NOT quite a country house sale, but something bearing more than a passing resemblance to the genre is being held at Stradbally Hall in Co Laois next Tuesday morning. Home to the Cosby family since the 17th century, the house is to lose at least some of its contents since auctioneer Michael Sheppard says a substantial portion of Tuesday's 872 lots have come from the home.
One of the Cosby ancestors is believed to feature in a painting included in this sale. From the circle of Benjamin West, the unsigned canvas is a version of that painter's most famous work, The Death of Wolfe. Admiral Phillips Cosby, who was recorded as present at the battle of Abraham where this incident occurred, is said to be depicted kneeling to the immediate left of Wolfe. The picture carries an estimate of £1,500-£2,000.
There are plenty of other paintings in the auction, such as a pair of rural scenes attributed to T.S. Cooper (estimate £2,000-£3,000), a late 19th/early 20th century canvas of a flower seller by William John Hennessy (£7,000-£9,000), a mid 19th century English still life (£3,500-£4,500) and a late 19th century French military scene by Emil Ferboye (£6,000-£10,000).
French artists are also responsible for a number of bronzes in the auction, such as a signed statue of Diana the Huntress by the 18th century master Jean Antoine Houdon (£2,000-£3,000) and a signed piece showing a red setter with a pheasant by Jules Moigniez (£3,000-£5,000).
However, greatest interest will probably focus on the furniture, with a Regency mahogany and ebony banded dining table carrying the auction's highest estimate of £15,000-£25,000. There is a wealth of fine pieces to admire here, such as a matched pair of 19th century rosewood and inlaid console tables (£8,000-£12,000) and, in a totally different style, an oak gothic revival console table mirror in the manner of Pugin (£6,000-£9,000).
A 19th century mahogany inverted break front bookcase is expected to make £6,000-£9,000, a pair of Regency gilt framed mirrors £1,500-£2,000, a pair of Georgian mahogany and brass bound peat buckets £2,500-£3,500 and an Irish 18th century mahogany console table with marble top £3,000-£5,000. A 19th century French three piece gilt bronze clock set has an estimate of £6,000-£9,000, while the examples of Belleek include an unusual first period cream glazed Chinese water kettle with double spout (£1,500-£2,500) and a second period napkin ring with sphinx head (£400-£600).
Given that this sale covers every area, including garden furniture, and will take place in Stradbally Hall, it is sure to attract considerable attention. The quality of a large number of items on offer should also help to swell interest and attendance next Tuesday.
