“The Rare Total Package” – Garth’s Sells Record Setting Painting by Arthur Meltzer

Delaware, Ohio - January 30th, 2010

On Saturday, January 30, 2010, the staff of Garth’s Auctions of Delaware, Ohio began the day with the typical hoopla of starting a new auction season for its Fine & Contemporary Art and Asian, Continental & American Furniture & Decorative Arts auction. However, knowing that the second lot of the session had in excess of a dozen phone lines reserved for it kicked preparations up a notch. 

Lot 202, the monumental 42” x 46” oil on canvas landscape by Pennsylvania artist Arthur Meltzer titled “The Robe of Winter”, opened up at $20,000 – just a bit higher than the conservative estimate listed in the catalog – and did not stop until it was knocked down for a record breaking $156,875 to Boyertown, Pennsylvania dealers, Valerie and Kurt Malmberg of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art. Deaccessioned from the Columbus Museum of Art and retaining labels from six major, early 20th century exhibits and the evidence of three other missing labels, the landscape was displayed in its original frame as well.  All these features prompted the Malmbergs to cancel their previously arranged phone bids and make the trip to Ohio to bid and eventually win the lot in person. Post –auction Valerie Malmberg was undeniably passionate in her assessment of the canvas stating, “It is an honor to have purchased such a beautiful painting and it is exciting that it is one that represents the rare ‘total package’ -  excellent condition, original frame, award winning history and a strong provenance.  It is a gem!” As it was purchased for stock, the Malmbergs plan to unveil the painting at an upcoming show or gallery event after very light restoration. A complete review of Garth’s January 29-30 auction will follow in coming weeks. In the meantime, visit www.garths.com for additional information or call 740.362.4771. For additional images and information on the Meltzer, click here.