Art & Illustration– Occult & Hermeticism on January 9th, 2020

It will be magical on January 9th with PBA Galleries’ sale of Art & Illustration – Occult & Hermeticism. The sale will present significant works on magic, Freemasonry, and Rosicrucianism from the Matteo Family Library of the Occult. Beginning the auction will be a section of original art, prints from Old Masters to Hundertwasser, rock posters, and the art of the underground.

Occult standouts include the 1st American edition of Eliphas Levy’s The History of Magic, translated by Arthur Edward Waite. Levy, a French occult author, socialist, and ceremonial magician, remains best known for his profound influence on the history of hermeticism. His famous followers include Aleister Crowley, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Helen Blavatsky, and more. ($1,200-$1,800). The history of Freemasonry is well-represented by Albert G. Mackey and William R. Singleton’s eponymous title (1906). Both Mackey and Singleton were of the 33rdDegree of the Scottish Rite, a title which cannot be asked for and if asked for, never conferred. This handsomely bound full set is therefore a history of the order from some of its most highly regarded members ($700-$1,000). PBA will also offer The Grand Grimoire (2004), one of 10 signed and hand-bound by the late publisher of Trident Books, James Banner. Also known as Le Dragon Rouge (The Red Dragon), this book contains instructions on summoning Lucifer for the purpose of forming a deal with the devil. 

Salvador Dali in Wonderland

Historically significant lithographs, oil paintings, woodblock prints, and more make up a diverse artist catalogue. Signed works abound, most notably Salvador Dali’s limited edition artist’s book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which features his signature on the title page and an original frontispiece etching. An additional lot, The Alice in Wonderland Lithographs, is a suite of four color plates featuring Dali’s signature on each lithograph ($4,000-$6,000 each). Other coveted signatures include artist August Friedrich Schenck’s on each of his two oil paintings. The untitled painting also includes an archive of autographed letters by Schenck to Mrs. B.B. Tuttle, receipts for his paintings purchased, and an additional set of period press clippings with an obituary of the artist ($3,000-$5,000). Five lots of woodblock prints by Friedensreich Hundertwasser also feature signatures on each and appear in limited editions: “Die Mauer” [The Wall] is 1 of 210 ($2,500-$3,500) and “Korallenblumen” [Coral Flowers] is 1 of 350 ($3,000-$5,000). 

Hobyahs Creep Creep Creep by David Tibet

Other rare works of art include a drawing by Current 93 musician, poet and outsider artist, David Tibet, which is an illustration from Australian fairy tale series Hobyahs Creep Creep Creep ($700-$1,000). On the auction block will also be two etchings ca. 1630 from master printmaker from Alsace, Jacques Callot. PBA anticipates enthusiastic bidding on both of his Parisian scenes, Vue du Louvre and Vue du Pont Neuf ($2,000-$3,000 each).

The sale will begin at 11:00 am Pacific Time and the public may preview the auction on Monday, January 6th from 1:00-5:00pm, Tuesday, January 7thand Wednesday, January 8th from 9:00am-5:00pm, or Thursday, January 9th from 9:00am-5:00pm. For more information, please contact the galleries at (415) 989-2665 or [email protected].