Nov 5, 2025 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
215
Eight Italian White-Glazed Maiolica Figural Groups, by Andrea Spadini
Collection: The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Mid-20th Century
Representing the great rivers of the world, including the Ganges, Mississippi, Nile, Congo, and Tiber River; each figure depicted reclining in a naturalistic pose, emblematic of the traditional iconography of river gods and personifications, modelled with muscular torsos and classical drapery, accompanied by attributes such as reeds, cornucopiae, and animals symbolizing the respective rivers; six groups on oval plinths and with incised signature: Spadini, and two groups on rectangular plinth with signature Spadini in black.
Height (largest) 10 inches (25.5 cm), width 16 inches (40.5 cm).
Collection: The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Mid-20th Century
Representing the great rivers of the world, including the Ganges, Mississippi, Nile, Congo, and Tiber River; each figure depicted reclining in a naturalistic pose, emblematic of the traditional iconography of river gods and personifications, modelled with muscular torsos and classical drapery, accompanied by attributes such as reeds, cornucopiae, and animals symbolizing the respective rivers; six groups on oval plinths and with incised signature: Spadini, and two groups on rectangular plinth with signature Spadini in black.
Height (largest) 10 inches (25.5 cm), width 16 inches (40.5 cm).
Notes:
Roman Sculptor Andrea Spadini (Rome 1912-1983) made ceramics, sculpture, terracotta, etc., his work is notable for being imaginative, with playful baroque touches. He was the son of renowned painter Armando Spadini. Bernini's influence was very important in his work. In 1959, he created also four silver representations of these rivers. In the 1950s, a collaboration began between the sculptor and Tiffany. After the war he was also represented by gallerists Irene Brin and Gaspero del Corso, who marketed his works to American collectors and institutions. It was through this collaboration that he was commissioned to work on the Delacorte Clock in Central Park in 1965.
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
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Auction: Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nov 5, 2025
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Popular Stage & Screen Auction on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10am
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Memorabilia, Autographs, Artwork & Photographs Celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Including the Director's First Edition of Waiting for Godot, Don McLean's 1971 Pressing of American Pie, and an Important Photo Archive of Early Supermodel Dorothy Rice
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And Featuring a Special Section Devoted to the Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle will host the popular Stage & Screen auction on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10am. Fans and collectors around the world will be delighted by the exciting offerings celebrating the performing arts of Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
Highlights include:
- A test-pressing of Don McLean’s hit single American Pie signed by McLean and gifted to his wife’s sister in 1971 before the fame that came with that most famous of American songs.
- The extensive archive of approximately 400 original fashion photographs of model Dorothy Rice, 1945-58, who was the face of Christian Dior's "New Look" collection. Read more
- A fascinating collection of early Waiting for Godot material from the Estate of Alan Schneider, “the primary American director of Samuel Beckett plays” and a close friend of the playwright. He died in 1984; his widow died at 101 this past summer. Featured are possibly unique example of the poster for the American premiere in Miami in 1956 and special inscribed copies of rare works. Read more
- The Omega Titanium 'Seamaster Diver 300M' Wristwatch gifted to "007" logo designer Joe Caroff by the Bond producers for his 100th birthday (he died this year at 103).
- An original 1966 “Sputnik” crystal chandelier from the Metropolitan Opera in New York
- James Dean signed high school yearbook from 1949.
- The Sex Pistol’s God Save the Queen signed “Bollocks!” by Sid Vicious.
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Doyle is honored to offer a sequel to the successful 2011 auction of property from the estate of the legendary actor. Featured in the upcoming sale are artwork, furniture, photographs and memorabilia, including a bronze bust portrait of Marlene Dietrich made by Fairbanks in 1937 during their relationship; also offered is a fine collection of original Marlene Dietrich posters and lobby cards. Read More.
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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
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