Winter Oil Painting Auctions Heat Up Across Coasts

The season’s first auction to close is Carlsen Gallery’s Pre‑Holiday event, slated to wrap up later this year. Among its highlights is an oil painting by Bruce Nelson titled "Cooperstown in Autumn," alongside a high‑gloss walnut highboy and a Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk. Bidders can join live streams on major online platforms, with a YouTube feed for real‑time viewing.

Next, the Annual Winter Estates Auction hosted by Bruce Gamage Jr. will conclude on a Saturday in early 2026. The sale draws from historic Maine estates and features a pre‑surrealist oil painting by Giorgio De Chirico, a portrait of Josiah Hook from the 18th century, and a signed appointment from President Thomas Jefferson. Additional draws include a tall clock by Daniel Balch and a range of period furnishings, offering collectors a glimpse into early American craftsmanship. On‑site previews are scheduled for the Friday and Saturday preceding the sale, while absentee and phone bidding expand access beyond the venue.

Finally, ComicConnect’s Winter Mega Monthly auction, set to close later in 2026, rounds out the lineup. While the primary focus is on illustrated works, the catalog also lists a Carl Barks oil painting, providing a niche crossover for enthusiasts of narrative imagery. All items are offered without reserve, encouraging competitive bidding.

Across these three events, a clear trend emerges: sellers are leveraging both physical previews and digital channels to reach a broader audience, while buyers show heightened interest in historic and pre‑modern oil paintings that carry provenance from notable figures or movements. The mix of estate‑derived pieces, gallery‑curated works, and crossover items underscores a growing appetite for oil paintings that blend cultural significance with visual appeal.

Based on 3 digest summaries · Generated December 15, 2025

ComicConnect

December 11, 2025 —

ComicConnect is currently hosting an auction featuring a variety of original art and memorabilia, which began on December 11, 2025. This auction includes notable pieces such as illustrations by Mark Buckingham and Jorge Jimenez, as well as works by Erik Larsen and Esau and Isaac Escorza. Bidders can explore unique items like a Carl Barks oil painting and various comic illustrations, each with no reserve prices. Looking ahead, ComicConnect will open its Winter Mega Monthly auction for bidding on January 26, 2026, with sessions closing from February 10 through February 12. This event promises to showcase a wide range of comics and collectibles. For those interested in comic art and memorabilia, ComicConnect offers an engaging platform for both buyers and sellers. Readers are encouraged to check the website for upcoming auction dates and featured items.

Carlsen Gallery

December 3, 2025 —

Carlsen Gallery will host a Pre-Holiday Antique Auction on December 7, 2025. This event features a diverse selection of fine quality antiques, including a rare George Washington inaugural button from 1789, an Augustus Saint Gaudens bas relief rondelle, and a Louis Vuitton wardrobe steamer trunk from the 1920s. Other notable items include an 18th-century Pennsylvania Chippendale walnut highboy, an oil painting by Bruce Nelson titled "Cooperstown in Autumn," and an antique Shirvan scatter rug. Bidders can participate through live online platforms such as LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com, with the auction also available for viewing on YouTube. For those interested in the world of 18th and 19th-century American furniture and accessories, Carlsen Gallery offers a rich array of items worth exploring. For future auction dates and details, please visit their website.

Bruce Gamage Jr. Auctioneer/Appraiser

December 11, 2025 —

Bruce Gamage Jr. Auctioneer/Appraiser will host its Annual Winter Estates Auction on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:00 noon. This event features a remarkable selection of historic items from the Philip Booth estate of Castine, Maine, and the Francis Bush estate from Camden and Brewer, Maine. Notable pieces include an 18th-century portrait of Josiah Hook, an original 1802 appointment signed by President Thomas Jefferson, and a rare tall clock by Daniel Balch. Additional highlights comprise a pre-surrealist oil painting by Giorgio De Chirico, a Russian Imperial tea service, and various Native American artifacts. The auction will also showcase fine American period furniture, Civil War memorabilia, and a collection of sterling silver items. Previews are available on Friday, January 16, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Saturday, January 17, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For those unable to attend, absentee and live phone bidding options are offered. For more information on upcoming auctions, please visit Gamage Antiques.