Landmark Art Will Draw Bidders in Summer Splendor Auction
For Immediate Release: May 27, 2026
All press inquiries may be submitted to pr@thomastonauction.com
THOMASTON, MAINE — Historic works of American fine art, including a rare landscape by a groundbreaking 19th Century painter, are among more than 1460 lots offered June 26th through June 28th in the annual Summer Splendor auction, presented by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.
Outstanding among the works offered is one of the earliest surviving paintings by Robert S. Duncanson, a pioneering African American landscape artist whose detailed oils attracted international attention during his lifetime, and which have inspired a continuing reassessment of his work by contemporary scholars. The 1849 painting entitled "Twilight" was created early in Duncanson's career and spent many years in the private collection of an American diplomat serving in the Virgin Islands. "We are humbled and honored to present a painting of this significance," comments auctioneer Kaja Veilleux, "and we expect it to draw significant interest from bidders worldwide."
Other important artists represented in this auction include early American portraitist Gilbert Stuart, 19th Century landscape master Henry Cheever Pratt, early Ashcan School founding figure Everett Shinn, Ecole de Paris master Maurice Utrillo, and Maine's own outstanding modernists Dahlov Ipcar and Robert Indiana.
Historic Americana occupies a significant place in the Summer Splendor auction, with notable offerings including an impressive collection of original artifacts associated with the military career of Brevet Brigadier General Sylvester Churchill, a noted figure of the 1846-48 Mexican-American War. Among the Churchill artifacts to be offered as lots in the sale is the commemorative engraved sword presented to the General in recognition of his achievements at the Battle of Buena Vista, complete with scabbard and original storage bag. Also to be offered will be a strong assortment of rare, collectible, and modern firearms, including an immaculately preserved specimen of a 19th century shotgun from the historic British gunsmiths Jonathan Smith & Son.
An impressive selection of antique, estate, and vintage jewelry will also be offered during the auction, including rare Victorian pieces, choice 20th century items, and the work of contemporary designers, highlighted by a breathtaking suite featuring a matching bracelet, a brooch, earrings, and a ring of cabochon amethysts, accented by emeralds, and set in bold 18K gold. Collectors of fine watches will find much of interest in this sale, including notable timepieces by Rolex, Breitling, Charles Frodsham, and Bucherer.
Nautical and maritime antiques, collectibles, and art feature significantly in the Summer Splendor Auction, including rare and unusual instruments and timepieces, shipboard furnishings, and marine artwork, including an impressive 1913 depiction of the luxurious Canadian passenger steamer Evangeline by the definitive maritime portraitist Antonio Jacobsen.
Vintage automobiles to be sold at Summer Splendor will draw careful notice from enthusiasts of luxury motoring. Among the vehicles offered are two Corvettes, including a 1973 Stingray and a low-mileage 2005 model, along with an eye-catching, low-mileage 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Fine and collectible furnishings in the Summer Splendor auction encompass three centuries of American furniture design, from choice Chippendale and Federal period pieces to an impressive collection of Stickley furnishings to the outstanding workmanship of contemporary master cabinetmaker Thomas Moser.
Bidders are invited to attend in-person previews for this exceptional start to the summer auction season beginning Saturday June 13th, and continuing except for Sundays through Thursday June 25th. Bidding begins on June 26th, 27th, and 28th at 11AM EDT. Information on registration for telephone or absentee bids may be found, along with the full auction catalog, at thomastonauction.com.
Summer Splendor
Date & Time: June 26th, 27th, and 28th - 11 AM EDT
Location: Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, 51 Atlantic Highway, Thomaston, Maine
Bidding Options: In-person, by phone, or by absentee bid. Online bidding options are available at thomastonauction.com
Preview: June 13th, June 20th — 12 PM-5 PM and June 15th through 19th, June 22nd through 25th — 10 AM-5 PM
For details on how to participate, visit our How to Bid page or complete the Phone/Absentee Bid Form to register. With limited seating and phone lines available, collectors are encouraged to register early to secure participation.
About Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
A full-service internationally-known auction house respected by clients around the world, Thomaston Place Auction Galleries presents a continuing schedule of feature and specialty auctions offering fine art, antiques, and a broad range of carefully-curated collectors' pieces, sourced from distinguished estates and private collections. Founder Kaja Veilleux is the originator of the "Free Appraisal Day" concept, and gathers many of the pieces sold in the Gallery's feature and specialty auctions after personally meeting their owners through his regular Tuesday sessions.