In 2026, the world marks 100 years since the death of Harry Houdini, a figure whose name remains synonymous with mystery, spectacle, and the impossible. In honor of this milestone, a dedicated sale of Houdiniana and magic memorabilia on April 18 brings together an exceptional array of objects tied to his life, career, and enduring myth. From personal inscriptions to dramatic performance materials and enigmatic artifacts, the auction offers collectors a rare chance to connect with the man behind the legend. Below are several standout highlights that capture the breadth of Houdini’s influence, from intimate keepsakes to bold promotional pieces and artifacts tied to his fascination with the supernatural. Featured Auction Highlights:  Houdini Photograph and Signed Book Shadowbox (Lot 1) This carefully composed shadowbox offers both visual and h...Read More

Marshall Maynard Fredericks (1908–1998) remains one of the most celebrated American sculptors of the 20th century, known for his ability to merge classical training with a modern, expressive sensibility. While his monumental public works brought him national recognition, his smaller bronzes reveal a more intimate and often playful side of his practice, one that continues to resonate strongly with collectors today. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, Fredericks studied at the Cleveland School of Art before refining his craft at the Cranbrook Academy of Art under Carl Milles. This foundation shaped his lifelong approach, combining European sculptural traditions with a distinctly American narrative voice. Throughout his career, Fredericks frequently returned to animals as subjects, imbuing them with both anatomical precision and subtle personality....Read More

Few artists capture the romance, glamour, and playful sophistication of early 20th-century Paris quite like Louis Icart. Best known for his delicate etchings of elegant women, Icart’s work reflects the spirit of the Art Deco era, where fashion, leisure, and modern femininity took center stage. Born in Toulouse, France in 1888, Icart moved to Paris to pursue a career in art, initially working as a designer and illustrator. His early exposure to fashion houses and magazines shaped his signature aesthetic: graceful figures, flowing lines, and a refined sense of style. While he worked across mediums, including painting, Icart became especially celebrated for his etchings, often enhanced with aquatint and hand coloring. His wife and muse, Fanny Volmers, appears frequently in his work, lending an intimate and personal dimension to many compositio...Read More

This April, collectors will find something truly special in Unbuttoned: The Spring Button Auction, Day 1, presented by Lion and Unicorn on April 14, 2026. Featuring 400 lots devoted entirely to buttons, the sale highlights the remarkable artistry and diversity within this often-overlooked category. From intricate hand-painted examples to striking figural designs, the auction is structured around thoughtfully curated groupings and division cards, making it as appealing to seasoned collectors as it is to those newly discovering the world of button collecting. Glass buttons dominate much of the catalog, particularly pictorial and decorative varieties, while metal, enamel, and studio-made works introduce a rich mix of textures and techniques. Across antique, vintage, and more contemporary examples, the sale offers a compelling cross-section of ...Read More

Few artists transformed discarded materials into something as powerful and poetic as Louise Nevelson. Known for her monumental, monochromatic wood assemblages, Nevelson redefined sculpture in the 20th century, creating immersive environments that blur the line between painting, sculpture, and architecture. Her work continues to resonate with collectors for its bold presence, emotional depth, and unmistakable visual language. Born in 1899 in Kyiv (then part of the Russian Empire), Louise Nevelson immigrated to the United States as a child, settling in Maine. She later moved to New York City, where she studied at the Art Students League and immersed herself in the avant-garde circles of the time. Nevelson’s artistic breakthrough came later in life, she was in her 50s when she developed the signature style that would define her career. Using f...Read More

Every spring, collectors and enthusiasts alike look forward to a vibrant auction that captures the spirit of South Texas and the broader Latin American artistic tradition. This year’s Fiesta Auction, taking place April 11, 2026 on Bidsquare, brings together an extraordinary mix of folk art, devotional objects, and works by celebrated Latin artists. What makes this sale particularly compelling is the inclusion of pieces from the Douglas Rhodenbaugh Estate, a deeply personal collection shaped by decades of travel through Latin American villages. Alongside these treasures are objects reflecting the cultural fabric of San Antonio, creating an auction that feels both regional and far-reaching. Featured Auction Highlights: Robert Indiana, “Viva HemisFair ’68 San Antonio” (Lot 1) Few works capture the intersection of art, history, and place quite ...Read More

On April 9, 2026, a remarkable selection of works from the Brooklyn Museum will come to market, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces with institutional provenance. This thoughtfully assembled sale features American furniture, folk art, fine art, and decorative objects spanning centuries, with many works tied to important collections such as Garbisch, Garvan, and Amory Haskell. Museum deaccessions are always noteworthy, but this auction stands out for both its depth and diversity, bringing together early American craftsmanship, Art Nouveau design, and historically significant decorative arts in one compelling offering. Featured Auction Highlights: Jacques Gruber Art Nouveau Bookcase (Lot 694) A standout example of French Art Nouveau design, this carved rosewood bookcase by Jacques Gruber embodies the movement’s signature ...Read More

Few names in ceramics carry the historical weight and global recognition of Wedgwood. This April 9, 2026 sale presents a focused opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to explore the depth of Wedgwood’s production through 377 lots spanning centuries of innovation. From refined tablewares to sculptural objects, the collection highlights iconic materials such as Jasperware, creamware, and black basalt, all tied to the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship and design excellence. With its cohesive scope, the auction offers both seasoned collectors and newcomers a chance to acquire pieces that reflect Wedgwood’s evolution from functional pottery to decorative art. Featured Auction Highlights: Wedgwood Majolica Pickle and Fork Vegetable Plate (Lot 307) Estimated at $800–$2,000, this vibrant majolica plate captures the playful yet highly decorative ...Read More

Collectors drawn to the intersection of science, history, and craftsmanship will find plenty to explore in From the Library to the Laboratory, a timed auction running March 24 through April 8, 2026. Featuring material from the collection of John A. Davidson, Jr., the sale brings together rare books, scientific instruments, and early industrial machines, each reflecting centuries of curiosity, experimentation, and innovation. With pre-bidding available online and the auction beginning at 10 AM EST on April 8, this sale offers a compelling opportunity to acquire objects that bridge intellectual pursuit and material culture. Featured Auction Highlights: Andreas Vogler Sundial and Compass (Lot 1) An elegant example of early scientific craftsmanship, this 18th-century German sundial and compass combines function with artistry. As noted in the ca...Read More

Tattoo flash has long existed at the intersection of folk art, graphic design, and personal expression. Originally created as working references for tattoo artists and visual menus for clients, flash sheets now hold increasing significance for collectors and historians alike. These works document stylistic shifts, regional influences, and the personalities behind some of tattooing’s most influential figures. From early sailor-era imagery to bold late-20th-century experimentation, the following four highlights showcase the remarkable diversity of tattoo flash as both cultural artifact and collectible art. Bob Shaw 1976 Sheet with Ten Designs Including "Grandma Love" A vibrant example of late-20th-century tattoo flash, Bob Shaw’s 1976 sheet featuring ten designs, including the charming “Grandma Love”, captures the enduring appeal of American ...Read More