danielhalasz 0 #1 Posted March 20, 2019 Hi everyone, My name is Daniel and this is a long shot attempt to see if anyone has some advice for me as I'm not really part of any sailing community. In 1980 the artist Franco Costa was the official artist of America’s Cup. He painted an iconic artwork of the race that to this day is sold all over the world as lithographs (see attached image). My father bought the original oil painting from Franco Costa back in 1980, and now it hangs on one of the walls in my home. I am looking to part ways with the painting, but before I contact an art dealer or auction house, I wanted to reach out to this forum first, as I think the painting should belong to a sailing enthusiast. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I go about selling the painting to the right person? Do you know of anyone who'd be interested in having it? I hold the painting very dear. I’d like it’s new home to be the right one. Hope you can help me out. Kindest, Daniel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sail4beer 2,013 #2 Posted March 20, 2019 Contact Sotheby’s auction house. I could only give you about a grand for it myself since I’m buying sails and more boats... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woahboy 215 #3 Posted March 20, 2019 I would suggest posting this in the SA classifieds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fingerbang 15 #4 Posted March 20, 2019 "I hold the painting very dear", oh.....clearly, so "dear" that you want to get as much for it as you can. Good Luck with that, not really 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~HHN92~ 123 #5 Posted March 20, 2019 Can't be worth too much...he did not finish painting the hulls. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Paca 311 #6 Posted March 20, 2019 Minney's marine swap meet is coming up soon. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fastyacht 1,480 #7 Posted March 20, 2019 3 hours ago, fingerbang said: "I hold the painting very dear", oh.....clearly, so "dear" that you want to get as much for it as you can. Good Luck with that, not really Sometimes people need money too... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snaggletooth 2,905 #8 Posted March 20, 2019 5 minutes ago, Al Paca said: Minney's marine swap meet is coming up soon. Time & loccatione? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soley 37 #9 Posted March 20, 2019 How about contacting the NYYC. Pretty sure they have a staff or elected Curator. They may either want to buy it or know where it would sell. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P_Wop 1,738 #10 Posted March 20, 2019 I would suggest you contact his daughter Eleonora Costa in Italy. mail@francocosta.it Alternatively Bonham's auctioneers. They have the biggest and best marine painting division. Based in London, but highly active in the USA. I also think Soley's idea is great - the NYYC FYI, signed prints are going for north of $2,000, so I'd thik the original might be a great deal more than that. You might want to do some digging and find out who published those. Or Antiques Roadshow? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longy 460 #11 Posted March 20, 2019 Yes, your target market is NOT here. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Somebody Else 605 #12 Posted March 20, 2019 2 hours ago, Al Paca said: Minney's marine swap meet is coming up soon. Minney's Newport Beach, CA Swap Meet usually around 1st weekend of June. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TANGO QUEBEC 51 #13 Posted March 21, 2019 Always been a fan of his work, never seen an original oil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danielhalasz 0 #14 Posted March 21, 2019 Thank you all so much for your replies and advice! I've reached out to Sothebys, Bonhams and NYYC. I'm also speaking directly to Franco's family who are helping me put a value on the painting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fiji Bitter 1,440 #15 Posted March 21, 2019 16 hours ago, Al Paca said: Minney's marine swap meet is coming up soon. 14 hours ago, Somebody Else said: Minney's Newport Beach, CA Swap Meet usually around 1st weekend of June. 14 hours ago, longy said: Yes, your target market is NOT here. And not at Minney's either . Print a thousand cheap posters of it, and put them in a bin for $5 each, and they will go. I know that lithograph well, Bill Koch gave it to a friend of mine. Everytime I walked past it made me think of a great 12 meter tacking duel, and somehow kept staring at it. Have absolute no fucking idea of art prices, but would not be suprised if that original fetches more than $ 50.000. Any more guesses? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MauiPunter 669 #16 Posted March 21, 2019 4 hours ago, Fiji Bitter said: Have absolute no fucking idea of art prices, but would not be surprised if that original fetches more than $ 50.000. Any more guesses? $26,537.48 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P_Wop 1,738 #17 Posted March 21, 2019 3 more suggestions, for what it's worth..... Once you have a ballpark valuation from family or Bonhams, I'd suggest contact the International 12 metre Class http://www.12mrclass.com (ITMA) - I'd suggest starting with the President, Dyer Jones, whose email address is at http://www.12mrclass.com/about-us/itmaofficers/ There are many rather wealthy 12 metre owners who might snap at this. Or perhaps they might like to stage an auction at the next World's? Then you should be preparing an eBay posting, and do a broadcast email to your contacts in the NYYC, ITMA and elsewhere, and also here. There are several oils going for $200k plus on eBay, would you believe. Or contact Bondy in Australia, or any of his 1980 crew. Or the Italians, via the YCCS in Porto Cervo. If any of my suggestions work, dial me in for 5%. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freewheelin 129 #18 Posted March 21, 2019 is that his signature? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P_Wop 1,738 #19 Posted March 21, 2019 1 hour ago, freewheelin said: is that his signature? The one on the oil looks like an earlier version of it, with the backward F. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fufkin 363 #20 Posted March 21, 2019 Keep in mind the effect on one's penmanship of oil/brush/canvass vs paper/pencil. Google his signature and decide. Having recently graduated from Storage Wars University with a major in Pawnstars Authentication, I have no hesitation in declaring this %100 authentic. Also, maybe reach out to these guys. https://americansocietyofmarineartists.com Another thought...there's a poster over in Cruising Anarchy named Bull City you could contact via private message. From time to time he posts some of his own great work. Maybe he's got an idea or two? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fufkin 363 #21 Posted March 21, 2019 ...thinking out loud here...(as mentioned above) the NYYC would be the logical home for it for historical significance...but if you're looking for top dollar...not sure what their procurement procedure/budget is and would guess they are used to donations. Certain galleries have tax donation situations, probably not the yacht club but who knows? Could their be a valuation and rebate route? (Long shot) My uncle was a maritime/marine painter who painted some famous boats. As he has passed a decade ago, we have some of the originals and from time to time an owner or former owner comes along and wants to make a reproduction to which we happily oblige. They've never really asked to buy them, but I suspect the painting you have, Daniel, is in a slightly different category. The trick is to find former owners/financial backers/supporters that competed in that Cup if they're still around. If not, their descendants may have some interest. On top of that, marine collectors, or collectors that have an interest in Costa(which might trump all of the above). This shouldn't be too difficult to get started with. That painting should open some doors. I'd also get a Sotheby's valuation at the outset so you know what your dealing with and have a starting point(including/less auction fees)if you want to affect a private sale. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvaOdland 168 #22 Posted March 21, 2019 If its provenance can be verified it would surely be worth a good chunk at auction...(particularly an auction that takes place around the the next AC). Hope it works out for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SailBlueH2O 543 #23 Posted March 21, 2019 It does not appeal to my eye.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grande Mastere Dreade 2,049 #24 Posted March 21, 2019 are people so stupid that they can't use google? https://www.invaluable.com/artist/costa-franco-1934-83y4r28c58/sold-at-auction-prices/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fufkin 363 #25 Posted March 21, 2019 33 minutes ago, Grande Mastere Dreade said: are people so stupid that they can't use google? https://www.invaluable.com/artist/costa-franco-1934-83y4r28c58/sold-at-auction-prices/ Those are print prices. Daniel has the original oil painting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fiji Bitter 1,440 #26 Posted March 22, 2019 2 hours ago, fufkin said: Those are print prices. Daniel has the original oil painting. I multiplied those signed serigraph prices by 100 to get to my 50.000 guesstimate. Also saw a Weiland oil painting for a similar amount. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blunderfull 443 #27 Posted March 22, 2019 On 3/20/2019 at 10:40 AM, Al Paca said: Minney's marine swap meet is coming up soon. Ask Ernie. Ducks for cover.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pusslicker 254 #28 Posted March 22, 2019 11 hours ago, freewheelin said: is that his signature? It's actually my signature. I was a temp at the print shop and they would give me a stack of posters and I would sign them. This looks like near the end of the run when I really got dialed in. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grande Mastere Dreade 2,049 #29 Posted March 22, 2019 7 hours ago, fufkin said: Those are print prices. Daniel has the original oil painting. yes, but wouldn't they be the people to call to get an appraisal instead of asking the numnuts on this site? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DA-WOODY 975 #30 Posted March 22, 2019 What does a Sash Weigh asking for a friend ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
v-max 8 #31 Posted March 22, 2019 Now I know where DC learned to paint... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billy backstay 950 #32 Posted March 22, 2019 I have the team flag from Defender-Courageous syndicate in '83; last time I posted about it, no one thought it was worth much. I wonder if that has changed???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billy backstay 950 #33 Posted March 22, 2019 5 minutes ago, v-max said: Now I know where DC learned to paint... Yes, no offense to the OP, but that style of painting leaves me underwhelmed... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snaggletooth 2,905 #34 Posted March 22, 2019 2 minutes ago, billy backstay said: I have the team flag from Defender-Courageous syndicate in '83; last time I posted about it, no one thought it was worth much. I wonder if that has changed???? OK, $12 nowe..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billy backstay 950 #35 Posted March 22, 2019 11 minutes ago, Snaggletooth said: OK, $12 nowe..... No thank, Snags! Needs a few more zeros on the end... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snaggletooth 2,905 #36 Posted March 22, 2019 3 minutes ago, billy backstay said: 14 minutes ago, Snaggletooth said: OK, $12 nowe..... No thank, Snags! Needs a few more zeros on the end... OK, laste offere ₮12,000 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billy backstay 950 #37 Posted March 22, 2019 6 minutes ago, Snaggletooth said: OK, laste offere ₮12,000 No familiar with that currency symbol, but I would guess would be Venezualan, so about 12 cents USD?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snaggletooth 2,905 #38 Posted March 22, 2019 No, you juste bing silley........... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jules 1,870 #39 Posted March 22, 2019 Go to Invaluable.com and see if they want to buy it. They have a number of signed serigraphs of the same image. If it's truly an original oil painting, you need to go to a professional appraiser before doing anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.............. 117 #40 Posted March 23, 2019 Stumbled over this today while looking searching for a picture of 1987 challenger America II.... https://www.vialibri.net/years/items/1265045/1980-costa-franco-franco-costa-americas-cup-1980-serigraph Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oxygen Thief 12 #42 Posted March 24, 2019 A mate of mine from Newport, Johnny Mac, is a marine artist and may very well have been part of that painting. He was sailing with " The Balloon" on Freedom in that cup series. Don't have his contacts, but he may be lurking on here somewhere. He would have some very good advice. For max freight, I would auction it off at 12 m contest in Newport this summer. Bill Koch may bid on it and he buys wine at .5 million a bottle sometimes. Good luck with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fiji Bitter 1,440 #43 Posted March 24, 2019 3 hours ago, Oxygen Thief said: For max freight, I would auction it off at 12 m contest in Newport this summer. Bill Koch may bid on it and he buys wine at .5 million a bottle sometimes. Good luck with it. That would seem a good idea, but believe it or not, that may already be happening. See my post in AC Anarchy on the subject: On 3/23/2019 at 1:28 AM, hoom said: Happened upon this thread in main SA section -> repost here, could be interesting for the bigger wallets round here. On 3/23/2019 at 10:33 AM, Fiji Bitter said: Right on, I hear some very big wallets are already onto it. Made an offer myself, but was gazumped 100-fold within minutes. Try $ 100.000 if you really want it ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TANGO QUEBEC 51 #44 Posted March 25, 2019 16 hours ago, Oxygen Thief said: A mate of mine from Newport, Johnny Mac, is a marine artist and may very well have been part of that painting. He was sailing with " The Balloon" on Freedom in that cup series. Don't have his contacts, but he may be lurking on here somewhere. He would have some very good advice. For max freight, I would auction it off at 12 m contest in Newport this summer. Bill Koch may bid on it and he buys wine at .5 million a bottle sometimes. Good luck with it. Ah, the Brothers MacGowan...thick as thieves and twice as shifty, good bastards all! Been linked with 12 Pounders in Newport for ever. www.johnmacgowan.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10thTonner 244 #45 Posted March 25, 2019 You can also look around in commercial art price databases like artnet.com to see if they have him listed. They usually give you a pretty good first estimate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danielhalasz 0 #46 Posted March 25, 2019 Again, I'd like to thank you all for your interest and great advice. I can't remember last time I was so excited! I'm kind of in touch with Bill Koch. I wrote to his work email and he (or someone on his staff) answered, asking how much I want for the painting. I still don't know!! Although I've contacted various art dealers and auction houses, nobody can give me a number. I'm in contact with ITMA who said they might be able to put me in touch with potential buyers. I've emailed with Dennis Conner, Ernesto Bertarelli and NYYC who might be interested. I've emailed lots of other people in the sailing and art community whom I don't. Most of them say I have an iconic painting (at least in the sailing world) but can't put a figure on it. To be continued... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woahboy 215 #47 Posted March 25, 2019 Be very wary of the Koch's. They're dangerous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P_Wop 1,738 #48 Posted March 25, 2019 2 minutes ago, woahboy said: Be very wary of the Koch's. They're dangerous. Bill is a bit more benign than the others, but still good advice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stumblingthunder 565 #49 Posted March 25, 2019 On 3/22/2019 at 6:18 PM, Jules said: Go to Invaluable.com and see if they want to buy it. They have a number of signed serigraphs of the same image. If it's truly an original oil painting, you need to go to a professional appraiser before doing anything. Be very careful and track down an appraiser with experience with maritime art. My wife is a retired art appraiser and the stories she has about the art world and how common forgeries of original art are is sobering. - Stumbling Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Left Shift 2,685 #50 Posted March 28, 2019 On 3/21/2019 at 9:50 AM, freewheelin said: is that his signature? On 3/21/2019 at 9:50 AM, freewheelin said: is that his signature? Signatures done with the tip of a pallet knife look different from those done with a pen or brush. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
