Art in Auckland

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 113, 3 August 1927, Page 13

Art in Auckland

| NERLI WATERCOLOUR j WAS WITHDRAWN AT j AUCTION AFTER FIVE j GUINEAS BID I l

J. DOUGLAS PERRETT’S OFFERINGS guineas was the highest bid for the Nerli watercolour at the sale of Mr. J. Douglas Perrett’s pictures on Monday in Auckland. Needless to say the owner would not accept this offer for the work of his old friend. “The Mount of Venus” will, therefore, remain in Mr. Perrett’s possession. The sketch, for it is hardly more, is particularly small, measuring only a few inches across. It is distinguished by that lavish colouring for which Girolamo Nerli> was so well-known when in New Zealand. It was executed with a meticulous care for detail which certainly did not characterise the charcoal sketch. The only bid for the latter was half a guinea. It was disposed of subsequently, however, by Mr. Perrett. The charcoal sketch, notable for its drawing and undoubted force, was drawn while Nerli was in Dunedin In the early part of the century. The present economic depression seemed to affect the whole sale. The highest bid for Mr. Perrett’s own contributions was £3 17s 6d. Fair prices were received for the proof etchings and prints. Robert Houston, R.S.A., was represented by an etching of Glamis Castle, the former home of the Duchess of York. Mr. Perrett is leaving Aucklahd for a time to make his home in Wellington.