A Year of Exceptional Auction Results: Dawsons 2024 Art Highlights

2024 was a year of outstanding auction results, marked by a series of remarkable sales at Dawsons. A diverse range of works, from Old Masters to Contemporary Art, captivated collectors and connoisseurs alike. Let's delve into some of the year's most significant highlights.

A Masterful Morris

Sir Cedric Morris, founder of the East Anglian School of Painting, was renowned for his expressive landscapes and still lifes. His “Apples” (1945), a vibrant and textural work, exemplifies his signature style. The painting’s strong composition and rich colour palette reflect the influence of both Post-Impressionism and modern art movements.

^{Sir Cedric Lockwood Morris (Welsh 1889-1982) 'Apples 1945'}

^{Sold for £62,000}

A Journey Through Time

Thomas Jacques Somerscales, a talented British painter of the 19th century, was known for his evocative marines and panoramas of his adopted Chile. His “Chilean Landscape, the Andes Beyond” (1886) showcases his ability to capture the grandeur and mystery of the South American landscape.

^{Thomas Jacques Somerscales (British 1842-1927) Chilean landscape, the Andes beyond}

^{Sold for £20,000}

Contemporary Brilliance

Ki-Bong Rhee, a leading figure in contemporary Korean art, is celebrated for his innovative and thought-provoking works. “The Empty Code” (2010) represents his exploration of the intersection of technology and human experience. The painting's complex layers and vibrant colours invite viewers to contemplate the digital age.

 ^{Ki-Bong Rhee (Korean b.1957) The Empty Code (2010)}

^{Sold for £12,000}

Old Masters and Modern Masters

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, one of history's greatest artists, continues to inspire and amaze. His etching and drypoint, “Christ Preaching” (“La Petite Tomb”), is a masterful example of his technical skill and expressive power.

^{Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (Dutch 1606-1669) Christ Preaching ('La Petite Tomb')}

^{Sold for £8,000}

Saloua Raouda Choucair, a pioneering Lebanese artist, was a key figure in the development of abstract art in the Middle East. Her “Gradual Rhythmical Composition, 1959-1960” is a stunning example of her geometric and lyrical style.

^{Saloua Rauoda Choucair (1916-2017) Lebanese, 'Gradual Rhythmical Composition, 1959-1960'}

^{Sold for £35,000}

Portraits and Prints

Sir Oswald Birley, a renowned British portrait painter, captured the essence of his subjects with great sensitivity and insight. His portrait of Captain Ralph Kerr, CBE RN (1943) is a poignant and beautifully rendered work.

^{Sir Oswald Birley (1880-1952), Portrait of Captain Ralph Kerr}

^{Sold for £36,000}

David Hockney, a contemporary British artist, is celebrated for his innovative use of color and perspective. His etching “Home” from “Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm” is a whimsical and imaginative work.

^{David Hockney (b.1937), Home - From 'Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm,'}

^{Sold for £9,500}

Lotte Laserstein, a German-Swedish artist, was a significant figure in German Expressionism. Her “Portrait of Charlotte Fisher” is a powerful and expressive work that showcases her talent for capturing the human figure.

^{Lotte Laserstein (German/Swedish, 1898 - 1993), Portrait of Charlotte Fisher}

^{Sold for £8,000} 

A Tapestry of Talent

Other notable highlights included Arbit Blatas’s “Figures in a Square at Ceret” (1952), a vibrant and colourful work that reflects his fascination with the French countryside, and Yaacov Agam’s “Eclatement” (1977-78), a kinetic sculpture that invites viewer participation.

^{Arbit Blatas (Lithuanian, 1908-1999), Figures in a square at Ceret}

^{Sold for £7,000}

2024 was a year of artistic triumphs at Dawsons, showcasing the breadth and depth of the art market. As we look forward to the future, we anticipate continued excitement and groundbreaking discoveries.

Consign Your Fine Art with Dawsons

Are you considering selling your fine art? Dawsons is now consigning for our March 2025 specialist Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures sale. With our expertise, dynamic in-house marketing and vast global reach, we can help you secure the best possible prices for any art you may be looking to sell.

Contact our specialist department today to discuss your collection.