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Lot 249: Attributed to Jose Ribelles y Helip (Spanish, 1778-1835)

Est: $3,000 USD - $5,000 USDSold:
HindmanChicago, IL, USJuly 21, 2020

Item Overview

Description

Attributed to Jose Ribelles y Helip (Spanish, 1778-1835)
Don Juan Jose Perez Mora
oil on canvas
40 1/8 x 31 1/2 inches.

Provenance:
Arthur Tooth & Son, London
Moulton & Ricketts, Chicago
Purchased by Hackley Art Gallery, June 3, 1913, through the Hackley Picture Fund

Literature:
Wyer, Raymond, ed. Aesthetics, vol. I (Muskegon, Michigan: Hackley Art Gallery, 1913), pp. 54-57.
Levy, Florence M., ed. American Art Directory, vol. XI (New York: American Federation of the Arts, 1914), p. 170.
Official Catalogue of Exhibitors: Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, California, 1915 (San Francisco: The Wahlgreen Company, 1915), p. 20.
Howard, Rossiter. Art at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, vol. 32 (Fine Arts Journal, June 1915), pp. 264-270, no. 6.
Wyer, Raymond, ed. Aesthetics, vol. IV (Muskegon, Michigan: Hackley Art Gallery, 1916), p. 37, nos. 3-4.
Starkweather, William E. B. Paintings and Drawings by Francisco Goya in the Collection of the Hispanic Society of America (New York: The Hispanic Society of America, 1916), p. 223.
Federal Writers' Project of the Works Projects Administration in the State of Michigan. A Guide to the Wolverine State (New York: Oxford University Press, 1949), p. 356

Exhibited:
Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915
Spanish Art Exhibition, Fine Arts Gallery, San Diego, California, January 1928
Midland Art Association, Michigan Museum Show, Midland, Michigan, April 28-May 11, 1957

Lot Essay:
The Hackley Art Gallery (ultimately named the Muskegon Museum of Art) acquired this portrait on June 3, 1913 as a work attributed to Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes (Spanish, 1746-1828). Raymond Wyer, the gallery's first director, conducted the purchase, which was the most expensive painting ever acquired through the Hackley Picture Fund. The above referenced article in Aesthetics, vol. IV, published by the Hackley Art Gallery, designates the portrait as "one of the most important paintings in our permanent collection. [i] The sitter, Don Juan Jose Perez Mora, was an influential civilian and military administrator for the city of Madrid. He is depicted holding a letter in his right hand inscribed in Spanish "Madrid, 10 July 1810. Administration of Madrid. Concerning the most noble Don Juan Jose Perez Mora." This same inscription is printed in English on an old paper label affixed to this painting's stretcher.

In 1915, the Art Committee of the United States invited the Hackley Art Gallery to loan six paintings from its permanent collection to hang at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, the most of any museum in the world. [ii] This portrait is specifically referenced by Rossiter Howard, a prominent art educator and one-time director of the Kansas City Art Institute: "Goya's Don Juan Jose gives us the feeling of the same period in Spain, though Goya stood alone, rather than as one of a group, in his expression of it [...] The character is drawn so that we feel it keenly, the modeling is vigorous and fine, and the composition is sensitive. The painting would stand high among the Goyas of Madrid. [iii]

On February 9, 1929, Juan-Allende Salazar, a Spanish art scholar and trustee of the Prado, called into question the Goya attribution in a letter to the Hackley Art Gallery, and argued that the painting was likely by Jose Ribelles y Helip (Spanish, 1778-1835) instead. In a letter dated April 15, 1946, Professor Martin S. Soria, an art historian in the Spanish Department at Princeton University, voiced similar concerns regarding the Goya attribution, and reaffirmed Salazar's identification of Jose Ribelles y Helip as the true artist. His letter states: "I had felt that Jose Ribelles y Helip was probably the author of your picture. I have recently been able to check this attribution by comparison with various photographs of authentic portraits by this master in Spain. My conclusion is that Juan Jose Perez Mora is a work by Jose Ribelles [...] As to the date of the picture, your discussion is very convincing and I fear that for the time being it must remain 1810 or 1818. The decorations are, from the spectator's left: Order of St. John of Malta, Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Order of St. Ferdinand. [iv] The Muskegon Museum of Art no longer possesses the two aforementioned letters in their archives. The documentation provided for this lot is courtesy of the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Charles H. Hackley (1837-1905) was born in Michigan City, Indiana, and made his fortune in Muskegon's then thriving lumber industry as the owner of the Hackley-Hume Lumber Mill from 1854-1894. While many lumber mill owners eventually moved their operations to the Pacific Northwest, Hackley remained in Muskegon and emerged as a preeminent philanthropist in the once prosperous former industrial center. Among his numerous endeavors, Hackley envisioned opening a municipal art gallery for the city, and left through a bequest in his will an expendable trust of $150,000 to the Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education, a fund that ultimately came to be known as the Hackley Picture Fund. Hackley stated in his will that the fund was established for the purpose of purchasing "pictures of the best kind," and in 1910, Muskegon's Board of Education broke ground on a facility meant to house their growing collection of fine art, ultimately culminating in the opening of the Hackley Art Gallery. In 1979, the Hackley Art Gallery, also known as the Hackley Art Museum, underwent significant renovation and was renamed the Muskegon Museum of Art. [i] Wyer, Raymond, ed. Aesthetics, vol. IV (Muskegon, Michigan: Hackley Art Gallery, 1916), p. 37, nos. 3-4.
[ii] Howard, Rossiter. Art at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, vol. 32 (Fine Arts Journal, June 1915), p. 265.
[iii] Howard, Rossiter. Art at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, vol. 32 (Fine Arts Journal, June 1915), p. 267.
[iv] Professor Martin S. Soria, letter to the Hackley Art Gallery, April 15, 1946.
[v]'History.' The Muskegon Museum of Art.
Property from the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan

Artist or Maker

Condition Report

Frame: 52 1/2 x 43 3/4 inches. Canvas is lined. Craquelure throughout; light surface dirt. The painting was previously thought to be circa 1810, but may be later. Accession number: 13.57
For condition inquiries please contact fdcr@hindmanauctions.com

Payment & Shipping

Accepted forms of payment: COD (cash on delivery), Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

While Leslie Hindman Auctioneers does not provide packing and shipping services, we do have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you.

We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may either:

Fax a Shipping Release Form to 312.280.1211, or
Email your authorization to shipping@lesliehindman.com.
Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers reserves the right to charge $5 per lot per day or to deliver said property to a public warehouse for storage at the purchaser's expense. (Please see the Conditions of Sale)

You can find a complete list of recommended service providers for each Leslie Hindman office location at our Shipping and Packing page.

If you have questions about shipping or packing, please contact shipping@lesliehindman.com.

Auction Details

Fine Furniture, Decorative Arts and Silver

by
Hindman
July 21, 2020, 09:00 AM CST

1338 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, US

Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$0 - 249,999:28.0%
$250,000 - 2,999,999:23.0%
$3,000,000+:15.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$199$10
$200$499$25
$500$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$4,999$200
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$49,999$2,000
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000$199,999$10,000
$200,000+$25,000

Conditions of Sale

Conditions of Sale Hindman LLC AS AGENT

Notice: Because our employees are working remotely, purchased lots may be unavailable for shipping for longer than normal or until normal operations resume. Purchased lots will not be available for in-person pick-up. Storage fees during this period will be waived.

The buyer's premium and the third-party platform fee for purchases made via online bidding is twenty-eight (28%) of the hammer price up to and including $250,000; twenty-three percent (23%) of any amount in excess of $250,001 up to and including $3,000,000; and fifteen percent (15%) of any amount in excess of $3,000,001.

The lots listed in this catalogue will be offered by Hindman LLC as owner or as agent for consignor(s) subject to the following terms and conditions. By bidding at auction you agree to be bound by these Conditions of Sale.

BEFORE THE SALE
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to personally examine any property in which they are interested before the auction takes place. Condition reports are usually available on request, on lots with a low estimate of $300 and above. All lots are sold "AS IS" and without recourse and neither Hindman LLC nor its consignor(s) makes any warranties or representations, express or implied with respect to such lots. Neither Hindman LLC nor its consignor(s) makes any express or implied warranty or representation of any kind or nature with respect to merchantability, fitness for purpose, correctness of the catalogue or other description of the physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, medium, material, genuineness, attribution, provenance, period, culture, source, origin, exhibitions, literature or historical significance of any lot sold. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. No statement, whether written or oral, and whether made in the catalogue, or in supplements to the catalogue, an advertisement, a bill of sale, a salesroom posting or announcement, the remarks of an auctioneer, or otherwise, shall be deemed to create any warranty, representation or assumption of liability. Hindman LLC and its consignor(s) make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold. Hindman LLC expressly reserves the right to reproduce any image of the lots sold in the catalogue.

AT THE SALE
Refusal of Admission - Hindman LLC has the right, at our complete discretion, to refuse admission to the premises or participation in any auction and to reject any bid.

Registration before Bidding - A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification before bidding. We may require bank or other financial references.

Bidding as Principal - When making a bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, including the buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and all other applicable charges, unless it has been explicitly agreed upon in writing with Hindman LLC before the commencement of the sale that the bidder is acting as agent on behalf of an identified third party acceptable to Hindman LLC, and that Hindman LLC will only look to the principal for payment.

Absentee Bids - We will use reasonable efforts to carry out written bids given to us at least 24 hours prior to the sale for the convenience of clients who are not present at the auction in person, by an agent or by telephone. Bids must be placed in U.S. dollars. If we receive written bids on a particular lot for identical amounts, and these are the highest bids on the lot at the auction, it will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and we do not accept liability for failing to execute a written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with the written bid.

Telephone Bids - On lots with a low estimate of $300 and above and if a prospective buyer makes arrangements with us prior to the commencement of the sale we will use reasonable efforts to contact them to enable them to participate in the bidding by telephone and we do not accept liability for failure to do so or for errors and omissions in connection with telephone bidding. These telephone bids may be recorded at the discretion of Hindman LLC.

Online Bids - We will use reasonable efforts to carry out online bids and do not accept liability for equipment failure, inability to access the Internet or software malfunctions related to the execution of online bids.

Reserves - Some lots in the sale are subject to a reserve which is the confidential minimum price below which such lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate of the lot. Reserves are agreed upon with consignors or, in the absence thereof, the absolute discretion of Hindman LLC. The auctioneer may open the bidding on any lot below the reserve by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may continue to bid on behalf of the seller up to the amount of the reserve, either by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. With respect to lots that are offered without reserve, unless there are already competing bids, the auctioneer, in his or her discretion, will generally open the bidding at half of the low estimate for the lot. In the absence of a bid at that level, the auctioneer may proceed backwards at his or her discretion until a bid is recognized, and then continue up from that amount.

Auctioneer's Discretion - The auctioneer has the right at his or her absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid, to advance the bidding in such a manner as he or she may decide, to withdraw any lot, and in the case of error or dispute, and whether during or after the sale, to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the item in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.

Successful Bid - The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the case of a tie bid, the winning bidder will determined by the auctioneer at his or her sole discretion. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer has final discretion to determine the successful bidder or to reoffer the lot in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, the Hindman LLC sale record shall be conclusive. Title passes upon the fall of the auctioneer's hammer to the highest acknowledged bidder subject to the Conditions of Sale set forth herein, and the bidder assumes full risk and responsibility.

AFTER THE SALE
Buyer's Premium - In addition to the hammer price, the buyer agrees to pay Hindman LLC a buyer's premium and the applicable sales tax added to the final total. The buyer's premium for all purchases except via live online bidding is twenty-five (25%) of the hammer price up to and including $250,000; twenty percent (20%) of any amount in excess of $250,000 up to and including $3,000,000; and twelve percent (12%) of any amount in excess of $3,000,000.

Third-Party Platform Fee - If the buyer bids through a third-party platform the buyer agrees to pay a surcharge to Hindman LLC equal to the fee levied by the third-party platform. The third-party platform fee is in addition to the buyer's premium.

Payment - The buyer must pay the entire amount due (including the hammer price, buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and other charges) no later than 5 p.m. on the seventh (7) business day following the sale. Payment in U.S. dollars may be made with cash; bank check or cashier's check drawn on a U.S. bank; money order; or wire transfer unless other arrangements are made with Hindman LLC. Hindman LLC reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Hindman LLC a handling charge of $50 for any check dishonored by the drawee.

Tax Exempt Notice - Lots marked with an asterisk (*) are tax exempt as permitted by law.

Collecting Purchases - Once Hindman LLC has received all funds due to us, the buyer shall collect purchased lots within seven (7) business days from the date of the sale.

Packing and Shipping - If your bid is successful, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling of purchased lots by us is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Hindman LLC will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items.

Non Payment - If we do not receive payment in full, in good cleared funds, within seven (7) business days following the sale, we are entitled in our absolute discretion to exercise one or more of the following measures, in addition to any additional actions available to us by law: a.) to impose a late charge of one and a half percent (1.5%) per thirty (30) days of the total purchase price b.) to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to begin legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law c.) to cancel the sale d.) to resell the property publicly or privately with such terms as we find appropriate, to resell the property at public auction without reserve, and with the purchaser liable for any deficiency, cost, including handling charges, the expenses of both sales, our commission on both sales at our regular rate, all other charges due hereunder and incidental damages. In addition, a defaulting purchaser will be deemed to have granted us a security interest in, and we may retain as collateral security for such purchaser's obligations to us, any property in our possession owned by such purchaser. At our option, payment will not be deemed to have been made in full until we have collected funds represented by checks, or in the case of bank or cashier's checks, we have confirmed their authenticity. e.) to offset against any amount owed f.) to not allow any bids at any upcoming auction by or on behalf of the buyer g.) to take other action as we find necessary or appropriate.

Failure to Collect Purchases - If property is not picked up within seven (7) business days following the sale, whether or not payment has been made, Hindman LLC reserves the right to charge $5 per lot per day or to deliver said property to a public warehouse for storage at the purchaser's expense. Hindman LLC shall have no liability for any damage to property left on its premises for more than seven (7) business days following the sale. In addition, we reserve the right to impose a late charge of one and a half percent (1.5%) per month of the total purchase price if payment is not made in accordance with the conditions set forth herein. For property that is not picked up after thirty (30) calendar days, an additional administration fee of $75 will be charged. Property which is paid for but left on our premises for any reason in excess of sixty (60) calendar days is subject to sale by us with the balance of any funds recovered in excess of storage charges and any other fees being remitted to you.

LIABILITY
Condition Reports - Hindman LLC is not responsible for the correctness of any statement of any kind concerning any lot, whether written or oral, nor for any other errors or omissions in description or for any faults or defects in any lot. Neither the seller, ourselves, our officers, employees or agents, give any representation, warranty or guarantee or assume any liability of any kind in respect of any lot with regard to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, description, size, quality, condition, attribution, completeness, authorship, authenticity, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, exhibition history, literature or historical relevance. Except as required by local law any warranty of any kind whatsoever is excluded by this paragraph. Items under $1,000 are collated upon request.

Purchased Lots - If for any reason a purchased lot cannot be delivered in the same condition as at the time of sale, or should any purchased lot be stolen, mis-delivered or lost prior to delivery, Hindman LLC shall not be liable for any amount in excess of that paid by the purchaser.

Legal Ramifications - The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the jurisdiction in Illinois. If any part of these Conditions of Sale is found by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that part shall be discounted and the rest of the conditions shall continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Discretion - Any and all of the conditions may be waived or modified in the sole discretion of Hindman LLC. 07/01/19

Shipping Terms

While Leslie Hindman Auctioneers does not provide packing and shipping services, we do have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you.

We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may either:

Fax a Shipping Release Form to 312.280.1211, or
Email your authorization to shipping@lesliehindman.com.
Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers reserves the right to charge $5 per lot per day or to deliver said property to a public warehouse for storage at the purchaser's expense. (Please see the Conditions of Sale)

You can find a complete list of recommended service providers for each Leslie Hindman office location at our Shipping and Packing page.

If you have questions about shipping or packing, please contact shipping@lesliehindman.com.