Watercolor, gouache, pencil, bronze paint, gold foil, silk ribbon and paper collage on paper. 25 ¼ x 20 ½ inches. “The Collection of Peter and Barbara Goodman,” Christies, New York, Thursday, January 20, 2022, Lot 123.

For another client we acquired a superb pair of portraits by Jacob Maentel (1778-1863) that David previously owned and sold to Peter Goodman in 1984. Like the Shute, this set of portraits were widely published and exhibited.

Jacob Maentel (1778-1863), A Pair of Portraits of a Husband and Wife, Pennsylvania, circa 1815-1825. Watercolor and gouache on paper, 12 x 7 ¾ inches (wife); 11 ⅞ x 7 ¾ inches (husband). “The Collection of Peter and Barbara Goodman,” Christies, New York, Thursday, January 20, 2022, Lot 141

David describes Peter as a collector who “had great sensitivity to originality of surface and patinas and that he was attracted to objects with painted or original finishes that enhanced the forms of the things he collected.

While the Shute and Maentel achieved record-setting prices, we are very happy to acquire for our other clients some premium items at modest prices. Two examples from the Goodman Sale were a painted tinware chocolate pot and a William and Mary corner chair.

Black-painted tinware coffee pot, probably Pennsylvania, 19th Century. Height 7 ¾ inches. “The Collection of Peter and Barbara Goodman,” Christies, New York, Thursday, January 20, 2022, Lot 102.

William and Mary Corner Chair, New England, circa 1740. Maple and ash, height 31 ½ inches high. “The Collection of Peter and Barbara Goodman,” Christies, New York, Thursday, January 20, 2022, Lot 134.

We are always interested in working with clients who seek our representation at auction, and we hope you will inquire with us—whether you are seasoned player in the market or just beginning to form your collection.

by David Schorsch and Laura Cunningham