The work of Valentine Thomas Garland (1868-1914) this oil on board, right, entitled Puppies at a Bowl was consigned privately in Dublin by a vendor who felt its worth would be minimal. The 15 by 11in (39 x 29cm) panel was in “super condition” and attracted a good smattering of interest from both the UK trade and Irish private buyers.
Auctioneer James O’Halloran commented after the sale that perhaps the €1500-2000 estimate was a bit “thin” for a picture with such a “terribly charming” subject matter.
The previous record for a Garland currently stands at $12,000 (€13,150) taken in May 2002 at Butterfields in San Francisco for Star Performer. Puppies at a Bowl didn’t quite beat this falling at €13,000 (£9300).
Exchange rate: £1 = €1.40
Irish private bidders put a much higher value on puppy love
PICTURES of dogs are big business as Bonhams’ & Doyle’s sale of Dogs in Art in New York on February 11 highlighted. And an artist frequently featured in these New York sales brought James Adam (15% buyer’s premium) of Dublin success on March 12.
