April Auction Highlights: Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures

Dawsons Auctioneers’ Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures sale on Wednesday 30th April proved to be a resounding success, attracting strong bidding from collectors across the globe and showcasing a diverse range of exceptional artworks.

Topping the sale was a powerful 17th-century oil painting The Penitent Saint Peter, attributed to a follower of Spanish master Jusepe di Ribera, which achieved an impressive £38,000. The work, which drew significant interest ahead of the auction, exemplified the dramatic intensity associated with Ribera's influence on Baroque art.

^{Follower of Jusepe di Ribera (Spanish 1588/91-1652) | THE PENITENT SAINT PETER}

^{Sold for £38,000}

Also commanding strong results was Francis Bacon’s Second Version, Triptych 1944 (1989), a striking interpretation of the artist’s earlier work, which realised £13,000. The appetite for post-war and contemporary prints was further confirmed with Tracey Emin’s emotive lithograph Birds 2012 (2011) soaring to £9,500.

^{Francis Bacon (British 1909-1992) | SECOND VERSION, TRIPTYCH 1944 (1989)}

^{Sold for £13,000}

The sale also featured a beautifully rendered landscape by Lélia Pissarro, great-granddaughter of Impressionist Camille Pissarro. Her painting Le jardin de Monet, l'été resonated with collectors and achieved £7,500.

^{Lélia Pissarro (French b.1963) | "LE JARDIN DE MONET, L'ÉTÉ"}

^{Sold for £7,500}

 A nostalgic and lively piece by Brian Shields 'Braaq', titled The Empire presents the Beatles and Ken Dodd, drew enthusiastic bidding, eventually selling for £7,000. Shields’ unique portrayal of Northern life continues to gain recognition in the market.

^{Brian Shields 'Braaq' (British 1951-1997) | THE EMPIRE PRESENTS THE BEATLES AND KEN DODD}

^{Sold for £7,000}

Consign Now for Our June Sale

Following this success, Dawsons are now inviting entries for the next specialist Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures auction, taking place on Wednesday 25th June from 11am BST.

If you are considering selling a single artwork or an entire collection—whether Old Masters, Modern British, Contemporary, or Impressionist—we would be delighted to assist. Our team of specialists offer complimentary valuations and expert guidance to ensure you achieve the best possible result.

The deadline for entries is Friday 30th May.