Hidden In Plain Sight, ‘Lost’ Rodin Bronze At BRG Auction Ending October 10

Pair of antique Chinese elaborately enameled and decorated chargers with dragon motifs.

GREENWICH, CONN. — In an online auction by Black Rock Galleries (BRG) that closes on Wednesday, October 10, one lot stands out — among a sea of dark brown wood furniture lay a rare, once considered lost, bronze “Buste de Saint Jean-Baptiste” by French sculptor Francois Auguste Rene Rodin (1840–1917) — it was hidden in plain sight.

A platinum, cabochon sapphire, and diamond ring will be offered.

Steinway & Son grand piano Model B, circa 1907, in a highly figured mahogany case.

Gustave Wolff (American, 1863-1935), industrial oil on canvas.

Long thought to be lost, this August Rodin Saint Jean-Baptiste bronze head was found by Black Rock Galleries when they entered the estate. “Hidden in plain sight,” was how it was described.

“When the Black Rock Galleries estates team initially met with the estate’s executor, they immediately noticed the bronze,” explained BRG managing partner Grant Panarese. “When we go into an estate, we look at everything. Actually, this spectacular bronze was sitting on a pedestal in the foyer — a pretty prominent place. However, with all the other dark furnishings in the space, this piece was easy to miss.”

While there are a handful of John the Baptist busts in museums around the world, what sets this one apart is that the Gruet foundry Rodin selected to cast this particular bronze sculpture only cast two. One is held in the Plateau (formerly the Rodin Museum) in Seoul, Korea. The second was considered “lost,” until now. This “Buste de Jean-Baptiste” sculpture has been in the private estate collection of philanthropist and original CBS co-founder Arthur Judson.

“Because we believe this Rodin is truly as presented, we are offering the winning bidder a 90-day guarantee,” Panarese said. “During this time, the funds paid by the highest bidder will be held in escrow and the winning bidder has the opportunity to have the piece authenticated.”

It is believed that the bronze was acquired by Arthur Judson in the 1950s or 1960s. Since Judson’s death, the well-tended estate remained in the family for decades. However, the private home sale pushed the estate’s executor to liquidate much its contents, including this Rodin.

“We’re also pleased to handle other ‘brown wood’ estates,” Panarese said; this auction provides a rare opportunity for designers, collectors and homeowners alike to purchase highly coveted pieces. With the exception of a few select lots, all bids begin at $1 with no reserves.

In addition to the Rodin bronze, the fall Greenwich sale offers a collection of fine art, jewelry, antiques and more, all hailing from fine New York City, Westchester and Fairfield County estates. Other auction highlights include a platinum, cabochon sapphire and diamond ring, size 6—7.75; a Henry Dasson, Paris, French ormolu-mounted mahogany vitrine cabinet dated 1890; a Joseph Hirsch (American, 1910—1981) oil on canvas titled “Girl Combing”; a Gustave Wolff (American, 1863–1935) industrial oil on canvas; four Thomas Hart Benton lithographs; two Steinway pianos: a Steinway baby grand piano, Model L; and a Steinway & Sons grand piano Model B, circa 1907, in a highly figured mahogany case; and a pair of antique Chinese elaborately enameled and decorated chargers with dragon motifs

Previews will be Saturday, September 29, Tuesday, October 2–Saturday, October 6, and Monday to Wednesday, October 8–10, 10 am to 5 pm. Black Rock Galleries is at 179 Hamilton Avenue. For more information, www.blackrockgalleries.com or 203-900-1110.