Thomaston Place’s Auction Year Opens With Newly Discovered Maine Art and Museum-Quality Works

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries opens its 2026 auction year with Winter Enchantment, a three-day sale February 20th, 21st, and 22nd, 2026.

Presenting newly discovered works by important Maine artists alongside significant American and international art, complemented by rare and historically important museum-quality objects. Highlights include an exceptionally decorated and exceedingly rare 19th-century powder horn, among a wide range of uncommon and noteworthy treasures. The sale reflects Thomaston Auction's continued commitment to presenting museum-quality works fresh to the market while honoring Maine's deep artistic and maritime heritage. From Maine to the world—and from the world back to Maine, the dedicated Nautical Collection traces a rich maritime narrative through a rare and substantial scrimshaw offering, anchored by the distinguished powder horn of notable provenance, continuing Thomaston Place Auction Galleries' established role as trusted stewards of important Maine maritime relics.

Celebrating the region's enduring legacy within American art—from early historic works to important modern and contemporary examples—the sale brings together objects that embody artistic preservation, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Also featured is a rare early 20th-century Yup'ik dance mask from Alaska, associated with André Breton. Both culturally and historically significant, the work exemplifies Thomaston Auctions' commitment to connecting remarkable works with discerning collectors while safeguarding their stories for future generations. The auction builds toward a compelling final day on Sunday, devoted to important paintings fresh to the market, featuring notable discoveries in Maine art by Dahlov Ipcar, James Fitzgerald, and Imero Gobbato, alongside works by William Thon and Wesley Webber—underscoring the region's lasting contribution to American art history. The American art component includes a considerable range of works by Emil Gruppe, Jessie Arms Botke, Norman Rockwell, and Thomas Kinkade, offering breadth across periods and movements.

Complementing this is a strong international selection highlighted by exceptional oil paintings by George Keyt, Jean Dufy, Benjamín Palencia, Giovanni Paolo, Sabri Berkel, and work by Isidore Konti. Prints & Multiples feature Christy (2010) by blue-chip artist Alex Katz, an aquatint and photoengraving, pencil signed and numbered 15/120; Lyonel Feininger's rare woodcut Paris Houses (Pariser Häuser) from the artist's second state edition—limited to just 30-35 impressions printed in 1927 and originally gifted by Julia Feininger; and a distinguished 1958 pencil-signed proof of Pablo Picasso's Tête de faune (Head of a Faun), printed and published by Atelier Crommelynck, Paris, and hand-signed by the artist.

Additional categories include design by Tiffany Studios, Tiffany & Co., Mark Knipe, and Yamanaka; fine jewelry featuring AGA Correa, heritage designs by Fulco di Verdura, and vintage platinum and diamond pieces; and watches led by Patek Philippe, with notable examples by Rolex, Omega, Movado, Porsche Design, and IWC. Over the course of three days, the sale also presents an exceptional selection of clocks, including a rare Simon Willard example and a Gustav Gurschner Viennese mantel clock, circa 1900-1905. Collectors of Asian art will encounter monumental Hindu sculptures and an extremely rare, documented Japanese wakizashi. Musical instruments include a Steinway Model M piano and a classic Rock-Ola 1422 jukebox, while rare books feature a 1651 folio edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer and the first American edition of Ernest Hemingway's In Our Time (1925).

Additional offerings include a distinguished selection of American furniture by Eldred Wheeler, John & Thomas Seymour, and Gustav Stickley, alongside European furniture, folk-art Americana, classic décor, rare collectibles, and more—all carefully curated to reflect the depth and museum-quality standards for which Thomaston Place is known. Bidding will be available in person, by phone, absentee, and live online at live.thomastonauction.com. The auction will be held at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, 51 Atlantic Highway, Thomaston, Maine.